Air Race Classic Team

Starting in the 1920s, the Air Race Classic was one of the only competitions for female pilots. Amelia Earhart, Louise Thaden, and Jackie Cochran were among some of the first women to compete in what was then known as the "Powder Puff Derby." Overcoming adversity that existed in the industry, these women were pioneers of our craft. Today, the tradition continues in this exciting showcase of airmanship and teamwork. It is a competitive outlet for women pilots and continues to be one-of-a-kind.

Being a participant in the ARC is a life-changing event. The race provides opportunities for pilots of all skill levels and backgrounds to race against one another in a diverse environment. The UND Air Race Classic Team experiences a variety of flying conditions unavailable in North Dakota. In the air, every team keeps their strategy to themselves - it's full throttle racing. On the ground, the atmosphere changes and becomes a welcoming community. The UND Air Race Classic Team meets incredible women with colorful backgrounds. Experienced racers share stories and offer advice about more than just flying. The women you race against become lifelong friends and after over 2,400 miles in a small airplane, the team becomes inseparable.

In 2025, the University of North Dakota "Frozen Force" team made program history by winning the collegiate division of the Air Race Classic for the first time. This milestone achievement showcased the skill, professionalism, and determination of UND's women aviators. The historic win reflects the strength of UND's aviation program and inspires future generations of female pilots to continue pushing boundaries in aviation and aerospace.

Check out the official race website for more information!

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2026 "Frozen Force" Team

The UND Air Race Classic Team, also known as "The Frozen Force," comprises four female pilots who are either students in the flight program or flight instructors at the University of North Dakota. Each position has different roles and responsibilities, and all four positions are vital to our mission.

• Pilot: Alisha Maake
• Co-Pilot: Aubrey Baril
• Navigator: Lila Knapp
• Ground Coordinator: Delsey Fuller

Pilot

The pilot can be thought of as the team captain and is also the pilot in command of the aircraft. She is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the plane while adhering to the Air Race Classic rules and procedures. This position requires someone who has exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, and piloting skills. Additionally, the pilot must hold a valid Commercial Pilot certificate, a valid FAA medical certificate and have at least 100 hours of PIC time.

Copilot

The copilot works alongside the pilot to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the aircraft and the execution of proper flight procedures. The pilot and copilot alternate between the roles of pilot flying and pilot monitoring, along with the associated duties. Being a copilot requires exceptional situational awareness, effective communication, and crew resource management skills. The copilot will be delegated other specific responsibilities by the coaches and pilot/PIC (i.e., pre-flight preparation, aircraft performance calculation, aircraft loading, communication with CTAF/ATC, etc.). She must have at least a Private Pilot certificate and a valid medical certificate. An instrument rating is preferred.

Navigator

The navigator is the ultimate support system for the pilot and copilot in the aircraft. She needs to be detail-oriented, organized, and a clear communicator. The navigator's role is crucial as she is responsible for ensuring the team's documents are in order, organizing the race binder, and being well-versed in the rules and procedures. During the race, the navigator is responsible for conducting approach briefings, communicating with the coaches and weather team, and supporting the pilot and copilot with situational awareness and traffic avoidance. Effective communication is key in this role, as it ensures the smooth operation of the team.

Ground Coordinator

The ground coordinator plays a pivotal role in our team's success, particularly regarding our outreach initiatives. She is responsible for managing the team's various social media accounts, as well as organizing and executing outreach, fundraising, and volunteer events. She must be creative, motivated, determined, and personable. This position is critical to the team's mission and goals. During the race, the ground coordinator will be responsible for ensuring effective and efficient communication between all parties involved. She will get to go to the terminus to celebrate our team completing the race and to participate in the terminus events. The ground coordinator is guaranteed a position in the aircraft the following year, provided she fulfills her job duties and responsibilities as a ground coordinator.

Coaches

Antonia Wagener

Antonia Wagener is an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor for the University of North Dakota. She has been actively supporting the "Frozen Force" since its inception in 2013 and has been coaching the team since 2019. She is originally from Duluth, Minnesota, but has lived in Grand Forks for the last 20 years. She began flight training in 2003 as a student pilot in Superior, Wisconsin, before attending UND for college. She graduated from UND in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and a Bachelor of Business Administration. She began flight instructing at UND in the fall of 2007, became a Lead Flight Instructor for UND in 2010, and was appointed Assistant Chief Flight Instructor in 2013. She holds her ATP, AMEL, Commercial ASEL, CFI, CFII, MEI, and a CE-525 type rating. Antonia also did an internship as a corporate pilot for the Rydell Company, which is how she earned her type rating. Her favorite airplane to fly is the King Air 90. Antonia is also a mom to two little boys who claim to be the biggest fans of the "Frozen Force." Her favorite part about coaching is watching each member grow personally and professionally, and mentoring them along the way.

Katia Peters

Katia Peters is a Senior Lead Flight Instructor for the University of North Dakota. She was the pilot for the "Frozen Force" in 2022, and in 2023, seamlessly transitioned into the role of coach. Kat is originally from Morden, Manitoba, and became interested in aviation because of her dad, who was a crop duster and owner of a flight school. She began her college studies at UND in the fall of 2018 and started flight training in January 2019. Since then, she has earned her Commercial ASEL/AMEL, CFI, CFII, and MEI. She graduated from UND in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and a Bachelor of Business Administration. Kat got hired as a flight instructor for UND in 2022 and became a Lead Flight Instructor in 2023. Kat also did an internship as a corporate pilot for the Rydell Company in 2023. Her favorite planes to fly are the Piper Seminole and Phenom 300. Her favorite part about coaching is helping the team grow together and as individuals.

Past Teams