THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL LLC RELEASES THE AIRCRAFT LINEUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 9, 2018 THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL LLC RELEASES THE AIRCRAFT LINEUP -At the 55TH Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, Sept. 12-16- RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational LLC (NAHI) are thrilled to present some of the nation’s most skillfully-restored aircraft that will be on display at the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16 at Reno-Stead Airport. This year marks the 55th year of air racing in Reno, and it is also the year of celebrating NAHI’s return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races, thanks to NAHI presenting sponsor, Perform Air International. Visitors will be able to walk among this historical aircraft exhibit and talk with the owners and restorers at the very place it all began in 1999. A full competition is scheduled to begin in 2019 and is planned for years to come. NAHI was an integral part of the Reno experience for sixteen years and has hosted some of the finest examples of restored aircraft on the ramp at the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Owners and restorers from all over bring their aircraft to compete for trophies in several categories including military, large, vintage, classic, commercial aircraft and the People’s Choice Award sponsored by the Air and Space Smithsonian Magazine. Entrants vie for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy, a striking six-foot tall trophy that resides at the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center near Dulles Airport in Virginia. Representatives of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum created judging criteria that emphasize authenticity and attention to detail. The Smithsonian is actively involved with NAHI and has representatives from its restoration staff who serve on the judging team annually. “Having NAHI back at Reno is absolutely fantastic!” said Josh Cawthra a previous winner and regular participant at NAHI. “NAHI is like the west coast mecca for aviation enthusiasts from all over the world and providing the opportunity for them to enjoy these iconic aircraft, which so many have put such hard work into persevering, is just amazing!” “I am glad NAHI and Reno have reestablished their partnership,” said John Sessions, Founder of the Historic Flight Foundation and a previous winner and participant. “NAHI deserves the concentration of aviation enthusiasts that Reno attracts every September.” Scheduled NAHI participants include: 1944 SNJ, owned by Chuck and Carol Wahl of Cameron Park, CA - 2009 Overall Winner 1947 Cessna 140, owned by Josh, Janel and Dave Cawthra of Vacaville, CA - 2014 Classic Winner      1942 Interstate S-1A Cadet, owned by Jeff and Kim Powschwatta of Covington, WA - 2013 Antique Winner 1942 Fairchild PT-19, owned by Larry Nelson of Napa, CA - 2017 Military Winner of California Capital Airshow (CCA) 1944 Beechcraft D17S, owned by Historic Flight Foundation of Mukilteo, WA - 2017 Classic CCA Winner 1942 Waco UPF-7, owned by Jeremy Young of Hood River, OR  1942 Howard DGA-15D, owned by David Bole of Enumclaw, WA 1952 Cessna 195, owned by Bela and Joy Havasreti of Kent, WA  1951 Cessna L-19, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV 1971 Bell Cobra Helicopter, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV 1967 Cessna O-2, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV 1938 Ryan SCW-145, owned by Russell Williams of Bellevue, WA Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races held September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, tickets or to volunteer, visit http://www.airrace.org/. ### About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.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 to ensure our rich aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to flying condition. NAHI accomplishes this via a friendly annual competition, where each aircraft is judged against restoration standards established by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. We bring together some of the finest examples of restored vintage aircraft in the country to compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. NAHI utilizes the aircraft, owners and judging staff to help inspire students to consider careers within the aviation industry. We also utilize the ISTAT Careers in Aviation video series to highlight some of the great career opportunities available within our industry. For more information visit www.heritagetrophy.org Media Contacts: Mikaila Bird | The Glenn Group 775-686-7805 | mbird@theglenngroup.com Ron Kaplan | Co-Founder and Deputy Director of NAHI director@reelstufffilmfest.com Connie May | Director – Communications of NAHI cpardew@att.net