The National Aviation Heritage Invitational, aviation’s premier vintage aircraft traveling museum is proud to have PilotMag as a new sponsor for 2009.

Joining in the effort to preserve aviation history for future generations, PilotMag’s sponsorship will bring aviation enthusiasts a closer look at the world of vintage aircraft restoration in coming issues. “We recognize it is more important than ever to stimulate growth and interest in preserving aviation history,” says PilotMag publisher Gates L. Scott. “PilotMag focuses on all aspects of aviation—whether it’s profiling aviators, highlighting human interest stories, or behind-the-scenes investigative articles. The Invitational offers every element of interest and is a perfect vehicle for passing on our enthusiasm for aviation.”

Ken Perich, National Aviation Heritage Invitational Executive Director, says, “We are excited to welcome PilotMag and are grateful for their generous support in 2009. Our shared commitment to aviation history makes this a winning partnership.”

PilotMag will join the Invitational exhibit and static display at the Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show, held Sept. 11-14, 2009. The National Aviation Heritage Invitational is a joint effort under the auspices of Rolls Royce North America Inc., the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Reno Air Racing Foundation with support from Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.

2008 NAHI Classic Winner
1960 G18S Beechcraft Super G

Owned by Jim Warren of Coeur d Alene, Idaho, and restored by Jim Warren and Jeff Binger. Originally purchased by Williams Energy Corporation for use as a corporate aircraft. 1999 Oshkosh Grand Champion.

2008 People’s Choice Winner
1929 Sikorsky S-38

“Osa’s Ark,” owned by Tom Schrade of Reno, Nev., and restored by Born Again Restorations, Owatonna, Minn.

2008 NAHI Antique Winner
1929 Curtiss Wright Travelair A6000A

Owned by John Seibold of Williams, Ariz., and restored by Jim Helfrish of Twin Otter International, Ltd., and Chuck Wentworth at Antique Aero. This aircraft is part of John Seibold’s collection of aircraft that flew commercial flights over the Grand Canyon. Restoration was completed June 2008 and the aircraft received the Silver Age Runner Up from the EAA at AirVenture Oshkosh 2008.

2008 NAHI Grand Champion
1944 North American P51-D Mustang—“Happy Jack’s Go Buggy”

Owned by FTR ESC, LLC, of San Antonio, Texas, and restored by Midwest Aero Restorations Ltd. Every effort was made to return this aircraft to the completely stock World War II combat configuration including all original functioning military combat equipment and authentic 79th FS, 20th FG, 8th AF theater markings Won: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 World War II Grand Champion Warbird.

2008 NAHI Warbird Winner
1943 North American P51B-10-NA “Impatient Virgin”

Owned by Historic Flight Foundation of Seattle, Wash., and restored by Pacific Fighters. Assigned to the 376th Fighter Squadron early 1944 and named Impatient Virgin. In 1945, reassigned to the 361st Fighter Group, where her name was changed to Evoi. Crashed June 22, 1954, by pilot Wade Ross during a low-level training flight in Little Walden, England. Wreckage was recovered Nov. 15, 2003. Restoration began at Pacific Fighters, Idaho Falls, Idaho on Jan. 1, 2006 and was completed on July 17, 2008, date of her first flight. Won: EAA AirVenture 2008 awards in Oshkosh, Wis., including Phoenix Award and Best Mustang Award. Pacific Fighters was awarded Snap-On's Silver Wrench Award.

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