Rolls-Royce Heritage trophy expands

Air Classics, May 2003

New categories included

Rolls-Royce has expanded the Aviation Heritage Invitational to include three new classes of competition: Antique, Classic, and Warbirds. The first competition in these new categories will take place at the second annual Eastern Region Invitational on 17 to 20 July in conjunction with the Dayton Airshow in Ohio.

"The expansion of the Invitationals is especially significant as we celebrate the centennial of powered flight and as Rolls-Royce approaches its own centennial in 2004," states James Guyette, president and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America Inc. "We acknowledge our continued commitment to uphold the legacy of flight through the support of these invitationals."

The National Aviation Heritage Invitational was expanded to include Antique, Classic, and Warbird categories in response to popular demand and to enhance recognition of the variety of aircraft within each vintage class. Categories are defined as follows:

* Antique - includes all eligible civil aircraft flying during and before 1935. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Orville and Wilbur Wright trophy.

* Classic - includes all eligible civil aircraft flying in years 1936 to 1958.The winning aircraft will be awarded the Paul E. Garber trophy.

* Warbird - includes all eligible military aircraft flying prior to 1958. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Henry "Hap" Arnold trophy.

The twice-yearly Invitational offers contestants the opportunity to compete for five awards at each event. A prominent panel of judges reviews participating aircraft against standard criteria developed by the National Air and Space Museum that includes authenticity, quality of workmanship, attention to detail and technical merit. The overall winning aircraft is awarded the acclaimed Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage trophy and one aircraft will receive the Hall of Fame's People's Choice Award based on popular vote.

Rolls-Royce and its partners, the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Reno Air Racing Association, sponsor both Eastern and Western Region Invitationals. The fifth annual Western Regional Invitational will take place during the Reno National Championship Air Races 11-14 September 2003.

Applications for entry in the second annual Eastern Region Invitational must be submitted no later than 30 June. Each aircraft may only be entered in one category, which must be declared on the application form. No more than 50 aircraft will be selected for each Invitational. To be considered, aircraft must be of a type flying at least 45 years prior to the year of entry and may not be a participant in the Dayton Airshow or Reno Air Races. For an application, please contact World of Wings, 5250 E. Craig Rd. #134, Las Vegas, NV 89115. Phone 702-558-9565, fax 702-446-6172, web site www.heritagetrophy.org or nahi@worldofwings.com.