Day 3 of the Airshow has a Wholesome Start

The Kiddy Pedal Plane Parade has been running annually at EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture for the last five years. Its debut in 2018 was a last-second decision, but it managed to pull together a 31-person pedal plane crew. In 2019, the gathering pulled together a Guinness World Record attempt of 51 pedal planes. It is irresistibly wholesome, making it an AirVenture fan-favorite as it continues to grow.

Hundreds of spectators take to the outskirts of Celebration Way to view the parade. It consists of a short loop over the painted compass, then a trip to Boeing Plaza for a group photo. For the time it occurs, the event is all “ooh”s to the pedal planes and “aww”s to their “pilots”.

Not only is this event the most wholesome part of AirVenture, but it is also one of the most unique learning opportunities. Dan Workman, the so-called “Pedal Boss” of the parade, notes that builders “start to learn the basic skills that any homebuilder is going to need to be able to build their own aircraft.” So, although these planes may not take flight, the process can help builders learn how to construct one that will.

This year, the EAA decided to congratulate builders on their achievements with the Best Builder Awards. There were two categories: open class (built from scratch) and Aviation Products class (kit building).

The open class Grand Champion was Dan Noyes with his Cessna 140. Built for his granddaughter, who is (ironically) named Piper, the pedal plane featured functioning landing and strobe lights, an adjustable propeller, and a 3D-printed engine. For the Aviation Products kit class, Mike Ryszkiewics was named Grand Champion with his Piper J3 Cub. It was “piloted” by his 4-year-old daughter.

During a week full of chaos, danger, and excitement, seeing the Kiddy Pedal Plane Parade was the relief everyone needed.

FMI: www.pedalplanekits.com