National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) returns to the Reno Air Races

“NAHI held its first vintage aircraft competition on the ramp at Reno in 1999 and were a key part of the Reno experience for the 16 years,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of RARA. “Over the years they have hosted several hundred of the finest vintage aircraft in North America to compete on the ramp at Reno. RARA believes that the NAHI vintage aircraft and the National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees offer another major attraction for guests attending the STIHL National Championship Air Races and we are extremely pleased to have NAHI back this year.”

“NAHI was born at the Reno Air Races, and it has enjoyed a great relationship with the race fans,” said Ken Perich, Chairman and Executive Director of NAHI. “In addition to displaying some of the finest restored vintage aircraft in the country on the Reno ramp, we have been honored to have National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees, including; Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan, Bob Hoover, Dick Rutan, Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Herb Kelleher, Clay Lacy, Bud Anderson, General (ret) Joe Engle, General (ret) Bill Anders, Patty Wagstaff and Sean D. Tucker participate in our annual events and help present trophies to our winners.”

“The 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 and NAHI Ambassador. Throughout the year the Armstrong Trophy resides at the Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

“The judging criteria was created by representatives of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and emphasizes authenticity and attention to detail,” stated Nelson Blankenship, Chief of Restorations for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. “The Smithsonian is actively involved in NAHI and representatives from our restoration staff serve annually on the judging team.”