2024 Aviation Spirit Award Recipient
Larry Gaines - Bonanzas to Oshkosh
In front of a crowd of approximately 300 pilots, friends and family members, The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation
Foundation presented its 2024 “Aviation Spirit Award” to Larry Gaines from Stockton, California during the annual Bonanzas to
Oshkosh Fly-in Event on July 19, 2024 at KLSE in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, just prior to EAA's Airventure 2024.
The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation presents this prestigious award yearly to an individual that exemplifies the strength, teamwork, compassion, camaraderie and drive that keep the spirit and love for aviation, top of mind at all times.
Larry Gaines received the 2024 award for his continuing contributions to the world of General Aviation and was recognized by the Foundation for his selfless giving to others in creating an environment that represents the true spirit of aviation.
Larry, a 30 year pilot, has been running Bonanzas to Oshkosh (B2Osh), the largest mass formation flight of aircraft to EAA's Airventure, since he took the reins in 2007. Larry spends nearly 1,000 hours each year developing the event and coordinating all the activities that lead to a safe and successful formation flight each year. Larry's time is totally voluntary and because of his selfless efforts, the Bonanzas to Oshkosh event continues to be the premier mass arrival event to EAA's Airventure each year.
This year, B2Osh had 107 Beechcraft, made up of 90 Bonanzas and 17 Barons, in the 55 minute formation flight on July 20th from KLSE to KOSH. Thousands of people, each year, line the runway at KOSH awaiting the arrival of this incredible group of Beechcraft as they land 3 abreast on the KOSH runway until all the aircraft in the huge formation have landed safely. The entire group then taxis single file to the North 40 camping area where they enjoy each other's camaraderie along with all the annual EAA Airventure activities.
Mike Franceus, the Chairman/Founder of The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation, said that its 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.
The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation presents this prestigious award yearly to an individual that exemplifies the strength, teamwork, compassion, camaraderie and drive that keep the spirit and love for aviation, top of mind at all times.
Larry Gaines received the 2024 award for his continuing contributions to the world of General Aviation and was recognized by the Foundation for his selfless giving to others in creating an environment that represents the true spirit of aviation.
Larry, a 30 year pilot, has been running Bonanzas to Oshkosh (B2Osh), the largest mass formation flight of aircraft to EAA's Airventure, since he took the reins in 2007. Larry spends nearly 1,000 hours each year developing the event and coordinating all the activities that lead to a safe and successful formation flight each year. Larry's time is totally voluntary and because of his selfless efforts, the Bonanzas to Oshkosh event continues to be the premier mass arrival event to EAA's Airventure each year.
This year, B2Osh had 107 Beechcraft, made up of 90 Bonanzas and 17 Barons, in the 55 minute formation flight on July 20th from KLSE to KOSH. Thousands of people, each year, line the runway at KOSH awaiting the arrival of this incredible group of Beechcraft as they land 3 abreast on the KOSH runway until all the aircraft in the huge formation have landed safely. The entire group then taxis single file to the North 40 camping area where they enjoy each other's camaraderie along with all the annual EAA Airventure activities.
Mike Franceus, the Chairman/Founder of The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation, said that its 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.
Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation ▪ 2268 Fox Hollow Dr, Temperance, MI 48182 ▪ Phone: (734) 292-5251
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