Charles Hammes of Bettendorf, was honored with a Gold “Lindy” award, one of recreational aviation’s highest distinctions, at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Mr. Hammes received the Gold Lindy in the Homebuilt/Kitbuilt category for his Van’s RV‑8. This places his aircraft among fewer than 75 top award recipients selected from more than 2,500 showplanes judged at EAA AirVenture. The show is the world’s largest fly-in convention.
EAA presents Lindy awards for exceptional achievements in aircraft construction and restoration, recognizing them with top accolades globally. Awards are given for Grand Champion (Gold), Reserve Grand Champion (Silver), and Champion (Bronze) aircraft across 11 diverse categories, including homebuilt aircraft, vintage airplanes, warbirds and ultralights.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” serves as EAA’s membership convention. For more information, including advance ticket and camping purchases, visit www.EAA.org/airventure.
The EAA, based in Oshkosh, fosters The Spirit of Aviation through its engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. Its 300,000 members and 900 local chapters share a passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information, call (800) JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.
