Aircraft owners and restorers will compete for the prestigious Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy (see picture). The Trophy resides in the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in the Washington D.C. area. The "People's Choice Award", presented by the National Aviation Hall of Fame, is awarded to the aircraft that receives the most votes by the general public attending the Invitational. Additional trophies being awarded are the Orville and Wilbur Wright Trophy (civilian aircraft built and flown in 1935 or earlier), the Paul E. Garber Trophy (civilian aircraft built and flown in 1936 or later), the Admiral James Stockdale Trophy (any military aircraft regardless of military use), and the Air Transport World Trophy (awarded to any aircraft 45 years old or older with a wing span of 45 feet or more).
Each aircraft is judged on its technical merit and how well it represents the condition of the aircraft early in its career. The competition is open to aircraft 45 years or older which have been restored to its present condition. The aircraft participating in the Invitational are judged by a five-member team that include representatives from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's restoration team at the Paul Garber facility. Click here for a detailed look at the Judging Criteria. Those who plan to attend the National Aviation Heritage Invitational are REQUIRED to read this document prior to participating.
APPLY NOW TO BE A PART OF SUCH EXCITING AVIATION HISTORY!
Enter Your Aircraft
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We invite all those who own an aircraft that fit the Invitational
Judging Criteria
to apply. Come share your own piece of aviation history with us at Reno and compete to be enshrined in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum!