National Aviation Heritage Invitational

September 13, 2011 by Kimberley West

September 13, 2011

The National Aviation Heritage Invitational has an impressive lineup of historical aircraft at the Reno Races.  Rare planes dating back to the 1920’s along with powerful war birds are vying for the prestigious Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy.  According to Charlie Marks, Director of Operations for the Invitational, some of the VIP presenters will include Dick Rutan*, Herb Keller – Former South West CEO, Clay Lacy**, Bud Anderson – WWII Ace and maybe an astronaut or two…

The National AviationHall of Fame’s ‘People’s Choice trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft
which receives the most votes from the public review the aircraft during the Invitational.  You can vote for your favorite until September 17^that 5:00 pm.

Stinson Model O Replica

*Dick Rutan –
Commander of Voyager – first ever non-stop, unrefueled flight around the word
the world in 9 days, 3 minutes and 44 seconds, between December 14 and December 23, 1986.

A world record distance that remains unchallenged today.

**Clay Lacy –
Experimental test pilot, pilot in feature films (Top Gun and many more), United
Airlines #1 pilot, unchallenged holder of the highest number or flight hours of
any active pilot, entrepreneur – this year he’ll perform his Lear jet at the
Reno Races.

1952 Douglas Skyraider AD-5 A

We’ll be posting more photographs as these beautiful aircraft as they arrive arrive  –  Until then,  here’s a list of some of the beautifully restored testaments to our rich aviation legacy at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational:

Large – 1951 Grumman Albatross HU-16B

1943 Fairchild PT-19 (M62)

Military – 1944 North American Aviation SNJ-5C

Military 1943 Curtis-Wright P-40M Kittyhawk

1952 Douglass Skyraider Ad-5 (A-1E)

Military 1938 Grumman F3F-2

Antique – 1937 Spartan Executive 7W

Classic – 1945 Grumman Widgeon