Let's Make a Race of It!: The Story Those Daring Women Who Flew Powder Puff Derby, 1947-1977

The Riveting Story of a Legendary All-Woman Air Race It's 1947, and World War II is over. General aviation is still in its infancy, airports are few and far between, and navigation aids are primitive. Most general aviation airplanes are slow, two-seat trainers, and few have radios. Yet women pilots-including those who had so capably supported the US war effort as WASP (Women's Airforce Service Pilots)-are eager to fly, despite the rudimentary conditions. When an opportunity arises for a cross-country flight among members of The Ninety-Nines, one of the pilots declares, "Let's make a race of it!" That 1947 race kicked off the All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race (AWTAR), affectionately dubbed the Powder Puff Derby. As the race grew over the years, women pilots from all walks of life eagerly competed for top prizes. Follow the story of the AWTAR and the pilots' challenges and triumphs as they flew through thirty history-making years of this legendary air race.