OSHKOSH, Wisconsin (July 2026) — The Dominican Republic reinforced its growing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s leading aviation destinations during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the world’s largest aviation gathering. The country showcased not only its world-class aviation tourism infrastructure but also the remarkable progress of its domestic aircraft assembly industry.
The event, held from July 20–26, 2026, welcomed hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts, pilots, manufacturers, students, and industry professionals from around the globe.
Dominican Republic Promotes Aviation Tourism
Throughout the week, the Dominican Airport Department (Departamento Aeroportuario), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, operated one of the event’s most visited international booths.
Pilots planning Caribbean flights received information on:
- Flying privately to the Dominican Republic
- Entry procedures for general aviation aircraft
- Airport services and pilot assistance
- Customs and immigration processes
- Aviation-friendly destinations across the country
- Tourism attractions for visiting pilots and passengers
The Dominican Republic continues to promote itself as one of the easiest and most welcoming destinations in the Caribbean for private and recreational aviation.
Private Aviation Protocol Simplifies Flying to the Dominican Republic
Visitors also learned about the country’s Private Non-Commercial Aviation Protocol, designed to simplify international arrivals for general aviation aircraft.
The protocol streamlines:
- Aircraft arrival coordination
- Ground handling services
- Pilot assistance
- Passenger processing
- Airport information management
- Flight dispatch support
These improvements have made the Dominican Republic increasingly attractive to private pilots, aviation clubs, and aircraft owners flying throughout the Caribbean.
Dominican-Built Van’s RV-8 Displayed at Oshkosh
One of the biggest attractions at the Dominican pavilion was the Van’s RV-8 experimental aircraft, assembled in the Dominican Republic.
The aircraft was built by Dominican aviators:
- Carlos Sanlley
- Alejandro Marranzini
- Andrés Sánchez
The project represents a significant milestone in the country’s emerging aircraft assembly industry.
The aircraft is officially registered with the Dominican Civil Aviation Authority and became only the second Dominican experimental aircraft to successfully complete an international flight.
After departing the Dominican Republic, the RV-8 completed an ambitious journey across international airspace and water before arriving safely in Oshkosh.
Five Years of Engineering and Craftsmanship
According to project leader Carlos Sanlley, the aircraft took approximately five years to complete.
Although Van’s Aircraft kits provide major structural components—including the fuselage, wings, empennage, and engine package—the assembly process requires far more than simply putting parts together.
Builders must:
- Fabricate numerous custom components
- Perform precision metalwork
- Complete complex systems installation
- Meet strict aviation safety standards
- Pass official inspections before certification
“It is much more than assembling components,” Sanlley explained. “Many parts must be manufactured and fitted according to precise engineering specifications.”
The successful completion of the aircraft demonstrates the technical capabilities now being developed within the Dominican Republic’s aviation sector.
Tribute to Dominican Aviation Pioneer Franklin Polanco
The Dominican delegation also honored the memory of Franklin Polanco, one of the country’s most influential aviation pioneers, who recently passed away.
Representing Airport Department Executive Director Víctor Pichardo, Deputy Director Luis Cabrera paid tribute during the event.
“Today we honor Franklin Polanco, whom I consider the father of modern Dominican aviation. He dedicated his life to aviation and left an extraordinary legacy for our country.”
Polanco’s contributions helped inspire generations of Dominican pilots and aviation professionals.
Oshkosh: The World’s Largest Aviation Celebration
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is widely regarded as the largest aviation event in the world.
The annual gathering features:
- General aviation
- Military aviation
- Historic aircraft
- Experimental aircraft
- Homebuilt airplanes
- Ultralight aviation
- Seaplanes
- Aerobatic demonstrations
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Educational workshops
- Aviation technology exhibits
According to event organizers, the 2026 edition recorded one of the highest attendance figures in its history, attracting visitors from dozens of countries.
Dominican Republic Continues to Expand Its Aviation Industry
The Dominican Republic’s presence at Oshkosh reflects the country’s broader strategy to become a regional leader in aviation.
With modern airports, pilot-friendly procedures, expanding aviation tourism, and now locally assembled aircraft earning international recognition, the nation continues strengthening its position within the global general aviation community.
The successful exhibition of the Dominican-built Van’s RV-8 represents an important milestone for local engineering talent and highlights the growing potential of aircraft manufacturing and assembly in the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic booth at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 became one of the event’s busiest international exhibits, welcoming pilots and aviation enthusiasts interested in flying to the Caribbean
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