PRESS RELEASE
Steve Hinton, President of the Planes of Fame Air Museum, is proud to announce that their annual Central Coast AirFest, at the Santa Maria Airport, will become the new home for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) vintage aircraft competition. “NAHI will bring some of the finest restored vintage aircraft in the country to our ramp and provide our guests and sponsors a new and exciting element to our airshow.” NAHI was founded in 1998 at the Reno Air Races by four well-known aviation-oriented organizations; Rolls-Royce, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Reno Air Racing Association. NAHI was created to HONOR our rich aviation heritage by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition. In addition, they utilize the aircraft, owners, pilots and aviation legends to INSPIRE students to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industries.
Ken Perich, Executive Director of NAHI, states “we accomplish these goals by hosting a friendly annual vintage aircraft competition, where each aircraft is judged against restoration standards in-line with those of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. We bring together rare vintage aircraft which have been meticulously restored to compete for the coveted Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. The Armstrong Trophy resides throughout the year in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Hazy Center.”
Ron Kaplan, Deputy Director of NAHI, added “Planes of Fame Air Museum is the ideal organization to host the National Aviation Heritage Invitational’s annual competition. The goals and mission statements of both organizations align perfectly.”
Taigh Ramey, NAHI Chief Judge noted; “The NAHI competition is open to aircraft 45 years or older, which have been preserved or restored to airworthy condition. We have five judging categories; Antique, Classic, Military, Large and Contemporary which compete for the Orville and Wilbur Wright Trophy, the Paul E. Garber Trophy, the Henry “Hap” Arnold Trophy, the Herb Kelleher Trophy and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy. In addition, there is the ever-popular People’s Choice Award Trophy.”
For 2024, the Central Coast AirFest hosted by Planes of Fame (September 21 and 22) will have some former NAHI winners and participants on the ramp along with representatives from NAHI to set the stage for the full vintage aircraft competitions beginning in the fall of 2025. “These vintage aircraft compete for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy, which represents one of the highest honors an aircraft restorer can receive.”, said Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Astronaut, Air Racer, Hall of Fame Enshrinee and NAHI Ambassador. For more information and to purchase tickets for the Central Coast AirFest, please visit https://www.centralcoastairfest.com.
About the Planes of Fame Air Museum:
The Planes of Fame Air Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in Chino, CA and Valle, AZ. Originally founded in 1957 with just 10 aircraft, Planes of Fame has grown to a collection of over 160 aircraft, more than 35 of which are in flyable condition. Its mission is to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor our veterans and pioneers of aviation. The museum’s efforts at preservation and restoration have assembled one of the most extensive collections of rare and historic aircraft in the world. Its community outreach, education programs, and public flight demonstrations have touched the lives of millions of spectators. Planes of Fame is currently expanding its operations to the Santa Maria Airport and phase one of the development project is expected to be open to the public by 2025. The vision is to build a distinguished interactive center for aviation heritage, history, and education. The 23-acre campus will feature one-of-a-kind exhibits, learning initiatives, flight demonstrations, and attractions that captivate and serve residents and visitors alike. In addition to this, the museum is hosting the annual Central Coast AirFest on September 21-22 which will present spectacular aerobatic, formation, and military displays for the community to enjoy. For more information on the Planes of Fame Air Museum, its mission, and background, please visit www.planesoffame.org.
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 and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers within the aviation industry. NAHI was created by four aviation-oriented organizations to ensure our rich aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the preservation and restoration of vintage aircraft to flying conditions. For more information on the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, its mission, aircraft entry requirements, and judging criteria, please visit www.heritagetrophy.com.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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