by admin | Jan 27, 2022 | Media, Scholarships
We’re nearing the end of January, and that means that the application window for Flight Training Scholarships will close soon. Applicants will need to submit their applications for the Reno Air Racing Association’s inaugural Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) Program by January 31st at the latest. The program is supported by a grant from the Ray Foundation, Inc., and will initially provide up to ten scholarships to students.
In order to apply, applicants must fulfil a specific set of criteria. For starters, they have to be between ages 16-22 and located in Northern Nevada. Academically, they must pass a Class III Medical Exam, maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher and complete a 30-minute discovery flight. Specific eligibility requirements can be found at airrace.org/flight-training-scholarships.
The scholarship will be awarded in two parts; the first phase will fund the student up through their first solo flight. The balance will be awarded once the solo and FAA written exam have been successfully completed. The student can then complete the requirements and final FAA check-ride to achieve their private pilot’s license. We’ll be rooting for you the entire way!
Following a review process, qualified applicants will be interviewed, and the final awards will be announced in March 2022. The scholarship program was officially announced during the STIHL National Championship Air Races opening ceremonies on Sept. 16, 2021.
More information on the scholarship will be available soon at www.airrace.org.
by admin | Jan 26, 2022 | Media
RENO, Nevada (January 26, 2022) – The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) launches its 21st Annual vintage aircraft competition, at the STIHL National Championship Air Races, by formally opening the application process for restored aircraft to compete for the acclaimed NEIL A. ARMSTRONG AVIATION HERITAGE TROPHY. The prestigious event is hosted by the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept 14-18, 2022.
“The vintage aircraft competition, which was founded in 1998, has two primary goals; to encourage the preservation of our rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition and to help inspire our nation’s youth to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industry”, said Ken Perich, Executive Director of NAHI.
To enter, aircraft must be restored to airworthy condition and be manufactured at least 45 years ago. For the 2022 competition, all aircraft must be manufactured in 1977 or in prior years.
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and NAHI are committed to keeping our rich aviation history alive and we invite aircraft owners and restorers to participate in this prestigious event. Since 1999 a panel of judges reviews participating aircraft against standards in line with those of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. This includes; authenticity, quality of workmanship, attention to detail and technical merit.
Aircraft can be entered to compete in one of the five judging categories: Antique, Classic, Contemporary, Military and Large Aircraft.
- Antique – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in 1945 and earlier. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Orville and Wilber Wright trophy.
- Classic – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in years 1946 to 1956. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Paul E. Garber trophy.
- Contemporary – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in years 1957 to 1977. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy.
- Military – includes all eligible military aircraft manufactured in 1977 and before. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Henry “Hap” Arnold trophy.
- Large Aircraft – includes all eligible aircraft, both civil and military, manufactured in 1977 and before with wingspans of 45 feet or more. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Herb Kelleher trophy.
The overall winning aircraft is awarded the Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. The trophy resides at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia. The winning aircraft owner’s name and the name of the restoration facility is engraved on a plaque placed on the perpetual trophy. The overall winner and each of the category winners are presented with a keeper trophy.
In addition, the People’s Choice Award trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft receiving the largest number of votes cast by the event attendees.
For details on eligibility, judging criteria and to complete the entry application for the NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL please visit our website: www.heritagetrophy.com. Applications for entry in the 21st annual Invitational must be submitted online no later than August 26, 2022. Each aircraft may only be entered in one category, which must be declared on the application form.
For further information please visit www.heritagetrophy.com or contact:
June Powers
Director – Participants
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 503-851-4337
Email: [email protected]
Colin Powers
Chief Judge
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 503-851-4338
Email: [email protected]
Connie May
Director – Communications
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 775-530-2297
Email: [email protected]
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by admin | Jan 25, 2022 | Media
RENO, Nev. (January 26, 2022) – The Reno Air Racing Association announces Chris Johnson as Director of Operations who has taken over following Terry Matter’s retirement from the position. The organization also welcomes new board member, William “Bill” Freeman.
