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EAA to Celebrate Canada’s First Flight at AirVenture

Thousands of Canadian aviation
enthusiasts annually trek to Oshkosh to participate at EAA AirVenture
because of their passion for flight. This year they'll have another
reason to be here, as EAA commemorates the 100th anniversary of Canada's
first successful powered flight.

On February 23, 1909 – John Alexander
Douglas McCurdy flew the Silver Dart at Baddeck Bay, Nova Scotia,
marking the first flight in the British Commonwealth. EAA is planning to
commemorate the occasion with a number of aircraft and activities."EAA AirVenture 2009's recognition
of 100 years of flight in Canada is a magnificent opportunity to show
our global friends the contributions, spirit and pride of Canadian
aviation," said Jack Dueck, an EAA member from High River, Alberta,
who edits the "Bits & Pieces" newsletter for EAA members
in Canada. "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."

Among Canadian aircraft and pilots that
have been a part of the EAA AirVenture celebration in the past include
the Snowbirds aerobatic team, the world's only flying Lancaster bomber
in Royal Canadian Air Force markings, and dozens of unique homebuilt,
vintage and other aircraft. Many Canadian EAA members have also been
Oshkosh volunteers during the event for a half-century.

"We're very much looking forward to
helping our Canadian EAA members and aviation enthusiasts celebrate this
grand occasion," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture
chairman. "It's a marvelous opportunity to showcase the heritage
and contributions of Canadian aviation to the entire world of flight at
Oshkosh."

Specific programs and activities will be
announced as they are finalized. As those activities are confirmed,
complete information will be available at www.airventure.org,
which also includes valuable information regarding flying to Oshkosh
from Canada, as well as admissions and housing information.