AIR RACE RESULTS - April 11 2004
Team American Express/Over The Top were FIRST in Race division class A. This category was for all racing aircraft with a handicap speed of up to 125 knots. Our Racing Raven II was given a handicap speed of 110 knots.

Of the 62 competing aircraft, 26 were in race division class A. 22 were in race division class B (for aircraft with a handicap speed of greater than 25 knots). 14 were in precision class C.

Pre-race overview March 29 2004
Team American Express joins with Over The Top in tilt at epic air race title. The ominous black helicopter of Team American Express-Over The Top left Queenstown for Auckland this week to have a shot at one of New Zealand aviation's most prestigious accolades.

The all-female flight crew from Queenstown are aiming to win the Around New Zealand Air Race, which is celebrating 100 years of flight. Fittingly, Louisa "Choppy" Patterson, who is herself a pioneer of helicopter aviation, will be flying lead on the campaign.

The look... Louisa and co-pilot Bizz Macfarlane will be flying the sleek Robinson Raven II R44, which is the world's most popular helicopter. The R44 is popular for its impressive power, airspeed and reduced noise.

Spectators worldwide will be able to view the progress of Team American Express against the international field via an on-board web-cam. Click this link to see them in action.

The aviatrix duo are wearing heavy-duty, fire-retardant black cotton flightsuits, which have a cargo look. Leg, arm and body pockets contain everything from race maps to mobile phones. "The suits are designed for both form and function," Bizz said. "There is the safety aspect and obviously freedom of movement. But there is also a fitting design and classic flightsuit feel, which is reminiscent of familiar icons such as movies Top Gun, Black Hawk Down or Broken Arrow.

The all-female flight crew is off-set by Ben Calvert, who will be co-ordinating media and beaming images back to the website from the on-board web cam. "Louisa said that it would be great if I came along to add balance…or did she say "ballast"!".

Send a live message of support to the crew racecrew@flynz.co.nz

We wouldn't be here without… The generous assistance of American Express, worldwide leader in credit card services. American Express has been a pro-active participant in major events, such as the Queenstown Winter Festival, and adventurous activities. The company is also widely recognised for cardholder benefits and the support network it provides for clients.

The aviation industry is also strongly represented, with major sponsorship from Skysales and Macandrew's Insurance International. Skysales is based in Christchurch and is a sales and service agent for Robinson helicopters. So if you can't do without one of these amazing machines, you know who to call. Macandrew's insures a significant percentage of New Zealand's aviation industry. As one of the major players, the company is renowned for competitive quotes, attentive service and pro-active processing of claims.

Over The Top is also grateful for the support of its other sponsors and their contribution.