Reno 2009 National Aviation Heritage Ramp.
Sept 2009 we were at the Reno Air Races with our new restoration, the SNJ-5C.
Back in August we were accepted to participate in the 2009
Rolls-Royce/Smithsonian Air and Space museum National Aviation Heritage
Invitational competition held in conjunction with the Reno Air races. The
National Aviation Heritage Invitational competition is a very prestigious event
with some of the most rare, authentic and nicest restored airplanes
"invited" to attend.
This year was no exception as there were numerous rare and highly detailed
restorations. There were a few that when I looked at them I simply stood there
shaking my head and I could only say one word, "Unbelievable !".
We arrived Wednesday Sept 16th at 7:00PM with only the 2nd flight and 3rd
landing on the plane. One of the judges asked me if I had brought in new tires
for judging since the tread didn't even look used. The SNJ is flying great and
so far no problems.
We spent Thursday prepping the plane for the Judges and Friday morning I
presented the plane and a stack of documentation for authenticity to the panel
of judges.
On Sunday at the awards ceremony Carol and I were honored to have received the
2009 Grand Champion Rolls-Royce National Aviation Heritage Trophy.
Below is a link to the Rolls-Royce/Smithsonian Air and Space Heritage Trophy.
This perpetual trophy resides in the Smithsonian Air and Space museum year
round. My name, SNJ-5C and phrase "Self Restored" will be engraved on
the trophy.
It was a fun restoration that pushed my personal level and abilities to much
higher standards than I ever imagined possible. Carol will attest to the
countless hours of agonizing research and craziness of it all for the 4 1/2
years.
So the plane is now flying and we are looking at the future, Who knows what's
next...things are in the works.
Chuck Wahl
Here is the official Press Release - http://www.heritagetrophy.org/article_nahi_winners_2009-09-24.php
About The Trophy - http://www.heritagetrophy.org/heritage_trophy.php
Prepped for judging... Oh the butterflies !!
We brought back the 2004 Warbird winner. We had to! We packed this plane so full of "Stuff" to support the SNJ and T-28 for the week its a good thing you cant overload it!
SNJ-5C rear cockpit
Carol and Chuck trying to figure out what just happened!
The one and only, Legendary Bob Hoover.
Chuck and Hoot Gibson. He is a wonder guy. Crawled all over the plane. I thought he was going to ask to fly it home.
My Dad, Larry Wahl on the left, Chuck in middle and the one and only Mr. Clay Lacy on the right. He has owned an SNJ-5 since 1959.
Standing on the cargo hauler watching the Blue Angels.