Aviators will soar over Islands in charity race

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	The Great Hawaiian Air Race Departs from Honolulu International's Reef Runway at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, flies along Waikiki Beach, past Diamond Head and over Moloka'i, Lana'i and Maui. Information: 373-1889 On the Web: flyhawaii.com/GHAR.html

Pilots from across the nation and from Hawai'i will pilot Cessnas, Mooneys and Pipers in a four-day air event billed as "The Grand Pacific Air Race of the 21st Century."

"The race brings together airplanes, the rich histories of the 'Golden Age of Aviation,' Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, the historic Dole Derby, and the Hawaiian Islands — in one great adventure," said race chairman and Make-a-Wish director Greg Marshall.

The three-day, 650-mile race route will zigzag among seven islands, with checkpoints over airports, historical sites, two shipwrecks and three lighthouses. The planes will be visible from all Islands on Saturday and Monday as they fly within 12 miles of coastlines.

"The race is designed to appeal to all levels of pilot skill," Marshall said. And all ages. The youngest competitor, Emily Singer, a 17-year-old student at St. Joseph's School on the Big Island, will co-pilot with her father, Mike. Tara Eavey, 19, will co-pilot on a team representing the University of North Dakota/Honolulu Community College flight schools.

Leo Nikora, an 87-year-old, still flies his own twin Comanche in Connecticut and is returning to fly his third Great Hawaiian Air race. Nikora received a medal from Charles Lindbergh in 1929 for a model airplane flight, and also studied aeronautical engineering under Amelia Earhart in 1936 at Purdue University.

Last year's winner, three-time champ Arthur Mott from North Carolina, is returning for his fifth Hawaiian air race.

Make-a-Wish hopes to raise $20,000 for children with life-threatening illnesses from the race, sponsored by Chevron USA and Air Service Hawaii.