Hayward Executive Airport to Host Open House

HAYWARD, Calif., Sept. 18, 2017—Aviation buffs, fans of classic cars and Bay Area parents seeking a one-of-a-kind family event will find everything in one place at the 2017 Hayward Executive Airport Open House Sunday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free.

Free airplane rides are available for youth, ages 8 to 17, courtesy of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program.  Rides are on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Free tours of the Federal Aviation Air Traffic Control Tower also will be available.  This is a rare opportunity for the public to see air traffic controllers as they help guide aircraft to safe takeoffs and landings.

Dozens of airplanes, from vintage models to business jets and helicopters, will be on display.  The event will feature an historic Douglas DC-3 airliner, one of a limited number still flying today.  This large, two-engine aircraft was part of aviation’s golden age, flying passengers to points across the country.  Twenty- to 30-minute rides in the DC-3 are available at $90 for adults and $75 for children under age 15.  Tours of the aircraft on the ground are just $5 for adults and $2 for children under 15 years of age.  Children under age 5 are admitted for free when accompanied by an adult.

Those in attendance will enjoy an up-close look at the massive C-130 Hercules, one of the few military aircraft to remain in production for more than 50 years. The aircraft is operated by the 130^th Rescue Squadron at nearby Moffett Field.   

Family members of the Tuskegee Airmen are scheduled to greet the public.  The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces and they established an admirable combat record during WWII.

The Hayward Fire and Police departments will be on hand to display vehicles and equipment used to keep our community safe.  The Hayward Animal Shelter and Sunshine Rescue will have animals for adoption, and representatives from other city departments will distribute information and be ready to answer your questions.

For car buffs, there will be two dozen vintage and muscle cars on the tarmac.  Delicious food will be served by local food vendors including Tacos Juanito, Round Table Pizza, Stuff My Waffle, Heaven in a Cup, and Eko Coffee.

Over 5,000 area residents are expected to attend this year.  The open house is a showcase for the strong and growing position of Hayward Executive Airport, at 20301 Skywest Drive, in the world of private aviation.  It also offers children and young adults a glimpse into aviation as a career.

This annual event is sponsored by the City of Hayward, the Bay Area Black Pilots Association, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., East Bay Aviators, and the Federal Aviation Administration.