When guests gathered at the KF Centre for Excellence this June to celebrate the premiere of Odyssey 86 – 90 Years of the DC-3, they witnessed a remarkable chapter of Canadian aviation history brought back to life.
What many may not realize is that much of the documentary’s storytelling was made possible by footage captured nearly four decades ago by one of the expedition’s crew members, filmmaker and adventurer Peter “Peru” Chrzanowski.
Although Peter was unable to attend the premiere in person, his presence was felt throughout the evening.
As part of the 1986 Odyssey flight around the world, Peter documented the journey from behind the camera, capturing moments that have since become invaluable pieces of aviation history. His footage helped preserve the story of the Douglas DC-3’s global adventure and provided a firsthand window into the challenges, triumphs, and personalities that made the expedition possible.
The Odyssey 86 journey saw a Canadian crew fly a restored Douglas DC-3 around the world in support of Expo 86, visiting dozens of countries and showcasing Canadian innovation and aviation excellence on a global stage. Forty years later, Peter’s footage remains one of the most important visual records of that extraordinary journey.
For those who know Peter’s story, his role aboard the flight was only one chapter in a life defined by adventure.
Born in Krakow, Poland, and later immigrating to Canada, Peter developed a passion for exploration at an early age. A formative overland expedition through South America with his family sparked a lifelong pursuit of adventure that would lead him to become an extreme skier, climber, paraglider pilot, filmmaker, journalist, and expedition leader.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Peter participated in and documented pioneering ski mountaineering expeditions around the world, often combining exploration with filmmaking. His unique ability to tell stories through both words and images made him a natural fit for the Odyssey 86 crew.
Today, Peter continues to share his experiences through writing and storytelling. His recently published autobiography, I Survived Myself, chronicles a lifetime of adventure, close calls, perseverance, and personal growth.
The book offers readers a deeper look into the experiences that shaped the man behind the camera and provides insight into the adventurous spirit that made projects like Odyssey 86 possible.
The KF Centre for Excellence is grateful to Peter for sharing his archival footage and helping preserve this important chapter of Canadian aviation history. Thanks to his work, visitors of the KF Centre can experience the story of Odyssey 86 and gain a greater appreciation for the people who carried Canada’s aviation story around the world.
Visitors can learn more about the Douglas DC-3 and the Odyssey 86 journey by visiting the exhibit at the KF Centre for Excellence and viewing the documentary in-person as part of the Centre’s summer programming.
