Frequently asked Questions (FAQ):

1. How much does it cost for admission to the Race to Ridgeland?

There is no charge to attend the event. The "Race to Ridgeland" is sponsored by the Jasper County (SC) Aeronautics Commission.

2. Why a race and not a pancake breakfast or airshow?

Those are great options for fly-ins and are a lot of fun, but there are also a great many to choose from on a typical summer weekend in the Southeast. So, two reasons: (1) We liked the idea of the additional energy and excitement a race would provide and (2) A race to Ridgeland seemed a great way for participants to have fun and a challenge on the way to our Fly-In, rather than merely "showing up". Racers crossing the start and finish line at their best speeds and the remainder of the events we have planned will ensure that all who fly in will actually contribute to the "airshow". If previous years are any indication, there will be airplanes overhead all day long!

3. How does the race work?

See the "Race Details" section of the website. It contains all the information you are likely to require. Basically, the Race to Ridgeland is a handicapped event which can be won by anyone flying any kind of airplane. As long as you fly well with respect to your own aircraft's published performance figures, you should do well. There will also be trophies for fastest overall, regardless of handicap.

4. So, how do I win? How serious will the participants in the race be about winning?

You win by exploiting your piloting and navigational skills in concert with maximizing the straight line and turn performance of your aircraft. As with any competition, there will be some who are very serious. These are pilots after all! Each aircraft will be handicapped at its manufacturer's published maximum sea level performance. Classic pilot skills, avoiding navigational errors (you may use any and all navaids at your disposal), properly playing the weather and winds, and a willingness to fly fast, will be the keys to success.

However, if you exceed or even closely approach, the speed index for your aircraft, you and we will have to consider the possibility that you inadvertantly missed a turn or perhaps even an entire leg. Practice runs (and simple aerodynamics) demonstrate conclusively that actually flying manufacturers stated maximum speeds is very difficult and requires perfect flying conditions (zero wind, unturbulent air, cold temperatures, and near perfect airframe and engine performance). If there is any wind and/or turbulence at all, no one is likely to even closely approach their index and the race will come down to who comes the closest! Should make it fair and fun for everyone.

5. How do I enter the race? How do I know what my handicap is?

See the "How to Participate" sub-section of the "Race Details" section, which can be reached by selecting it at the top of the "Home Page". We have handicaps for nearly all U.S. light aircraft including many experimentals. If you email leeloganster@gmail.com, with your intention to participate and your aircraft type, model, engine hp, and any other pertinent info you like us to know about, we will provide you with your manufacturer's published sea level maximum speed. If your owner's manual has a different number, please email us back with that information. We will "negotiate" a handicap for you prior to the race and will use that index to calculate your relative performance in the race. If we do not have an index for your aircraft, please provide one from your Pilot's Operating Handbook or other "official" source.

6. How many people can be in my airplane during the race? How much of a commitment is involved?

That is entirely up to you and your Owner's Manual. There is no reason a family couldn't race, other perhaps than the effect of additional weight on aircraft performance. The event is a single day event. This was done on purpose to allow participants and their families to attend easily and to return home the same day. This is one race that does not require a multi-day commitment. We hope that will make participation all the more attractive.

7. What about once we get to Ridgeland? What is there to do then? Can I take pictures?

See the "Home Page" for more of those details. There will be a spot landing contest (which has been very popular in the past!). There will be a practice period for the spot landing contest and everyone who attends will be invited to fly their aircraft at least once during the day in order to "show it off" for the rest of the attendees. There will be one or more light aircraft "formation teams" demonstrating their considerable skills along with some individual "performances" by aerobatic aircraft and even some gliders.  The Southeastern Globe Swift Association is conducting a fly-in of their own in conjunction with the Race to Ridgeland.  These are beautiful, all metal, tailwheel aircraft designed in the 1940's.  Come see just how modern these classic designs are, even today. If the winds are calm, there will be a piloted parachute demonstration as well. Many of the antiques and others will fly often (some in formation) and there is sure to be some "seat trading" going on with opportunites for individuals to swap rides with friends and new aquaintences as they see fit. There will be an "official photographer" who will try to get shots of many/most of the airplanes and activities for the day.  Some of these will be featured on this website for next years event.  You are welcome, however, to take all the pictures of your own that you like.  If you have one you are particularly proud of, please send it along to us!

8. What about safety? What provisions have been made with respect to flying and crowd safety?

The Ridgeland Airport is uncontrolled: Unicom is available on 122.7 (Race Frequency: 123.3). Pilots and crews will fly at their own risk and are responsible for the safety of their aircraft and passengers. Events have, however, been organized in a sequence that has worked in the past to deconflict participation in the various activities planned. In addition, Jasper County law enforcement and emergency services personnel and equipment will be on hand throughout the event. The local chapter of the Civil Air Patrol will provide cadets and adult supervisors to assist with aircraft refueling, direction, parking, crowd control, and general fly-in support. All pilots and participants are specifically asked to help make the fly-in safe and fun for all by acting and flying responsibly at all times.

9. What is the story on the trophies? Do I get to keep it if I win?

The trophies are sponsored by the Jasper County Aeronautics Commission. Any trophy(ies) you win are yours to keep. There will be trophies for 1st through 5th place in the race and first, second, and third in the spot landing contest.  In addition, there will be a trophy for the fastest aircraft overall in the race, regardless of handicap.

10. Do I need to bring any food?

There will be food and refreshments made available by a local church group; their prices will be moderate. They will provide a range of hamburgers, hotdogs, and cold drinks. No beer or other alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the premises. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks and to "picnic" on the airfield.

11. What about "facilities" and trash?

There are two sets of rest room facilities on the airport and additional "Portajohns" will be provided. Trash cans will be set out in high traffic areas; please use them!