AWTAR - Powder Puff Derby

Come fly over five million miles with thousands of pilots

Learn about the AWTAR - the All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race (aka Powder Puff Derby) — an exciting time in aviation spanning 30 years.

From 1947 through 1977, these epic, trans-continental flights were undertaken by over 4000 women—from former WASPs to corporate pilots to owners of flight schools to self-proclaimed housewives. There were grandmothers, teens, and sisters competing for major prizes. It was a time when happy landings weren't newsworthy, many professions were closed to women, and racing pilots were typically lean, well-muscled men.

Until now, the achievements of these trail-blazing pilots has been tucked away in boxes at the Museum of Women Pilots and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Courtesy of a generous research grant from the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund, research was undertaken to provide visibility to these achievements. You can now access all 30 years of races! You can see:

• Winners each year
• Airplanes flown
• Miles logged
• Stops made (and missed!)
• $$$ won
• …and more!

Women continue this proud tradition today by flying the Air Race Classic! Join us!

Why?

To TOUCH the past and thus preserve the traditions of our pioneers.

To SHAKE the boundaries of earth and view the beauty of my country.

To COMPETE with my contemporaries and accept the challenge of the sky.

— Helen Shopshire, pilot and 6-time racer*

As of June 2026, author Sarah Byrn Rickman carries the torch with her latest release, Let's Make A Race of It!..., that tells stories of this legendary race; click here for an excerpt and ordering details!

* Powder Puff Derby – The Record, 1985, page 17