Register

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 emphasizes EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh) as a crucial source of vivid summer memories, highlighting how the brain more clearly recalls new experiences, contrasting this with the pandemic's effect on memory due to routine.
  • Memorable fly-in experiences include the author's challenging first trip in 1996 (landing at a nearby airport due to full capacity) and a thrilling "Warbird Arrival" in a Nanchang CJ-6A.
  • Another standout memory involves expertly flying a new Cessna 162 Skycatcher into the show, performing a tight approach and a precise "hover-taxi" landing on a designated runway spot under air traffic control direction.
See a mistake? Contact us.

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.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE