National Aviation Heritage Invitational - Central Coast AirFest

Name: National Aviation Heritage Invitational - Central Coast AirFest
Start: 2025-10-16T08:00:00-07:00
Location: Santa Maria Public Airport, Santa Maria, California

Schedule

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025 at 08:00 am

UTC-07:00

Location

Santa Maria Public Airport, Santa Maria, California | Santa Maria, CA

We are so excited to be in Central California at our new home - The @Central Coast Air Fest in Santa Maria! Come see the beautifully restored aircraft this year at this great event hosted by the well-known Planes of Fame Air Museum. We are thrilled to welcome back our presenting sponsor Perform Air International Inc.
July 10, 2025
Santa Maria, California
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Aviation Heritage Invitational to Debut at Central Coast AirFest
Presented by Perform Air International
Santa Maria, CA – Steve Hinton, President of the Planes of Fame Air Museum, announced today that the official website for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) is now live, allowing vintage aircraft owners and restorers to apply for a chance to compete for the prestigious Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy at the 2025 NAHI vintage aircraft competition.
The Planes of Fame Air Museum, renowned for its world-class collection of flying warbirds and dedication to preserving aviation history, is the proud host of the Central Coast AirFest, a premier aviation event held annually at the Santa Maria Airport. For the first time in its history, the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) — a prestigious vintage aircraft competition previously featured at the Reno Air Races since 1999 — will be part of the 2025 Central Coast AirFest, taking place October 16–19, 2025.
Perform Air International, a leader in aerospace component overhaul and repair, is proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 NAHI competition. Their support underscores a shared commitment to preserving the legacy and craftsmanship of vintage aviation.
To qualify, aircraft must be at least 45 years old (manufactured in 1980 or earlier) and in airworthy condition. Entries will be judged in three categories: Antique, Classic, and Military. The competition will consist of three days of aircraft judging, followed by a final day dedicated to trophy presentations and award announcements.
Applications must be submitted online at www.heritagetrophy.com by clicking the “Enter Aircraft” tab. Due to limited space, early application is strongly encouraged. Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by NAHI’s panel of judges. Selected aircraft and their owners will receive an official invitation to participate in this year’s event at Central Coast AirFest.
The Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy is permanently housed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. Each year, a plaque honoring the winning aircraft, its owner, and restoration facility is added to this perpetual trophy to remain on display at the Smithsonian NAHI exhibit.
To learn more about the history and mission of NAHI, please view the official video displayed next to the Armstrong Trophy at the Smithsonian: Watch Video.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND INQUIRIES:
NAHI Competition Contacts:
•Jan Johnson, Director – Participants
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 650-704-8469
•Taigh Ramey, Chief Judge
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 209-982-0273
Central Coast AirFest Contact:
•Allie Mount, Planes of Fame Air Museum
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 720-363-5917
To learn more about the Planes of Fame Air Museum, please visit www.planesoffame.org.