From Canada to Wisconsin, Under the Wing – An African Flying Adventure at Oshkosh

The world of aviation is a fascinating realm where dreams take flight, and the EAA Adventure Oshkosh Airshow is the worldwide epicenter of this exhilarating universe. In the summer of 2023, we embarked on an incredible journey from Canada to the United States, landing at Wittman Airfield (KOSH) in Wisconsin, to be part of this aviation extravaganza. This is our story of a memorable adventure that brought us from the maple leaf-strewn skies of Canada to the heartland of American aviation.

 

Flying around in Canada and visiting our Canadian friends on our way to Oshkosh 2023.

Setting the Stage: From Canada to Oshkosh

Our journey began in the land of vast wilderness and pristine lakes, Canada. We boarded a commercial flight that took us from Johannesburg, South Africa and from Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Toronto and Thunder Bay, with anticipation coursing through our veins. Thunder Bay is known for its rugged beauty, but our destination was even more thrilling – Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

But here’s the twist – we weren’t just flying in as spectators. Two aircraft from Canada, carrying our team and Canadian hosts Jim and Cathy Moshonsky and our flying safari business, African Flying Adventures, were headed to Oshkosh as participants. The idea was simple yet daring: flying across the border, camping underneath the wing, and showcasing our passion for aviation in one of the biggest airshows in the world.

We flew in early morning arriving at the Fisk Arrival procedure entry point at 7 am. We thought to be smart and arrive there very early in the morning, but we were not alone! At the time we arrived at FISK just before getting the clearance to land, ATC turned down all the aircraft approaching FISK due to it being too busy. We had to fly to the starting point again and try again. We did and made it the second time in.

Flying the Fisk Arrival procedure into Oshkosh. It was busy! The ADSB-feed shows all the aircraft trying to get into Oshkosh. The orange circles I had drawn in on the map to show me possible holding procedures if I would be instructed to hold.

Touchdown at Oshkosh: The Adventure Begins

As we touched down at Wittman Airfield (KOSH), the buzz of the airshow was palpable. The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of aviation fuel and the unmistakable sound of aircraft engines. It was a homecoming of sorts, a gathering of aviators and aviation enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Our unconventional accommodations for the week were beneath the wings of our trusty aircraft. Camping at Oshkosh is a unique experience that brings aviators closer to their flying machines and fellow enthusiasts. The camaraderie among campers was heartwarming, with shared stories and shared passions.

Taking Center Stage: African Flying Adventures at the Forums Plaza

Our primary reason for making this incredible journey was to introduce aviation enthusiasts to the wonders of flying in Africa. The Forums Plaza at Oshkosh provided the perfect stage for us to share our passion for flying safaris across the African continent.

With captivating presentations and engaging discussions, we unveiled the beauty of exploring Africa from above. From the majestic landscapes of the Namibian desert to the hidden gems of the Okavango Delta, we painted a vivid picture of the adventures that await those who dare to soar over the African wilderness.

Quite some people attended our presentations on flying in Africa.

The Canadian Pavilion: Bridging Borders in Aviation

Our journey to Oshkosh was not just about showcasing African Flying Adventures at the Forums Plaza; it was also about fostering international aviation connections. At the Canadian Pavilion, we proudly represented our air safari adventures to a group of Canadian aviators. Most of our guests that come and fly with us in Africa come from Canada.

As we exchanged stories and experiences with fellow Canadian aviators, we were reminded of the universal language of flight that transcends boundaries and unites people from all walks of life.

Conclusion: A Journey to Remember

The EAA Adventure Oshkosh Airshow 2023 was more than just an aviation event; it was a journey of a lifetime. From flying across borders to camping under the wing, and from sharing our African flying adventures to building bridges in aviation, every moment was an adventure in itself.

As we bid farewell to Oshkosh and pointed our aircraft northward, we carried with us not only memories but also the spirit of aviation that binds us all. Our journey from Canada to Oshkosh was a testament to the boundless possibilities that aviation offers, and we can’t wait to see where the skies will take us next.

In the end, it’s not just about the destinations we reach; it’s about the incredible journey that gets us there. And at Oshkosh, we experienced a journey that will forever be etched in our hearts, soaring high in the skies of our memories.