Hayward to Laughlin Air RacePromotes Basic Pilot Skills
The actual racecourse is announced the day prior to the race. The course consists of two legs, each approximately 250 nautical miles. The first leg extends from Hayward (HWD) to Bakersfield, CA (BFL). The second leg extends from Bakersfield to Bullhead City, AZ (IFP). Each race leg contains multiple checkpoints, which much be visually identified. Prior to departure from Hayward each racer turns in estimates of their times and fuel consumption for each of the two legs.
Without the use of GPS, Loran, DME, RNAV or Digital Fuel Flow Meters, pilot teams are scored on their ability to precisely predict their flight times and fuel consumption enroute to the two required landing points. Racers are scored on a combination of identifying check points, matching predicted time (to the second) and matching predicted fuel usage (to the tenth of a gallon). The lowest score wins. Penalty points are accumulated for incorrectly identifying checkpoints, as well as deviating from time enroute and fuel estimates.
The race is open to pilots of single and multi-engine piston aircraft with a minimum range of 400 miles plus fuel reserve. Student pilots may participate as pilots if an appropriately rated flight instructor accompanies them. Copilots/navigators need not be licensed, nor even a pilot, to participate.
The basic entry fee of $325.00 includes the pilot and co-pilot registration, two nights at the Ramada Express in Laughlin, awards banquet and weekend-long access to the hospitality suite.
The annual Hayward to Laughlin Proficiency Air Race is organized by the Hayward Air Race Committee, a non-profit organization that promotes aviation safety through competition in skills-based events. The race is also supported by the Alameda County, Bakersfield and Las Vegas Chapters of the 99's, the International Association of Women Pilots. Corporate sponsors include: City of Hayward, Ramada Express, Trajen Flight Support, Zanette Aircraft Insurance Center, Budget, King Schools, David Clark Company Inc., Bruce's Custom Covers, Jet Blue Airways, Sporty's Pilot Shop, Meadows Field, Chevron Aviation, Inns of America, Air Chart Systems, AirPlan, National Airlines, Airguide Publications, Oregon Aero, Trade-A-Plane, AEROX, Approach Aviation, Bay Helicopters and AVEMCO.
For more information, visit the Hayward-Laughlin Proficiency Air Race web site at:
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