The 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races returned with a new face amongst the department heads. Chris Johnson, General Manager of Indian Hills General Improvement District, joined the Reno Air Racing Association as Director of Operations and successfully oversaw operations for the 2021 event. Johnson brings over 10 years of experience in airport and airshow management at the Minden-Tahoe Airport. Johnson served in the United States Army as a combat engineer for 10 years and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Magna Cum Laude. He also serves as a board member for the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and previously for the Carson Valley Visitors Authority.
The Director of Operations position was handed off to Johnson by Terry Matter. Matter has been involved with the Reno Air Racing Association since 1999 having served on the Board of Directors since 2004, as Chairman in 2010 and 2011 and as Director of Operations since 2016. In his time Matter was directly responsible for the FAA waiver requirements for the Pylon Racing Seminar and the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Matter will remain on the RARA Board and continue serving as its Vice-Chair.
“My heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to Terry for his extraordinary service and dedication over the last 22 years,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “Terry’s continued commitment to remain as our Vice Chairman and unparalleled dedication to volunteering as Director of Operations has been essential to our success. Chris has big shoes to fill, but I know he’s up to the task.”
A longtime STIHL National Championship Air Races supporter, Bill Freeman joins the Reno Air Racing Association’s Board after serving on the Chairman’s Advisory Committee for four years. Freeman has been attending the STIHL National Championship Air Races since the early ‘80s. He has flown and performed as an airshow pilot and aerobatic competitor in the Southeastern U.S., holding a low-level aerobatic waiver in the P51D, Pitts S2A, S2B, and S2C, as well as the T34.
A Nashville native, Freeman is the Chairman of award-winning Freeman Webb, Inc. a real estate investment, management and brokerage company he co-founded with partner Jimmy Webb in 1979. Freeman is an active volunteer who is no stranger to sharing his expertise on boards.
“We can’t thank Bill enough for his time on the Chairman’s Advisory Committee and are delighted to welcome him to the Board,” said Telling. “Bill’s extemporary background and service as Chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Directors, as a member of the University of Tennessee Alumni Board of Directors as well as on the AOPA Presidents Council will be a great asset.”
The 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races will return to Northern Nevada Sept. 14-18, 2022. More information about volunteering, donating, attending, scholarship information and more can be found at www.airrace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship Air RacesThe 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 seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Dec 15, 2021 | Media
RENO, Nev. (Dec. 15, 2021) —The Reno Air Racing Association brought home a platinum Pinnacle Award in the Large Civilian Air Show category for its 2021 social media and influencer program. The award was given at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention last week in Las Vegas. The platinum level is the highest given in this category at the annual convention.
The 2021 STIHL National Championships returned this year after being sidelined by the pandemic in 2020. New this year the Reno Air Racing Association introduced an influencer marketing program inviting key influencers to experience the Air Races firsthand.
“We’ve long tried to catch the attention of a younger demographic and this new program has really expanded our audience, exposing this unique event to new eyes,” said Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts by our peers at ICAS.”
Eighteen social media influencers with a net following of more than five million were invited to the races to help promote to their followers on various platforms. The concept was to bring in a wide variety of personalities and provide them with exciting experiences they could share with their audiences. By coordinating their efforts, the collective output was even more effective because influencers not only shared their own encounters but how they were enjoyed together. This unique use of their talents made the influencer marketing program at the STIHL National Championship Air Races a spectacular success that impressed the ICAS judges.
The organization’s Instagram account received nearly double the followers and impressions increased by nearly 700,000. The influencers posted 261 Instagram stories, 39 posts, five reels, five YouTube videos and 21 TikTok’s to their audiences.
“I can’t thank our team enough for their efforts in introducing this new program,” said Telling. “This year was a great success and we look forward to doing even more in 2022.”
