First Fly-In Episode! Aviation Explorers Post 8000 – Ottawa, Kansas | Wingspan Adventures and Flight, Airport Code KOWI.
- Nathan Schrock
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hello everyone, Nathan here! I’m thrilled to share one of our most exciting adventures yet—the very first Fly-In episode for Wingspan Adventures and Flight! On April 12th, 2025, we had the privilege to attend and film the first of 2025's Aviation Explorers Post 8000 Fly-In at Ottawa Municipal Airport in Ottawa, Kansas. Airport code KOWI—and what an unforgettable day it was!
This episode is packed with beautifully maintained aircraft, passionate pilots, and the kinds of real-world aviation stories that remind us why we fell in love with flying in the first place. Whether you’re a pilot, a student, an aircraft builder, or simply an aviation enthusiast, this video was made for you.
🎥 From polished experimental builds to rare vintage high-wing trainers, we captured an incredible range of flying machines. Along the way, we share unique aircraft histories, highlight the craftsmanship behind each airframe, and spotlight the pilots and builders who keep these incredible aircraft alive and in the skies.
🛬 As the sun began to set and Fly-In attendees started departing, we reflected on the amazing connections made that day—including an inspiring new friendship with Alexandro, a certified flight instructor and pilot who’s helping lead the next generation of aviators.
✈️ Featured Aircraft Lineup
We filmed an incredible variety of aircraft, and here’s the order they appear in the video:
Cessna 182R
1976 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee
2024 Russ Moore RANS S-21 Outbound
1972 Bellanca 7KCAB Citabria
Homebuilt Van's RV-10 (Brand New!)
1945 Aeronca 7CCM (L-16)
1965 Alon A2
1965 Piper PA-28-180
2013 Vans RV-7
2005 Vans RV-9
1977 Piper PA-28-140
1958 Cessna 175
2005 Diamond DA40
1957 Cessna 172
1965 Cessna 172G
1968 Champion 7KCAB
Plus Departures, Reflections, and a Sneak Peek at What's Coming Next!
🎥 Behind the Camera: Our Equipment
Here’s the gear we used to bring this aviation story to life:
Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM: Check it out
GoPro Action Cameras for in-flight video: Check them out
DJI Mavic 3 Pro for aerial shots: View here
DJI Mini 3 Pro for tight aerial shots: View here
New DJI Mini 4 Pro for cinematic angles: View here
Every frame you see is captured authentically—no recycled clips, no stock footage. Just real people, real planes, and real moments.
🎓 Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators
At Wingspan Adventures and Flight, one of our biggest missions is inspiring the next generation. Aviation is accessible—you don’t have to be rich, famous, or lucky. Whether you want to fly, build, film, or wrench on airplanes, there’s a place for you in this incredible community. If you know a young person with even a hint of interest in aviation, I hope you’ll share this video with them. Together, let’s keep aviation’s spirit alive.
🔥 What’s Coming Next?
Get ready—because in our next episode, we’re taking you to a private airfield in Kansas that few have seen. Dozens of abandoned aircraft sit quietly in the grass, including multi-engine aircraft, old jets, and even a DC-3 scheduled for restoration.
We’ll be following the restoration journey of that DC-3—and its military variant, the C-47—in future episodes. You won't want to miss it. This is aviation history you can feel.
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