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Oshkosh Flying Memories

A trio of standout flights to EAA AirVenture show how we remember these moments even when times are rough.

The author in the midst of formation training in front of the Nanchang CJ-6A she flew into AirVenture. [Photo: Julie Boatman]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author highlights EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh) as a powerful source of vivid, lasting memories, particularly those associated with unique flying experiences, contrasting with the memory-dulling effect of the pandemic.
  • Key memorable Oshkosh fly-in moments recounted include a challenging first arrival in 1996 that required landing at Fond du Lac, a thrilling "Warbird Arrival" in a Nanchang CJ-6A, and a precise "hover-taxi" landing of a new Cessna Skycatcher in 2010.
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When you do something new, your brain recalls it with clarity. I think that’s why EAA AirVenture—Oshkosh—has formed a touchstone for my memories of summer for the 25 years I’ve made the pilgrimage.

I’ve read recently about the effect the pandemic has had on our memory, as we’ve gone from a world that moves us around—taking us new places and showing us new faces—to one that stops at the mailbox and inbox. We have trouble encoding memories into our long-term storage—and recalling them with accuracy—when the background remains the same day after day.

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