By Mike Franceus
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 La Crosse, Wisconsin, just prior to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 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 at top of mind at all times.
Larry 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 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 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 20 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 three 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 AirVenture activities.
Mike Franceus, the chairman and 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.
Beginning in September 2024 and each year moving forward, The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation will accept nominations for its yearly Aviation Spirit Award through a nomination form posted on its website, DebbieFlies.com. The Aviation Spirit Award will be presented nationwide each July, in conjunction with the Foundation’s yearly Aviation Scholarship Awards given to aspiring female flight students and certificated female pilots working on advanced ratings as they pursue their dreams to fly.
Pilots and nonpilots, men and women, are eligible that meet the Aviation Spirit Award’s criteria and that exemplify its meaning:
The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation’s “Aviation Spirit Award”
“For selfless contributions in creating an environment that fosters camaraderie and encourages Aviators to reach for the sky, pursue their dreams and share the true spirit that aviation represents”
For more information about The Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation and its Aviation Spirit Award, please visit DebbieFlies.com.
For more information about Bonanzas to Oshkosh (B2Osh), its yearly formation flight, and regional training clinics, please visit B2Osh.org.