The National Aviation Heritage Invitational Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of ‘Voyager’

The first nonstop, non-refueled flight around the world.

Commemorative Artwork available during the National Championship Air Races- at Reno Stead Airport, September 14-18, 2011 at the National Aviation Heritage Static Display – east end of the grandstands.

In tribute to this 1986 world record-breaking flight, this original commemorative artwork was developed by acclaimed aviation artist Joe Jones and presented by Executive Director, Ken Perich and Charlie Marks, Director of Operations of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, to fittingly honor Voyager's pilot Dick Rutan and his historic flight.  Rutan and a small group of people set out to achieve the impossible on ‘a wing and a dream’.

Posters (20X16) will be for sale throughout race week at the Heritage area for $20.00. For an additional $15.00 each poster will be personally signed by Dick Rutan and Joe Jones. Saturday: 10 AM to 11 AM, 1 PM to 2 PM and 3 PM to 4 PM.  Sunday:  Following the National Aviation Heritage Invitational presentation ceremony at approximately 12-1PM and 2-3PM.

Posters are avialable for sale for $20.00. For an additional $15.00 th eposters will be signed by Dick Rutan and Joe Jones.

"It is difficult to believe 25 years have passed since that milestone flight.  Looking back, I am still amazed at the 'perfect storm' of volunteers and vendors, who appeared from seemingly nowhere, who truly made Voyager's non-stop, unrefueled flight a reality.  This wasn't a flight done by a couple of people with a dream, it was a success because of the those who created the wind under the wings, and who believed in the impossible.  For them, I will always be grateful." - Dick Rutan

This unique aircraft was constructed almost entirely of lightweight graphite-honeycomb composite materials and laden with fuel. "Voyager" lifted off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, at 8:01 a.m. on December 14, 1986. It returned nine days later at 8:05 a.m. For their record-breaking flight pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, designer Burt Rutan, and crew chief Bruce Evans earned the Collier Trophy, aviation’s most prestigious award.  Both Burt and Dick Rutan would later be enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame for this and other aviation achievements.

"Bathed in the warm late afternoon sunlight over the seemingly endless ocean, ultimately, I wanted to simply capture the sheer grace and beauty of this extraordinary aircraft as her brave crew press ahead fully committed to the challenge"  ~  Joe Jones - Official NAHI Artist

The National Aviation Heritage Invitational allows aircraft owners and restorers from across the U.S. to showcase their flying testaments to aviation history.  As in years past, owners of 45 years or older antique aircraft fly their restored planes nto Stead Field on the outskirts of Reno to compete for the coveted Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy.

Visit us at www.heritagetrophy.org and on Facebook at National Aviation Heritage Invitational.