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.