The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) launches its 20th Annual vintage aircraft competition, at the Reno Air Races, by formally opening the application process for restored aircraft to compete for the acclaimed NEIL A. ARMSTRONG AVIATION HERITAGE TROPHY. The prestigious event is hosted by the Reno National Championship Air Races. Sept 15-19, 2021.
“The vintage aircraft competition, which was founded in 1998, has two primary goals; to encourage the preservation of our rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition and to help inspire our nation’s youth to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industry”, said Ken Perich, Chairman and Executive Director of NAHI.
To enter, aircraft must be restored to airworthy condition and be manufactured at least 45 years ago. For the 2021 competition, all aircraft must be manufactured in 1976 or in prior years. The Reno Air Racing Association and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational are committed to keeping our rich aviation history alive and we invite aircraft owners and restorers to participate in this prestigious event. Since 1999 a panel of judges reviews participating aircraft against standards in line with those of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. This includes; authenticity, quality of workmanship, attention to detail and technical merit.
- Aircraft can be entered to compete in one of the FIVE judging categories: Antique, Classic, Contemporary, Military and Large Aircraft.
- Antique – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in 1945 and earlier. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Orville and Wilber Wright trophy;
- Classic – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in years 1946 to 1956. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Paul E. Garber trophy.
- Contemporary – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in years 1956 to 1976. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy.
- Military – includes all eligible military aircraft manufactured in 1976 and before. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Henry “Hap” Arnold trophy.
- Large Aircraft -includes all eligible aircraft, both civil and military, manufactured in 1976 and before with wingspans of 45 feet or more. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Herb Kelleher trophy.
The overall winning aircraft is awarded the Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. The trophy resides at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia. The winning aircraft owner’s name and the name of the restoration facility is engraved on a plaque placed on the perpetual trophy. The overall winner and each of the category winners are presented with a keeper trophy.
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 event attendees.
For details on eligibility, judging criteria and to complete the entry application for the NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL please visit www.heritagetrophy.com Applications for entry in the 20th annual Invitational must be submitted online no later than August 15th, 2021. Each aircraft may only be entered in one category, which must be declared on the application form.
For further information please visit www.heritagetrophy.com or contact:
June Powers
Director – Participants
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 503-851-4337
Email: [email protected]
Colin Powers
Chief Judge
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 503-851-4338
Email: [email protected]
Connie May
Director – Communications
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 775-530-2297
Email: [email protected]
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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