Many of you have been following Dave Tillema's journey to Oshkosh 2022. As Ben Sclair, publisher of General Aviation News, reported "...Dave is planning to touch down in all 48 contiguous states in the U.S. along the way [to Oshkosh].
"Most of us want to get from home to OSH as efficiently as possible for the show — especially with fuel prices being what they are. Apparently Texan Dave Tillema didn’t get that memo."
As we shared last week, Dave Tillema, has begun his dream journey in the aircraft that he built himself: Flying to Oshkosh, Wisconsin (for the EAA AirVenture fly-in) by way of all lower 48 states in his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer light sport aircraft, and has made significant progress in the first week.
Yesterday's flight included crossing the Mississippi River as the journey continued eastward, ending the day in northwest Florida.
Yesterday also marked the 4-year anniversary of the date Dave started building his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer. On July 12 & 13, 2018, Dave and Laura attended a hands-on workshop class at the Zenith kit factory to build the rudder tail section of what would become their "Jumbo" N747T CH 750 Cruzer. First flight was the following year, and now Dave is on his way to Oshkosh 2022 via 48 states! What a fantastic journey!
Follow Dave live on Flight Aware as he makes his way to Oshkosh, sometimes having to divert around weather, as seen here leaving Peter Prince Field (Milton, Florida) on his way northeast this morning, and having to alter his route around storms, stopping at Albertville, Alabama, before continuing Northeast to Georgia, stopping for lunch today at Gilmer Country Airport in northern Georgia, and now on his way into North Carolina (after passing through South Carolina).
Dave has been very appreciative of the help and support received and the friendships made so far along the journey. "Fellow Zenith builder/pilot Bill Fahey and Jan & Alissa (from Viking Aircraft Engines) have been tirelessly coordinating logistics en route, and I continue to appreciate any and all hospitality, accommodations and/or fuel along the journey to Oshkosh," stated Dave.
How can you follow and help Dave complete the "48 State Challenge" flight to Oshkosh 2022?
  • Follow Dave LIVE on Flight Aware as he makes his way to Oshkosh
  • Join his Facebook group, 48 State Challenge, for updates and for details on how to follow him along his "48 State Challenge" flight to Oshkosh 2022
  • Donate directly to the project to help cover some of his expenses.
  • Check the route, and if you're close by, offer hospitality, accommodations and/or auto fuel at one of his stops along the journey.
  • Join his Texxas 750 Cruzer group for ongoing updates about him and his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer.
  • Visit with Dave at Oshkosh, to meet with him and see his airplane (at the Viking booth in the North Aircraft Display area).
  • Share with your friends, especially those living near where he plans to fly.
Carson Stilson put together this great video introduction on Dave Tillema's "48 State Challenge" inviting you to get involved: "If you're somewhere along his flight-path, stop by to say HI and maybe bring him some breakfast, or something. Blue skies and tailwinds, Dave."
Video Updates Viking Aircraft Engines, the company behind the popular 130-hp Viking (Honda) engine with variable pitch propeller system, has been posting and sharing daily video updates of Dave's journey, covering the past day's progress and plans for the next day. Check out the videos.
Coming to Oshkosh? Dave Tillema will be a special guest at the Zenith Banquet on Thursday evening (July 28). Be sure to join us at the informal Banquet, celebrating Zenith's 30th anniversary, at at The Mineshaft Oshkosh (across from the airport).
We'll be sharing more details about Zenith Aircraft activities and events at Oshkosh next week, as we prepare to be part of world’s greatest aviation celebration!