Indiana State University Newsroom

The Indiana State University Flight Academy will host a Fly-In/Drive-In from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. April 26 at the Terre Haute International Airport to raise money for flight competitions.

This event provides the public a chance to learn about the flight academy and its student pilots. Meet senior aviation major Chelsea Noel, freshman aviation major Kayleigh Bordner and their instructor Melanie Abel -- three ladies who will participate in this year's Air Race Classic. The Classic is an annual transcontinental race for female pilots, Abel said. Routes are 2,400 in length and contestants are usually given four days, flying under VFR during daylight hours to reach the terminus. This year's competition will take the trio from Concord, Calif. to New Cumberland, Pa.

Indiana State is marking its return to the race this year, Abel said. The Sycamores participated for three years, 2009-2011, taking top collegiate honors in 2009.

Abel said the goal is to raise $8,000 to fund both the Air Race Classic and the academy's other team, the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. The Association allows aviation student members in the professional organization to compete against other universities while promoting aviation education programs.

Barbeque prepared by aviation department chair Harry Minniear will be available for purchase between 11:30-1:30 p.m. Runway 5/23 will be closed from 2-2:30 p.m. for runway cruising. Plane rides around the City of Terre Haute will be available for $20, courtesy of Hoosier Aviation. A demonstration by the Terre Haute Police Department K-9 unit is also planned.

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Sunday, April 27 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information about this fundraiser, contact Melanie Abel at 812-237-8200.

Contact: Melanie Abel, Aviation Technology. 812-237-8200
Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications and Marketing, 812-237-3783 or Paula.Meyer@indstate.edu