MGA Student Places 4th in National Air Race Classic
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories:
School of Aviation | Students | Pressroom
Macon, GA
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø (MGA) aviation management major Annabelle Kellogg finished strong in the 2025 Air Race Classic, placing fourth in the competition class alongside her co-pilot Gretchen Jahn.
The duo, racing under the team name "Skunks," completed the grueling four-day, 2,400-mile route that began in Fairhope, Ala., and ended in Spokane, Wash., with stops across eight states. The Skunks name was a playful nod to the black-and-white color scheme of Kellogg’s 1965 Mooney M20E.
“My experience at the ARC was incredible,” Kellogg said. “Everyone was so supportive and helpful, and I really appreciated the camaraderie among the teams. It was inspiring to be surrounded by women who were so passionate about aviation and dedicated to flying a great race.”
Competing in her first Air Race Classic as pilot-in-command, the 20-year-old Kellogg said the entire experience was unforgettable, but several moments especially stood out.
“One of my favorite moments was doing my very first flyby,” she said. “Flying over the ground at more than 170 knots and under 500 feet was absolutely exhilarating. I also loved the opportunity to fly over some mountains and to experience a completely different part of the country.”
Kellogg also praised the volunteers who supported racers along the route.
“We went to dinner with a couple who volunteered at Rock Springs–Sweetwater County Airport in Wyoming, and it was really enjoyable to talk about aviation and the race, even though we were complete strangers,” she said.
She and Jahn encountered few challenges, though they occasionally adjusted course slightly to maintain safe separation from other teams. Time zone changes and long days in the cockpit were also a factor.
“I knew I’d have trouble with the different time zones,” Kellogg said, “but it wasn't too bad considering how tired we were after a full day’s flying.”
With the race behind her, Kellogg is looking ahead to her next aviation adventures.
“MGA has been a great place to grow as a student and aviator, and I’m truly grateful for everything I’ve learned here and the connections I’ve made,” she said. “I plan to continue flying actively over the next few months and am especially looking forward to exploring more of the western U.S. from the air.”