What kind of base question?

All the methods you listed would be fine.  The question is how do you want to display it? Also, for me anyways, if it is an in-flight display, I would want to have crew figures in it. What scale are you planning to build it in?

You make a good point with the in flight having pilots. Since there are no pilots I am going to do the dessert terrain. Does anyone know a good method to making a dessert terrain?

For your terrain, you could go very simple and just use "play sand". Brush some Elmers on the base, pour on the sand...bing, bang, boom...easy!

Personally, I'd lean more toward a brass "trophy" type plaque. They only cost a few bucks and can be done by any local trophy shop, or even through online ordering. I did a build for my bro, of his plane, while he was in Iraq. I did a mix of "ramp" and desert terrain, and added a wood block for his squadrons sticker. I did have the brass plaque made, but I screwed up the wording on it, so I didn't include it with the base.

Here's a couple pics...may inspire some ideas?!!!

Here's another one I did. This was my best buds chopper...he was the crew chief for this particular bird, in Iraq. He turned out to be at the same base my bro was at, at the same time!

Very simple base. Just a premade base from the local craft store (Michaels)...Elmers and some sand from out in the yard.

I love these ideas thank you so much. I just wish my helo looked anywhere as good as yours.