NAHI Categories and Criteria

Aircraft owners and restorers will compete for the prestigious Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy (photo). The Trophy resides in the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in the Washington D.C. area. The "People's Choice Award", presented by the National Aviation Hall of Fame, is awarded to the aircraft that receives the most votes by the general public attending the Invitational.

Aircraft Categories and Criteria:

Orville and Wilbur Wright Trophy

Antique Aircraft

Aircraft manufactured in 1945 or earlier

Paul E. Garber Trophy

Classic Aircraft

Aircraft manufactured between 1946 and 1956

Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy

Contemporary Aircraft

Aircraft manufactured between 1957 and 1979

Herb Kelleher Trophy

Large Aircraft

Wingspan over 45 feet and manufactured prior to 1979

Henry "Hap" Arnold Trophy

Military Aircraft

All Warbirds manufactured prior to 1979

Each aircraft is judged on its technical merit and how well it represents the condition of the aircraft early in its career. The competition is open to aircraft 45 years or older which have been restored to its present condition. The aircraft participating in the Invitational are judged by a five-member team that include representatives from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's restoration team at the Paul Garber facility. Click here for a detailed look at the Judging Criteria. Those who plan to attend the National Aviation Heritage Invitational are REQUIRED to read this document prior to participating.

The "Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy" is awarded to the best of all classes entered for that event. This trophy is perpetual and shall remain on display at the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC with the participants and restorers name or facility on a brass plate installed on the trophy.

Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy Judging Criteria

Background and Objectives

The Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy competition is designed to encourage the preservation of aviation history through the restoration of vintage aircraft. This endeavor is a joint effort under the auspices of The National Aviation Hall of Fame, The Reno Air Racing Foundation, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

"People's Choice Award" is open to all aircraft, in all classes. The recipient of this trophy is determined by popular vote. The viewing public is invited to participate by filling out one preference card for the viewer's favorite aircraft entered in the competition.

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