[1] He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force and was sent to the United Kingdom to attend the RAF College Cranwell, graduating in 1957.
[2] He attended the Royal College of Defence Studies, after which he took up the post of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) in 1980.
[2] Hayr became Commander, British Forces Cyprus and Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas in 1985.
[1] It was in such an aircraft, a De Havilland Vampire, that he was killed during the 2001 Biggin Hill air display.
[1] In 1996, the Inspectorate of Flight Safety moved into new purpose-built accommodation at RAF Bentley Priory and the facility's new lecture theatre was named 'The Hayr Theatre' in honour of Hayr who was the first Inspector in 1976 (prior to that date the post had been that of Director).