De Havilland Tiger Moth formation

Bud and Ross Granley, Canadian air show pilots (courtesy www.airshowpilot.com)

Lancaster four-engine bomber

From throughout the provinces, Canadian aircraft will be flying south this summer to join a unique commemoration of that nation's 100 years of flight during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The collection of aircraft and activities from "north of the border" will add a unique perspective to the 57th annual edition of the EAA fly-in convention, scheduled July 27-August 2. Canada's aviation heritage will be celebrated throughout the grounds all week.

"In the 100 years since the Silver Dart's first flight at Baddeck Bay, Nova Scotia, aviation in Canada has provided innovation and met challenges in many ways," said Tom Poberezny, EAA's president/chairman and AirVenture chairman. "We're inviting all Canadian aviation enthusiasts to come to Oshkosh in 2009 and help us celebrate a century of flying in their nation."

The EAA Canadian Council, a group of EAA members from that country, is coordinating the activities. Among the planned events are:

• A special display of the very best of Canadian aviation on AirVenture's showcase AeroShell Square, including stunning warbird aircraft, Canadian classics such as the Chipmunk, Tiger Moth and Beaver, as well as inspirational new projects;
• Representation of Canadian aircraft throughout the grounds, marked by a special red Maple Leaf propeller card to mark their attendance;
• Warbirds from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, such as the rare Lancaster bomber, the Lysander fighter, and aircraft such as the PBY and B-25 in Canadian markings;
• Canadian air show performers and other aerial displays of aircraft from Canada;
• The arrival of John Lovelace's continent-spanning Century Flight at Oshkosh, immediately following their flight across Canada this summer;
• A once-in-a-lifetime group photo of Canadian aviators at Oshkosh on AeroShell Square immediately following EAA's traditional International Parade on Friday, July 31;
• Possible participation of the Royal Canadian Air Force during the weeklong celebration;
• Special forums and presentations on Canadian aviation throughout the week.

One of the hubs for the Canadian celebration will be EAA's International Visitors Tent, marking its 35th anniversary in 2009 with a new location next to the control tower on the AirVenture grounds. Special welcome packs for Canadian attendees will be available along with other event information.

"If you're one of those Canadians who dreamed of one day making it to Oshkosh, this is the year to do it! We can show our proud colours at AirVenture during our flight centennial year with the entire world of flight," said Jack Dueck, an EAA member from High River, Alberta, who edits the "Bits & Pieces" newsletter for EAA members in Canada. "Oshkosh is waiting with a warm welcome for us, so let's make our flight centennial year an unforgettable one."