Aerospace Education

Aviation Art Contest

Each year the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) Association creates a theme for an art contest in an effort to motivate and encourage young people to become more familiar with and participate in aeronautics, engineering and science. The FAI then invites its member nations to submit their best artwork for international recognition. In the United States, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) is the main organizer of the contest. Every Fall, South Dakota schools will receive an invitation to participate in the contest by submitting their interpretation of the aviation theme. The South Dakota winners are announced and displayed every spring at the SD Airports Conference, in the South Dakota Pilots Association newsletter and on this website. Every child receives a certificate of participation and the winners receive prizes with an aviation or art theme and a laminated copy of their work. Look for our next theme every Fall to come to your school and let your imagination FLY.

2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest

The South Dakota Department of Transportation and South Dakota Pilots Association are seeking students to enter the 2026 International Aviation Art Contest. This year’s theme is “Fly to Save Lives”. Flying isn’t just about helping others—it can also help you. When people do air sports like paragliding, ballooning, or flying drones, it helps them feel happy, confident, and strong. Being up in the sky makes people feel free, it helps them connect to nature, and exercises complete focus on one single task, all of which are great for their wellbeing. We want you to imagine how aviation and air sports can help save lives. 

SDDOT wants to motivate and encourage children of all ages to become more familiar with and participate in aeronautics, engineering, and science. This art contest could be the beginning of a child’s passion for aviation!

The SDDOT Office of Air Rail & Transit will be judging the submissions and prizes will be awarded to the 1st - 3rd place winners in each age category. The top three place winners in each age group will be forwarded to Washington D.C. to participate in the national competition. 

As noted in the brochure, all entries must be received by Jan. 16, 2026. 

Mail all entries to:
South Dakota Department of Transportation
Office of Air, Rail & Transit
700 East Broadway Avenue
Pierre, SD  57501-2586

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 605-773-4430 or email nancy.hiller@state.sd.us

2026 FAI Young Artists Contest Brochure

2025 Aviation Art Contest - Women with Wings
2024 Aviation Art Contest - Air Sports for a Peaceful World
2023 Aviation Art Contest - Air Sports & The Environment
2022 Aviation Art Contest - Design Your Perfect Aircraft
2021 Aviation Art Contest - A Friendlier World with Airport Sports
2020 Aviation Art Contest - Flying Yesterday & Tomorrow
2019 Aviation Art Contest Winners - Theme: My Dream to Fly
2018 Aviation Art Contest Winners - Theme: Flight Into the Future
2017 Aviation Art Contest Winners - Theme: Beyond the Clouds
2016 Aviation Art Contest Winners - Theme: Air Sports In Harmony With Nature


Aeronautics Educational Flash Drive

2020 Aeronautics Educational Flash Drive Powerpoint



Contact

175
Rayleen Rageth
Senior Secretary
605-773-3574