A Historic Journey to Oshkosh

Dominican-Built RV-8 Flyes to #OSH2026

Some flights are measured in nautical miles., Others are measured by the lives they honor.

This summer, a remarkable aircraft departed La Isabela International Airport (MDJB) on an ambitious journey to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (KOSH)—the world’s largest aviation gathering. But this was far more than another cross-country adventure. A Dream Built in the Dominican Republic.

The aircraft itself represents a milestone for Dominican aviation.

The Van’s RV-8, registration HI1121EX, was fully assembled in the Dominican Republic, the result of years of dedication, craftsmanship, and passion by its owner and builder, Alejandro Marranzini.

Building an experimental aircraft is never simply about assembling aluminum, rivets, and engines. It is about transforming a dream into something capable of crossing countries, cultures, and continents.

The Crew

This historic mission brought together an exceptional team of Dominican aviators:

• Alejandro Marranzini
• Andrés Sánchez
• Carlos Sanlley
• Carlos Medrano
• Rico Polanco, Son of Franklin Polanco Sr.

Together, they represent the spirit of camaraderie, professionalism, and adventure that defines general aviation.

Flying in Memory of Franklin Polanco

For everyone involved, the destination was only part of the mission.

The flight was dedicated to the memory of Franklin Polanco, pilot, communicator, aviation promoter, mentor, and friend to countless aviators around the world.

Throughout his life, Franklin became one of the Dominican Republic’s strongest advocates for general aviation. Whether helping international pilots plan Caribbean adventures, supporting aviation organizations, mentoring young aviators, or promoting Dominican aviation abroad, he believed aviation was ultimately about people.

His influence reached far beyond the cockpit.

His work earned recognition from the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), which honored him by naming the main auditorium of the Higher Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA) after him, recognizing his extraordinary contribution to Dominican aviation.

From MDJB to KOSH

Every pilot knows that Oshkosh is unlike any other destination.

Each summer, thousands of aircraft converge on Wittman Regional Airport, creating the largest gathering of aviators anywhere in the world.

Arriving there in an aircraft conceived, built, and flown from the Dominican Republic is an achievement in itself.

Doing so while honoring the memory of Franklin Polanco gives the journey an even deeper meaning.

Every landing, every fuel stop, every crossing carried with it the message that Dominican aviation continues to grow, innovate, and inspire.

Continuing Franklin’s Mission

Franklin Polanco always believed that the Dominican Republic belonged on the world aviation map.

He spent decades helping visiting pilots discover the country while encouraging Dominican aviators to dream bigger, fly farther, and proudly represent their nation wherever they landed.

That vision lives on through flights like this one.

The RV-8’s journey from MDJB to KOSH is more than an impressive cross-country expedition—it is proof that the next generation of Dominican aviators continues to build upon the foundation Franklin helped create.

More Than a Flight

This story is about much more than an airplane.

It is about friendship.

It is about perseverance.

It is about building something extraordinary with your own hands.

It is about carrying the Dominican flag into one of aviation’s most iconic events.

Most importantly, it is about ensuring that the legacy of Franklin Polanco continues to inspire every pilot who looks toward the horizon and believes the next destination is always within reach.

It carried the dreams of Dominican aviation—and the enduring legacy of a man who spent his life helping others take flight.