From the Chair — We’re Ready for Oshkosh, Are You?

By Raquel Lincoln, EAA Lifetime 1306824; Chair, EAA Canadian Council; Winnipeg, Manitoba

I love this time of year — the days get longer and the mosquitos aren’t out yet. But in Manitoba, flyin’ time has been curtailed by many days in a row of wild winds that have fueled wildfires. We are grateful for the skill and precision of the aerial water bombers that have protected the areas in desperate need.

I’d like to give you a sneak peak of some of the Canadian plans for EAA AirVenture 2025. Also, if you’d like to volunteer for half a day at the Canadian Pavilion, please email me at chair.eaacc@gmail.com. You’ll receive a T-shirt, complimentary lunch, and the enjoyment of representing Canada in the aviation world!

The EAA Canadian Council invites you to kick off the ‘greatest show on earth’ by stopping by the Canadian camping area on Sunday, July 20, at 6:00 p.m. for a Canadian BBQ. To help us plan for food, if you intend to come to the BBQ, please email me at chair.eaacc@gmail.com. And, if you don’t know until the last minute, please do come; all Canadians are welcome!

At the Canadian Pavilion, due to its popularity, we will present “Flying to and from Canada” every day of the week.

Shane Madson of Mad Custom Cubs will present ”Backcountry Flying & Custom Plane Building in Canada”. Join Shane for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like building and flying experimental aircraft in the Canadian backcountry. From remote riverbed landings to custom one-off builds like their current Turbine Cub project, Shane will share stories, tips, and insight into Canada’s unique flying landscape. He’ll also talk about the adventures he’s had flying his one-of-a-kind Patina Cub — a radial engine Super Cub with ongoing mods like his own ATV hub kit — designed to push the limits of off-airport performance. Shane’s Cub was the subject of a feature story, “Radical Radial Rat Rod”, in the February 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Whether you’re dreaming of building your own bushplane or just curious about what makes Canadian flying different, this session will give you a dose of inspiration (and maybe a few laughs too).

Julien Karakatsoulis and Darren Jones from Progressive Air Services will present, “Building Your Own Engine and Aerosport Power International Build School”. Imagine working alongside experienced, certified engine technicians, assembling your aircraft engine. Learn the inner workings of your engine, from the crankshaft to the cylinders, from fuel systems to ignition timing, by participating in assembly, pre-start checks, pre-lubrication, test runs, break-in procedure, and basic troubleshooting.

Jim Bell, lifetime pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, and avid travelling photographer, will make a presentation on “Canadian Aviation Museums”. Jim is a national director with the Canadian Aviation Historical Society and will share his vast knowledge of must-visit collections of aviation history.

On Thursday afternoon, July 24, be sure to stop by the Canadian Pavilion for our famous complimentary Ice Cream Social. Enjoy a custom ice cream sundae with all the fixings while visiting with fellow Canadians!

On Friday morning, July 25, Global Aerospace will once again sponsor our Annual Canadian Breakfast, hoping to feature our very own Northern Stars Aeroteam. It is complimentary for Canadians to attend, but you must pick up your tickets at the Canadian Pavilion beforehand.

We are also pleased to confirm that Canadian, Les Kearney (EAA 1357673), will fly into Oshkosh and park his Van’s RV-10, C-GROK in front of the pavilion. Built in 25 months, GROK is the second of Les’ four RV-10 projects. Stop by to marvel at this beauty that he completed in 25 months.

Looking forward to seeing you at AirVenture 2025!