Hayward Air Rally Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary With Destination of EAA AirVenture

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (March 27, 2014) — The Hayward Air Rally, which has tested pilot planning, navigation and flying skills on the West Coast for nearly a half-century, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year in a big way – with a final destination of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention.

EAA AirVenture, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and the 62nd annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association, is July 28-Aug. 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Entries are now being accepted for the rally, which traditionally is flown from Hayward, Calif., to destinations in the western U.S. In 2014, the rally will be flown July 24-27, with overnight stops in Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin supported by local EAA chapters before the rally’s final destination at Oshkosh.

“The Hayward Air Rally’s long tradition of flying skills and camaraderie makes it a perfect fit with ‘aviation’s family reunion’ here in Oshkosh,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA’s vice president of AirVenture features and attractions. “We’re eagerly looking forward to the rally’s arrival in Oshkosh so we can give them a big welcome.”

Unlike air races that rely on horsepower and speed, the Hayward Air Rally focuses on pilots and flight crews to use their flight planning, fuel management and navigational skills to come closest to their preflight estimates of time and fuel use. The event is open to all pilots who hold at minimum a valid sport pilot or higher certificate.

“Flying to Oshkosh is an unforgettable way to celebrate the Hayward Air Rally's 50th anniversary”, said Chris Verbil, chairman of the rally. “Not only will our pilot crews demonstrate their flying and flight planning skills, they are also part of a wonderful group of aviators who raise funds to support young people in discovering aviation.”

The Hayward Air Rally is a major scholarship provider for the EAA Air Academy, the summer aviation residence program for teens held at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh. In 2014, the rally is giving seven scholarships to young people representing communities that are hosting 2014 rally stops and checkpoints.

More information and rally registration forms are available at www.hwdairrally.org.

About the Hayward Air Rally

The annual Air Rally is staged by the Hayward Air Rally, Inc., a not-for profit California public benefit corporation and charitable organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status.  Originally conceived by the City of Hayward’s Mayor in 1964, the Air Rally’s primary charter is to enhance general aviation safety by encouraging aircraft pilots to stay proficient in basic flight and fuel management techniques.  The 50th annual Air Rally will be conducted on July 24-27, 2014, originating at the Hayward Executive Airport and continuing over a challenging and competitive route through seven states with an ultimate destination of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.