RENO, Nev. (July 7, 2021) – The National Aviation Heritage Invitation is honored to announce Sean D. Tucker as a trophy presenter this September. Held each year during the STIHL National Championship Air Races, the vintage aircraft competition will return September 15-19, 2021.
“We are delighted to have National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinee, Sean D. Tucker join us this year at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “Sean has thrilled millions of fans with his awe-inspiring aerobatics for decades and has been an inspiration to many throughout his career.”
Tucker will join fellow NAHF Enshrinees, including World War II triple ace, Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson, decorated United States Air Force pilot and world-record-setting aviator, Dick Rutan and aviation pioneer Clay Lacy in presenting trophies to the category winners and the Grand Champion of this prestigious event. The Grand Champion aircraft is awarded the Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy which resides in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia.
Tucker was enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008. He is also the recipient of the Crystal Eagle Award, was an inductee at the 2001 USAF Gathering of Eagles, and in 2003 was named one of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s 25 Living Legends of Flight.
Tucker has been a mentor and an inspiration to those who seek to perfect their aerobatic skill. In addition, he has fostered and facilitated aviation education for students in the Central California area. He is an honorary member of the US Navy Blue Angels, the US Force Thunderbirds, The US Army Parachute Team, the Canadian Snowbirds and the Brazilian Smoke Squadron.
“Visitors to the NAHI display will be going back in time to see some of the most beautifully restored vintage aircraft in the world,” said Ken Perich, Chairman of NAHI. “It is a virtual walk-through history from the golden age of aviation to military aircraft of yesteryear.” Air race fans will have a chance to express their views by voting for the People’s Choice Award trophy sponsored by Air & Space Smithsonian magazine. The Trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft receiving the largest number of votes cast by the airshow attendees.
“The NAHI judging criteria is consistent with the goals of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and emphasizes authenticity and attention to detail,” said Nelson Blankenship, Chief of Restorations for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
For more information about the National Aviation heritage Invitation or to enter the competition visit HeritageTrophy.com. Tickets are now on sale for the STIHL National Championship Air Races, visit airrace.org for more information.
###
About the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI)
NAHI was founded in 1998 at the Reno Air Races by four well-known aviation-oriented organizations; Rolls-Royce, the Reno Air Racing Association, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The goal of NAHI is to preserve our nation’s rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition. In addition, NAHI work with the aircraft, owners, pilots and aviation legends to encourage students to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industry.
About the Reno Air Racing Association
The 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.
Media ContactsNAHIConnie MayDirector – Communicationse-mail: [email protected]cell: 775-530-2297 Reno Air Racing AssociationNicole Latva – FoundryPublic Relations Manageremail: [email protected]