National Aviation Heritage Invitational will begin accepting applications on January 25th, for our 2021 competition to be held during the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
Reno, NV January 16, 2021 Applications will open on January 25th for the annual National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI). The premiere vintage aircraft competition will take place on the ramp at the STIHL National Championship Air Races, Sept. 15-19, 2021 in Reno, pending COVID-19 restrictions. Applications are due no later than Aug. 15, space is limited.
NAHI was established more than two decades ago at the National Championship Air Races by Rolls-Royce, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Since it began, the competition has continued to honor America's rich aviation history and inspire the next generation to pursue aviation careers.
Air race attendees can get up close to rare aircraft as owners vie for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy.
Each competing aircraft is judged against restoration standards established by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum which includes authenticity, quality of workmanship and attention to detail and technical merit. Each aircraft must be 45 years old or older and restored to airworthy condition.
All aircraft applications are reviewed by a five-member judging team. Those accepted will be judged in the following five categories:
• Antique Aircraft: Orville and Wilbur Wright Trophy 1945 or earlier
• Classic Aircraft: Paul E. Garber Trophy 1946 to 1956
• Contemporary Aircraft: Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy 1957 to 1976.
• Large Aircraft: Herb Kelleher Trophy Wingspan over 45 feet - 1976 or earlier
• Military Aircraft: Henry "Hap" Arnold Trophy All warbirds 1976 or earlier
The Overall winning aircraft is awarded the Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy which resides in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia. In addition, the People's Choice trophy, sponsored by Air & Space Smithsonian Magazine is awarded to the owner of the aircraft receiving the largest number of votes cast by the airshow attendees.
To apply please visit www.heritagetrophy.org or email June Powers, Director of Participants at NAHI, at cjpowers7005@yahoo.com
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About the National Aviation Heritage Invitational:
The vision and mission of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) LLC is to support our aviation industry by doing two important functions; honoring our rich aviation history, encouraging the safe restoration of vintage aircraft and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers within the aviation industry. NAHI was created to ensure our vital aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to flying condition. NAHI accomplishes this via a friendly annual competition, where each aircraft is judged against restoration standards established by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. We bring together some of the finest examples of restored vintage aircraft in the country to compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. NAHI utilizes the aircraft, owners and judging staff to help inspire students to consider careers within the aviation industry. We also utilize the ISTAT Careers in Aviation video series to highlight some of the great career opportunities available within our industry.
About the STIHL National Championship Air Races:
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.
