The nine winning masterpieces will be displayed at various locations across the state
to promote the contest and raise awareness about the importance of aviation in Nebraska.
Let Your Imagination Take Flight!
The 2026 U.S. and International Youth Aviation Art Contest wrapped up at the state level, with more than 80 Nebraska artists illustrating the theme, “Fly to Save Lives”. What an incredible showcase of creativity and skill! The top three winners in each category will advance to the national stage, and then move on to the international competition. We’ll share updates if any Nebraska artists progress to the next level.
Check out the 2026 state winners here
Click here to view all 2026 submissions
If you share on social media, please tag us @NebraskaDOT on Facebook, X, and Instagram!
The 2027 contest kicks off in October 2026, with a brand-new theme to inspire young artists. Sign up for our email list to get updates, resources, and early access to contest details! The Youth Aviation Art Contest isn’t just a one-time event — it’s a great way to integrate aviation, STEM, and creative thinking into your classroom all year long. Check out our classroom resources to the right for inspiration.
Resources for teachers: A downloadable poster and brochure will be available in October once we receive the 2027 theme.
Questions? Contact mark.langrud@nebraska.gov
Youth Aviation Art Contest Prizes
AGE GROUPS: Junior (6–9), Intermediate (10–13), Senior (14–17)
STATE LEVEL
The top three entries in each age group are forwarded to Washington D.C. to be judged in the national competition. State winners receive cash prizes (1st = $200, 2nd = $150, and 3rd = $100) and trophies sponsored by the Nebraska Aviation Council and postcards featuring their artwork to share with family and friends.
NATIONAL LEVEL
The top three entries in each age group are selected from the national competition to represent the U.S. in the international round. Winners are announced in March by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). National winners receive a VISA gift card and a framed reproduction of their artwork generously sponsored by the AMCG Foundation.
Gift Card Amounts:
Senior - (1st) $1,500, (2nd) $750, (3rd) $375
Intermediate - (1st) $1,000, (2nd) $500, (3rd) $250
Junior - (1st) $500, (2nd) $250, (3rd) $125
INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
The FAI international contest, which typically includes 20–40 countries, announces winners in late May. International winners receive certificates and gold, silver, or bronze medals.
The U.S. contest is part of an international program run by the FAI. All contest rules (with the exception of the U.S. contest deadline dates) are set by FAI. Find all rules and guidelines on the FAI website.
Eligibility
Group I Junior Category:
Date of birth between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019
Group II Category Intermediate:
Date of birth between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2015
Group III Senior Category:
Date of birth between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2011
Format & Representation
- Artwork must be 11 x 17 inches (Ledger/Tabloid).
- Artwork must NOT be framed or outlined with borders.
- Artwork must clearly represent the contest theme.
Permitted Mediums
- Acrylic, oil paint, watercolor
- Indelible marker pens and felt-tip pens
- Soft ball-point pens and indelible ink
- Crayola or similar indelible mediums
Not permitted:
- Pencil, charcoal, or other non-permanent mediums
- Computer-generated artwork
- Collage work using photocopies
Markings
A certificate of authenticity must be attached to the back of the artwork and include:
- Artist’s first name
- Artist’s birth year
- Parent or teacher’s contact information (including email address).
Title
Titles are optional, but artwork must clearly relate to the contest theme.
Reproduction Rights
Submitted artwork becomes (and remains) the property of the State Sponsors, NASAO and FAI and may be used for promotional purposes. Submitted artwork may be returned from the national or international level at the request of the State of Nebraska.
Mail Artwork To:
NDOT Division of Aeronautics
Mark Langrud, Educational Outreach Coordinator
1600 Nebraska Parkway
Lincoln, NE 68502
Aeronautics in the Classroom
Sponsored by NDOT’s Aeronautics Division since it began in 1986, the U.S. and International Youth Aviation Art contest introduces young artists to the world of aviation and sparks interest in STEM careers.
Explore Nebraska Aviation: Aviation has been part of Nebraska life for over a century. Nebraska is home to 78 public-use airports, each playing a vital role in the state’s economy and communities. These airports connect people, support local businesses, and provide critical services such as medical flights and emergency response. Many airports host community events, air shows, and STEM programs designed to inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aerospace professionals, and Nebraska’s Aviation Hall of Fame celebrates those who have made a lasting impact on the state’s aviation history.
Aerodynamics & Flight (STEM): Explore how air moves around wings to create lift. Students can show airflow, lift, or propulsion in their drawings to make their aircraft realistic.
Engineering & Problem-Solving (STEM): Have students design an aircraft, drone, or balloon that could deliver medicine, blood, or emergency supplies — then illustrate their ideas.
Math & Measurement (STEM): Students can calculate distances, delivery times, or cargo capacity and include those numbers in their artwork or diagrams.
Art, Creativity & Storytelling: Encourage students to tell a story through their art — for example, a life-saving mission from takeoff to delivery — combining imagination with STEM concepts, or to depict dramatic rescues, imaginative aircraft, or futuristic flying machines.
Technology & Innovation: Introduce real-life aviation tools like drones, helicopters, or air ambulances to spark ideas for futuristic, life-saving inventions.
Careers in Aviation & Aerospace: Discuss careers such as pilots, engineers, air ambulance staff, and drone operators to connect the contest to real-world opportunities.
Resources to explore aviation and flight:
Previous Nebraska Winners
Nebraska is proud to have had two national winners and one international winner.