June 29, 2010 > Fly with history and see the future Fly with history and see the future By Simon Wong Photos By courtesy of East Bay Aviators, Inc. East Bay Aviators, Inc., Tuskegee Airman, Inc. and the Bay Area Black Pilots Association, will host their annual open house on July 10 from 11 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. at the Hayward Airport Control Tower Lawn. This is an opportunity for the public to meet World War II Tuskegee Airmen, who will be available for autographs and photographs, and for children to fly free. The event will also feature memorabilia and free flight simulator experience. Free refreshments will be available. "East Bay Aviators, Inc.'s ethos is motivation and learning through aviation. The non-profit does business as MALTA," explains Ben Henderson, CEO/Executive Director, East Bay Aviators, Inc. "Each youth who flies will receive a certificate signed by his or her pilot. This event will also be a chance for young people to learn about what it takes to succeed. The courage and conviction of the Tuskegee Airmen, the popular name for the 332nd Fighter Group of the US Army Air Corps, is an inspiration to successive generations. One of our goals is to keep that story alive. "We want to introduce flight to youth, especially those who are under-represented in the field of aviation," Henderson added. "Aviation teaches discipline and respect. It is a good career and provides direction in life." "Anything that promotes education of youth is good. Flight experience can do that. It enhances educational and personal development and also exposes young people to possibilities they might not have considered. This [annual open house] is an excellent endeavor," said Sean Brooks, City of Hayward Economic Development Manager. This is the event's third successive year. In 2009, more than 400 people attended; more than 100 youth took to the skies, flew the flight simulator and toured the Hayward Control Tower. For more information, call (510) 259-1062, (510) 305-4437 or (510) 919-2721. Open House Saturday, July 10 11 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. Hayward Airport Control Tower Lawn 20301 Skywest Drive, Hayward (510) 259-1062 (510) 305-4437 (510) 919-2721 FREE