Bonanzas to Oshkosh organizer honored

The foundation created the award to recognize individuals who exemplify the “strength, teamwork, compassion, camaraderie and drive that keep the spirit and love for aviation, top of mind at all times,”  and Gaines was nominated and chosen for his ongoing contributions to general aviation.

Gaines, a 30-year pilot, has been running Bonanzas to Oshkosh (B2Osh), the largest formation flight of aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, since 2007 and spends nearly 1,000 volunteer hours coordinating and planning the mission each year.

Chairman and founder of the Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation Mike Franceus said that the foundation’s board of directors “unanimously chose Larry Gaines as the inaugural recipient of the Aviation Spirit Award because Larry represents a remarkable commitment not only to B2osh but to the true spirit of aviation. Mr. Gaines gives back to others in many additional ways throughout the year and he continually sets the example for others to look up to and follow.”

B2Osh remains one of the most anticipated mass arrivals into AirVenture with hundreds of attendees lining the runway to take in the arrival. This year’s formation featured 107 Beechcraft aircraft, including 90 Bonanzas and 17 Barons. The formation flight, on July 20, which took about 55 minutes, took off from La Crosse Regional Airport to Wittman Regional Airport. The group landed three at a time until all had touched down and made their way to the North 40 camping area.

The foundation will present its Aviation Spirit Award along with its aviation scholarships, given to female flight students and pilots working on advanced ratings, each year in July. Nominations for the Aviation Spirit Award are open to any pilot or nonpilot and can be made online starting in September.