As far back as he can remember, flying was important to Ray Franke Jr.

The Moore Township resident remembers time spent flying with his father in a Cessna aircraft, which he ultimately learned to fly.

His father, Ray Franke Sr., was a senior pilot with Bethlehem Steel and a trained aircraft mechanic. As a child, Franke spent a lot of time with his father learning the tools of the trade.

Franke said he remembers flying out to the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Airventure Oshkosh Fly-in Convention with his father. With each trip, they both found themselves further in love with aviation.

The EAA boasts a membership of more than 160,000 aviation enthusiasts who connect internationally through networking, outreach opportunities and sponsored events. Once a year, the EAA is host to the world's largest fly-in event at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis., known as the EAA Airventure Oshkosh.

The event has evolved considerably since September 1953, when it took place in a small part of Milwaukee. Only a few airplanes and just 150 spectators gathered for the first EAA Airventure.

Since then, the fly-in has outgrown several different locations. Now, it averages about 500,000 aviators and 10,000 airplanes ranging from war birds and vintage planes to homebuilts and other restored aircraft.

Enthusiasts can learn new ideas and techniques, attend workshops, meet with fellow aviators and share their passion with people from all over the world.

Franke and his friend Chris Getz attended this year's EAA Airventure, which began July 29.

Getz wanted his aerobatic airplane to be judged in competition. Due to the small cargo capacity of Getz's plane, Franke offered to haul their belongings in his 1953 Cessna 195B, a larger, five-seater jet, said Franke, who has been flying professionally for 24 years. Currently, he serves as a captain at Spirit Airlines, based out of Atlantic City, N.J.

When they arrived, Franke decided he may as well enter his plane just to see how it would fare. Due to obligations back home, however, Franke and Getz left Aug. 2, two days before the convention ended.

On Aug. 4, Franke was shocked to learn he had won the prestigious bronze Lindy award (named after Charles Lindbergh) for Class IV (planes with more than 236 horsepower engines).

EAA presents grand champion (gold), reserve grand champion (silver) and champion (bronze) in 11 categories for achievement in construction and/or restoration. Competition for these prestigious awards is fierce, with nearly 3,000 show planes eligible for judging.

Franke acquired his 1953 Cessna 195B three years ago from a U.S. Airways pilot who had owned it for 20 years. When it was new, the plane was the equivalent of a corporate jet. It was not generally flown by individuals but rather by corporate executives and business owners.

In 1953, it was considered to be state of the art in aviation technology. The now 60-year-old aircraft needed minor engine work when Franke bought it, but it was flyable for the trip home from Pittsburgh, said Franke, who became a became a certified aircraft mechanic in 1988, a year after he obtained his pilot's license.

Most of the work it needed was merely cosmetic, however. It required new interior Plexiglas, a new headliner, new carpets and a reupholstering. The aircraft had been painted in 1967 and, with a good polish and a little elbow grease, it shined like new.

It took about two years to restore the airplane to a condition that met Franke's standards.

"It makes smoke and noise at start up and just a great noise at takeoff," said Franke, smiling. "Reminds me of a classic Harley."

He would like to do Airventure next year, schedule permitting. His Cessna is ineligible for another bronze Lindy for several years, but he could receive the silver or gold if he makes some minor cosmetic improvements.

"My wife, Melissa, has always been very supportive of my 'aviation disease,' as I like to call it," Franke said. "And my three children, Robyn, Abby and Ryan, all in the Northampton Area School District, love to fly with me, and we've made many memories taking it out on small day trips here and there."

When Franke learned of his win, he and his family celebrated with a nice family dinner out.

Franke said he has owned and sold many planes in his lifetime, but none quite as special as this one.

He knows one day, just like the previous owner, he will make the decision to pass his award-winning plane onto a new owner.

"Somewhere, someone right now is not aware of it yet, but they're going to one day own this beautiful plane that has brought me a lot of joy, and they will make their own memories in it. We are all just caretakers for these classic airplanes," he said. "They will live on forever with the next generation of 195 enthusiasts who will cherish it like I do."