Green Flag on Valentine's Day, So Get Ready

The first four were increasingly fun and successful, and the fifth annual GHAR (Great Hawaiian Air Race) is upon us again, with just enough time for you to get in it.

We received word that over 30 teams are already signed up; we were told to get our entry in right away (before all the good air gets used up). What? You can't get your Tomahawk over to the 50th State? No problem -- there's rentals (of race-able airplanes) available, already on the islands.

The race benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation, so you don't have to rationalize anything -- just sign up, and show up.

Once again, Clint Churchill will be performing his fantastic aerobatics over our Hana ranch luau in his Extra 300, and Hank Bruckner will offer added thrills in his CAP-10.  A Coast Guard "helo rescue" demonstration will also be conducted during the Hana airshow.

Coast Guard Participating, Though Not Eligible For Prizes

For the 5th year the U.S. Coast Guard has lent its support to the GHAR. During the race, "high cover" along the race route will be provided by a Coast Guard C-130, and "low cover" will be provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The race organizers have several unpaired partners available, some with airplanes, some needing to partner with an airplane owner or renter. Some have GHAR and Hawaii flying experience. We've always been able to find a great race partner for any racer needing one, so let us know if you'd like to join a crew, or need a crew member!

Even if you've never raced before, the organizers provide extra pre-race strategy and safety briefings, and assign you with a "race buddy" to help with your race planning. It's not unusual for a first-time racer to take home trophies and prizes!  You can race in either the "Speed" category or the "Proficiency" category, or both.

Come as you aren't:

This year's theme is "Famous Aviators" -- come as Orville or Wilbur, Charles or Amelia, Roscoe Turner or Howard Hughes, or even as Arthur Mott or Willie Tashima (but you can't come as yourself, unless you're Bob Hoover). There's some big prizes -- over $500 in luxury hotels, restaurants, & aviation prizes. It's fun, and worth the effort!

Meet the night before:

It's Thursday, February 13 -- meet at the Island Seaplane Base at 6:00 pm, then off to La Marianas Sailing Club (just featured on local news as one of Hawaii's "in" restaurants.

The race literature says, "Remember:  You're not a 'real pilot' until the GHAR is in your log book!"

FMI: www.flyHawaii.com/GHAR.html