Palms to Pines Air Race Returns in 2026
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Published: 20 March 2026 Written by: Shashwat Dwivedi
The historic women-only Palms to Pines Air Race will return in August 2026, celebrating female aviation pioneers with a multi-leg route from California to Oregon.
Aviation enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the historic Palms to Pines Air Race is set to return in August 2026. The race was founded by Claire L. Walters in 1969 as a women-only precision air race.
Claire herself was one of only 100 female flight instructors at the time. She won the Power Puff Derby air race in 1951 and later played a key role in fundraising for The Ninety-Nines Museum of Women Pilots in Oklahoma City. The Palms to Pines Air Race remains part of her lasting legacy.
After a long break, the race is set to return from 13 to 15 August 2026. Teams will compete across a multi-leg route from Southern California to Madras, Oregon, combining precision flying, cross-country navigation, and teamwork.
Yolanda Cortes, Race Chair, said: “This race continues to challenge and inspire women pilots while honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.”
The route will begin at Santa Monica Airport and includes a fly-by of Modesto Airport, a mandatory overnight stop in Red Bluff, California, and a fly-by of Butte Valley Airport, before concluding at Madras Airport in Central Oregon.
Winners will be recognised at an awards banquet hosted by the Central Oregon Chapter of The Ninety-Nines.
The return of the race highlights the continued importance of visibility and opportunity for women in aviation, connecting modern pilots with a legacy that spans generations.
Key Facts
Founded in 1969 by Claire L. Walters, the women-only race returns 13–15 August 2026
Multi-leg route from Santa Monica, California to Madras, Oregon
Combines precision flying, navigation, and teamwork
Winners recognised by The Ninety-Nines aviation organisation
Related Articles
Planning growth, fleet changes or seasonal operations in 2026? Contact Brookfield to discuss your staffing and consultancy needs. Email: info@brookfieldav.com
Explore our full range of recruitment services, connecting aviation businesses with skilled pilots, aircraft engineers and industry professionals worldwide.
Author: Shashwat Dwivedi Aviation staffing and consultancy insights LinkedIn
