Hayward Airport Open House Offers Free Trip Into Aviation History
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales previews a local event the whole family might enjoy.
One year ago, I had the great pleasure to learn about incredible historic planes and their legacy. I jumped inside a B-17 (and a B-52) and marveled at the size of the heavy plane and imagine the stories it could tell!
They Hayward Executive Airport will once again through open their doors and host an visitors from the public this weekend! 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 2015 Hayward Executive Airport Open House on Sunday, May 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Parking and admission are free. Guests will enjoy a stunning array of aircraft, classic vehicles, music, food from local restaurants and much more.
Free airplane rides are available for kids between the ages of eight and seventeen courtesy of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles Program.
Rides are on a first come, first served basis. Free tours of the air traffic control tower will also be available. This is a rare opportunity for the public to see air traffic controllers as they help guide planes to safe takeoffs and landings.
Dozens of airplanes, from vintage models to business jets and helicopters will be on display. This year will highlight the historic Ford Tri-Motor airliner, one of only seventeen still flying in the world. This large, three-engine aircraft was part of aviation's golden age, flying passengers to points across the country.
Rides in the Tri-Motor are $75 for adults and $50 for children.
Those in attendance will also 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.
A member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen is scheduled to greet the public. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces and they established an admirable combat record during WWII.
The weather will be perfect on the ground and for the "flight rides" in the air. Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 70 in Hayward. Hope to see you there!
I would love to hear from you! Please send weather questions, observations and photos to me, Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com and I look forward to hearing from you!