North Carolina Opens 2027 Aviation Art Contest
Students across North Carolina can now submit entries for the annual competition centered on aviation history.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Air Travel
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The N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation has officially opened its 2027 Aviation Art Contest for students. This year's competition centers on the theme Forever First in Flight.
Why it matters
The annual contest encourages creative interest in aviation among youth while recognizing North Carolina's significant role in flight history. The competition provides cash prizes to winning students and their respective schools.
The competition is open to students between the ages of 6 and 17 across three distinct age groups. Participation spans over 825 schools that have contributed to the 13,000 total entries submitted since the program started in 2013.
The players
N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation
This state agency oversees aviation infrastructure, safety, and public education initiatives throughout North Carolina.
The details
Students compete in one of three age categories to showcase their artistic interpretation of the state's aviation legacy. The contest remains at the state level, and entries do not advance to national or international judging rounds.
Timeline
The contest began in 2013.
The 2027 aviation art contest is open now.
Travel Outlook
This state-level initiative aligns with the North Carolina First in Flight state motto to define the current year's competition theme. By maintaining a strictly local focus, the program highlights internal educational engagement rather than pursuing global tourism or international artistic rankings.
Interested students and parents should review eligibility and submission guidelines on the official NCDOT website to ensure compliance with age group requirements. Participants must plan their entries according to the Forever First in Flight theme to be eligible for the state-level prizes.
The takeaway
The competition offers a unique way for students to explore the history of flight through creative expression. Families should check the official portal frequently to stay updated on entry requirements and deadlines for the 2027 cycle.
Further reading
Learn more about local aerospace initiatives in the North Carolina Air Travel section.
More information
Find complete contest details and submission procedures at the NCDOT Division of Aviation Art Contest.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCTI.
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