Free STIHL National Championship Air Races Field Trip Signups Open

by admin | May 8, 2019 | Media

The STEM Discovery Zone returns this September

RENO, Nev. (May 8, 2019) —The STIHL National Championship Air Races’ free annual GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone is returning in September bigger and better than ever. Educators and those interested in bringing youth to the free STEM learning hub are encouraged to sign up soon.

“The STEM Discovery Zone is an incredible opportunity for youth to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities in an amazing setting, NVBAA and GRADD do a great job,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We’re excited to expand the program again this year and are thankful to all who contribute by purchasing Air Race license plates through the Nevada DMV, or by direct donation and sponsorship. Those contributions make a difference and without that support we would be unable to continue to grow this program and inspire so many youth.”

The STIHL National Championship Air Races GRADD-NVBAA STEM Discovery Zone is one of the largest of its kind at an airshow. More than 6,000 youth were introduced to different aspects of aviation through STEM-based learning during the 2018 races.

“STEM learning is making such a difference in our youth’s education and career trajectories,” said Reza Karamooz, President of the Nevada Business Aviation Association. “It’s amazing to watch their expressions as they create light with a mini Tesla coil, experience flight in the simulators, drive ground robots, and watch tangible items being printed on the 3D printers.”

This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, 3D printers, electronic computer-controlled guitars, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State Capitol Building, hydraulic robotic arm, picture booths, STEM Arcade with 3D printing pens, PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, a Bell 500 rotary cell phone and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive free access to the races for the remainder of the week.

Those interested in bringing classes and youth groups to the 2019 STEM Discovery Zone at the STIHL National Championship Air Races can contact Reza Karamooz at [email protected], or visit NVBAA.org to register.

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11-15, 2019. Attendees can witness the fastest motor sport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.

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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races:         
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies have shown that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

About GRADD:
GRADD CO. (Global Robot And Drone Deployment) is a Las Vegas-based Socially Responsible Nevada Corporation. GRADD is a leading technology firm in the areas of software and data analytics, using aerial drone data, as well as terrestrial ground data to create accurate 2D and 3D models. In 2017 GRADD developed and facilitated educational curriculum for Intel Corporation for 3D Modeling, 3D design, and 3D printing.

GRADD supports local schools, and sponsors after-school aviation and robotics clubs, and year-round internships at its offices, for underrepresented youth in the Las Vegas area. GRADD also supports and funds the Aviation Post 888, serving youth 13 to 20 years old in the Las Vegas Area Council of Boy Scouts. For more information about GRADD, call 702-879-9100, visit www.GRADD.co, follow us on Twitter (@GRADD_CO) or email [email protected].

About NVBAA:
Nevada Business Aviation Association (NVBAA) is a Nevada 501(c)3 non-profit charity based in Las Vegas. NVBAA supports the aviation, aerospace, and UAS industries throughout Nevada. NVBAA advocates for the expansion of aviation-based STEM Education offerings for K-12 youth throughout the State of Nevada. NVBAA’s 450 members represent Nevada’s top aviation businesses, industry stakeholders and academia leaders, plus government, and community representatives.

NVBAA supports schools all across Nevada, and sponsors after-school clubs, and year-round internships for students interested in pursuing aviation careers. This year NVBAA is granting 100 Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Training Scholarships to young Nevadans who are interested in becoming commercial drone pilots. Learn more about NVBAA at www.nvbaa.org, follow us on Twitter (@NVBAA) or email [email protected].

Reno Air Racing Association Welcomes New Board Members

by admin | Feb 12, 2019 | Media

RENO, Nev. (February 12, 2019) —Reno Air Racing Association announces the addition of two new members to the board of directors in 2019 and the departure of longtime board member and former board chairman John Agather.

“I can’t thank John enough for his passion and dedication to this organization,” said Fred Telling, chairman of the board of directors. “His work has left an undeniable impact on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, helping to propel the event forward. We look forward to seeing his continued involvement on the chairman’s advisory committee. We are delighted to add Mark Bailey and Todd Donahue to the board as we get ready for an exciting 2019 event.”

A long-time supporter of the event, Bailey returns to the board after a brief hiatus having previously served as the Reno Air Racing Association’s treasurer and as a board member from 1994 to 2016. He is a certified public accountant and managing shareholder of Excelsis Accounting Group in Reno, Nev. Bailey is a multi-engine, instrument rated pilot and has also proudly served on boards for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Reno Philharmonic.

