OSHKOSH, Wis. — If you look up at EAA AirVenture, there’s always a plane flying in the sky or planted on the ground for all to see, but tucked away in a corner booth, there’s a plane made just for kids. It’s the Pedal Plane, which is similar to a bicycle. 

Gary Sampson took over Pedal Planes by Aviation Products company 20 years ago. He comes all the way from Cedar Rapids, Iowa each year for EAA. He said it’s a tradition to have an area where kids can play at the week-long event. It’s also a bit nostalgic for the adults that pass by. 

“We have a lot of adults come by who remember playing in these airplanes,” said Sampson. 

Sampson said they sell the pedal planes as a whole or in kits so families can build and customize the plane together. 

“We’re trying to plant seeds so they have interest in aviation, science and so forth,” said Sampson. 

The Pedal Plane booth is a popular spot for young children. Two-year-old Madz Johnson tried out all the planes on display. This is something that makes his father, Mike Johnson, happy because he’s an aviation enthusiast. 

“The fact that kids can do kids stuff,” said Johnson. “If I could do this when I was his age, they’d have to pull me off the airplane.”

Sampson said he’s a pilot, but he also designed aircraft parts for 30-plus years. The Pedal Planes are a passion project for him now that he’s retired. He wants to continue educating the youth on all things aviation. 

He said this year they have enough orders to keep them busy for the rest of the year. For more information on the Pedal Planes, click here.