Contributed photo
Contributed photo
Southern Illinois University issued the following announcement on June 18
For Vernecelyn Allen and five other Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Aviation female pilots, competing in the 2021 Air Race Classic is about building upon a legacy dating back to famed aviator Amelia Earhart in 1929.
“To participate in something that has been going on that long it is definitely an honor,” said Allen, a May 2021 aviation management graduate now working on becoming a certified flight instructor. “It’s an honor for me to represent SIU in this race and important as an African American female pilot to represent well. I’m really excited to be a part of this race.”
Allen and co-pilot Abby Lee, a certified flight instructor in the program, are the Saluki Sky Surfers. Weather permitting, they, along with two other SIU teams ¬– Saluki Dawgs (pilot Meadow Bowen, junior, aviation management, Bushnell, Illinois, and co-pilot Rachel Piacentini) and Saluki Aces (pilot Sophie Ottoson, senior, aviation management, Kaneville, Illinois, and co-pilot Gabrielle Escudero) – will compete this weekend in Cessna 172S aircraft on individual five-leg, one-day routes as part of the classic’s Air Derby. The COVID-19 pandemic that scuttled last year’s competition shortened this year’s event from the race that lasts several days and covers more miles.
Original source can be found here.
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