Donahue is new to the board and brings extensive experience in aviation safety. He was nominated as an accident prevention counselor with Bradley Flight Standards District Office in 1995. Donahue is founder and CEO of Homestead Helicopters based in Missoula, Mont. which was the first company in the US to become an FAA approved part 141 flight training academy offering helicopter firefighting, mountain flying and vertical reference training. Donahue has been a long-time fan of the races and a close associate of Bill Eck, the National Championship Air Races longest serving director of operations.

“This year is one of progression and with Mark and Todd joining our board we are sure to see fresh ideas and continued success,” said Telling.

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races return Sept. 11-15, 2019 with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.

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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races:         
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies have shown that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

STIHL National Championship Air Races Set For September 11-15

by admin | Feb 4, 2019 | Media

RENO, Nev. (February 4, 2019) — Aviation tradition returns to Reno, Nev. this September with the STIHL National Championship Air Races. The event brings aviation enthusiasts from around the world to experience a legendary show and one of the last events of its kind.

For one week, the high desert north of Reno becomes home to hundreds of aircraft, their pilots and crews, many eager to compete in heart-pounding head-to-head air racing. Qualified competitors vie for the top spot in six racing classes including Unlimited, Jet, Sport, T-6, Formula One and Biplane.

The event also features civilian and military flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, food and merchandise vendors and new additions set for 2019.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
After nearly 10 years the Thunderbirds will take to the skies for the 56^th annual event with their impressive formation flying and daring solo routines that display the skill and extreme capability of both the pilot and jet. Pilots will perform nearly 40 maneuvers including a ground show and air demonstration.

National Aviation Heritage Invitational
The premiere vintage aircraft competition, also known as NAHI, will shine up the ramp with some of the finest vintage aircraft in the country vying for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. NAHI was established more than two decades ago at the National Championship Air Races by Rolls-Royce, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Applications are due Aug. 15 at HeritageTrophy.com. Participants are encouraged to register early as space is limited.

Tickets are now on sale for the 56th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races. Reserved seats will be the same price as general admission at this year’s event. For more information, visit AirRace.org.

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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races:         
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies have shown that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor 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.

National Aviation Heritage Invitational Returns to Reno

by admin | Jan 28, 2019 | Media

Reno, Nev. (January 28, 2019) – Applications are now open for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI). The premiere vintage aircraft competition will take place on the ramp at the STIHL National Championship Air Races, Sept. 11-15, 2019 in Reno, Nev. Applications are due Aug. 15, space is limited.

“This competition is as unique as the races themselves,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the National Championship Air Races. “We are excited to have it return to its birthplace and feature some of the finest restored vintage aircraft in the country.”

NAHI was established more than two decades ago at the National Championship Air Races by Rolls-Royce, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Since it began, the competition has continued to honor America’s rich aviation history and inspire the next generation to pursue aviation careers.

“Each competing aircraft must be at least 45 years old and restored to airworthy condition,” said Colin Powers, chief judge. “Aircraft are judged on authenticity, quality of workmanship, attention to detail and technical merit.”

All aircraft applications are reviewed by a five-member judging team. Those accepted will be judged in the following five categories:

• Antique Aircraft: (Orville and Wilbur Wright Trophy) must be 1934 or earlier.
• Classic Aircraft: (Paul E. Garber Trophy) must be 1935 to 1955.
• Contemporary Aircraft: (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy) 1956 to 1974.
• Large Aircraft: (Herb Kelleher Trophy) wingspans over 45 feet up to 1974.
• Military Aircraft: (Henry “Hap” Arnold Trophy) all Warbirds up to 1974.

“The judging criteria was created by representatives of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum,” said 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.”

Neil Armstrong, a National Aviation Hall of Famer and longtime supporter of NAHI, attended many trophy presentations and helped present and admire the aircraft. In 2012, the year Armstrong died, the grand prize trophy was renamed in his honor.

“The overall winning aircraft will be awarded the Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy which resides in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia,” said Ken Perich, NAHI chairman. “In addition, the National Aviation Hall of Fame People’s Choice Award Trophy, sponsored by Air & Space Smithsonian magazine, will be awarded to the owner of the aircraft receiving the largest number of votes cast by the airshow attendees.”

For more information and to apply visit HeritageTrophy.com or contact June Powers, director of participants at NAHI at [email protected].

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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.

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.