Amid a record-breaking year for attendees at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, held from July 25 to 31, Canadians once again had a strong showing in the world’s most prestigious awards program dedicated to General Aviation. This includes the unique 1942 Canadian-built Westland Lysander, represented at Oshkosh by pilot Dave Hadfield, powered by the only Bristol Mercury XX engine operating in Canada, that earned five awards.

The EAA AirVenture Lindy Awards program focuses on six categories: Homebuilts, Warbirds, Vintage, Rotorcraft, Ultralights, and Seaplanes. Entrants can be considered for only one category in a given year, and are not eligible for the same or any lower-tier awards if they have won in the past.

Looks are considered in award judging, explains EAA, but the quality of craftsmanship, maintenance, construction or restoration of the aircraft are crucial factors. Below are the 2022 Canadian award winners. More details of their achievements can be seen in the September issue of COPA Flight.

Warbirds

Best Liaison Aircraft (plus Silver Wrench), Phoenix Award (plus Silver Wrench), Judge’s Appreciation
David Hadfield, Utopia, Ontario, and Vintage Wings of Canada, Gatineau, Quebec
Westland Lysander, CF-VZZ

Ultralights

Reserve Grand Champion Light Sport, Silver Lindy
Ryan Neufeld, Morden, Manitoba
Murphy Renegade, CF-VRI

Homebuilts

Stan Dzik Memorial Award for Outstanding Design Contribution
Erick O’Connor, Cold Lake, Alberta
F1 Rocket, C-FGXB

Kit Outstanding Workmanship, Plaques
Stephen Thorne, Toronto, Ontario
Van’s RV-14, C-FCGA

Plans Outstanding Workmanship, Plaques
Scott Knolton, Burlington, Ontario
Pietenpol Air Camper C-FPET

Vinatge, Contemporary (1956-1970)

Outstanding Maule
Warwick Patterson, Squamish, British Columbia
1965 Maule M-4, CF-AAI

Outstanding Multi Engine, Bronze Lindy
Francois Marquis, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec
1968 Piper PA-30, CF-TWK

Vinatge, Classic (September 1945-1955)

Custom Class C (151-235 hp), Small Plaque
Victor Danielli Chesley, Ontario
1947 Navion, C-GDVA