The National Aviation Heritage Invitational Part Of The Reno National Championship Air Races

2009 marks the 11th year for aircraft owners and restorers to bring their beautifully restored aircraft for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational at the National Championship Air Races. The Invitational brings the bygone age of aviation back to life with the prestigious antique, classic and warbird aircraft competition. 

We are delighted to be here in our 11th year to celebrate and honor the beautiful aircraft and the tireless dedication of the owners and restorers," said Ken Perich, Executive Director of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. 

The first Invitational took place in September 1999 at the Reno National Championship Air Races. National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinee and former astronaut, Jim Lovell presented that year's trophy to Bob Odegaard of Kindred, North Dakota for his beautifully restored Goodyear F2G-1 'Super Corsair'.

Dubbed the "Traveling Museum of Aviation" the Invitational allows antique aircraft owners and restorers to compete for the prestigious Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy.
  
When not on display at the Invitational, the striking six-foot tall Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy resides at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington DC where the winning aircraft owner's name and the name of the restoration facility is engraved on a plaque placed on the trophy. The overall winner is presented with a keeper trophy.

The Invitational competition encourages the preservation and restoration of historic aircraft to airworthy condition and to the very highest standards of workmanship and historical accuracy. Participants compete in three categories, Antique (early aircraft pre-1935), Classic (post 1935) and Warbird and are judged by a five-member panel including representatives from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

Each aircraft is judged on its technical merit and how well it represents the aircraft early in its career.  Authenticity to the original manufacturer's condition is the "gold standard" for each plane.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame's 'People's Choice' trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft which receives the most votes from the public reviewing the aircraft during the Invitational. Voting ends September 19 at 5:00 p.m.

Throughout race week spectators can take a walk through aviation history as they view a wide array of beautifully restored airplanes including a 1945 Lockheed PV-2, a 1930 Laird LC-IB300 and a 1946L-5G Sentinel. "The event culminates on Sunday, September 20 as National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinees and event sponsors present the five trophies," said Perich. 

FMI: www.heritagetrophy.org