The 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races will return to Northern Nevada Sept. 14-18, 2022. More information about volunteering, donating, attending, scholarship information and more can be found at www.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 seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Dec 1, 2021 | Media, Scholarships
RENO, Nev. (December 1, 2021) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that the application window for its inaugural Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) Program will open Dec. 1, 2021. Supported in part by a grant from the Ray Foundation, Inc., the program will provide up to ten scholarships initially to students aged 16–20.
Fred Telling, CEO of RARA, stated that this is one of several initiatives in progress that are designed to add year-round depth and scope to the excitement and tradition of the annual STIHL National Championship Air Races.
“We want to become more than just a once-per-year racing event. Our Flight Training Scholarships will follow on the success we have seen in our STEM Expositions during Race Week, and we can use that success to engage young people and provide a valuable, substantial education and training resource year-round that can lead to a career in aviation. In the 1970s a person could pay for flight training with just a summer job, but in this day and age the cost can be prohibitive. We hope this scholarship program can help some deserving students overcome that challenge.”
The scholarships will provide funding for a student to achieve their Private Pilot License (PPL). The recipients will be selected by a committee comprised of members from the RARA Board of Directors, and during their year-long journey toward gaining their flight certificates they will have the support and guidance of several volunteer mentors from the RARA organization and the surrounding community.
“Awarding the scholarship is just the first step. We also want to be very present in the student’s progress to help them attain their goal,” said Telling. “Having a mentor available to fill in the blanks when they have questions outside of formal instruction is very helpful in assuring their success.”
Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2022. Each application received will be screened for completion, accuracy, and qualification. Qualified applicants will then be interviewed, and the final awards will be announced in April 2022. The scholarship program was officially announced during the STIHL National Championship Air Races opening ceremonies on Sept. 16, 2021.
The scholarship will be awarded in two parts; the first phase will fund the student up through their first solo flight, and the balance will be awarded once the solo and FAA written exam have been successfully completed. The student can then complete the requirements and final FAA check-ride to achieve their private pilot’s license.
Applicant information and documents are available at www.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 seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Nov 28, 2021 | Media, Scholarships
RENO, Nev. (November 29, 2021) – With a successful 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races now in the books, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is turning its attention to extending its impact and preserving its legacy. COO Tony Logoteta shared that the organization is introducing a wider range of giving opportunities to help the not-for-profit deliver broader service to both aviation and the local community.
“Our return to racing this year got us well down the road to recovery,” he said. “We still have work to do, but we are shifting our focus from survival to sustainability. Adding education and training support to the lineup alongside our legacy donation options provides our supporters a wider variety of choices to consider when making their gifts.”
RARA’s Save the Races donation campaign in 2020 yielded a little over $460,000 to help overcome the ravages of the COVID pandemic. Supporters generously gave to the cause, and Logoteta is humbled by the support received during a difficult year.
“It’s important that those who helped us stay afloat during our time of need know how much we appreciate their efforts. We are committed to preserving the STIHL National Championship Air Races as well as expanding our impact by creating more opportunities for young people to engage and be inspired to pursue a career in aviation.”
Chairman and CEO Fred Telling announced RARA’s new Flight Training Scholarship during Race Week in September. “The last part of our mission statement is ‘we’re committed to delivering a safe, entertaining, and exhilarating experience for fans while also honoring our military, inspiring our youth, and strengthening our community, economy, and culture,’” he quoted. “By adding these scholarships, we’re creating another level of engagement to go beyond just inspiration and actually help young people realize their dreams.”
The application window for the flight scholarship program will open on December 1.
With Giving Tuesday kicking off year-end donations on November 30, RARA is encouraging people to consider making their year-end contributions to one of several options. Donors can contribute to: the area of greatest need, flight scholarships, STEM education, sending military members to the races, and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, whose mission is to ensure aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to flying condition.
Telling is grateful for past donors and is optimistic about broadening RARA’s base. “We have been very successful with donations from many, many generous people over the years. By expanding our service scope and offering several alternatives, we hope even more people will find something in our selections that aligns with their desire to give.”
Donations can be made at www.airrace.org/donate.
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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 seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
