Spotlight Print the Legend – Call for Papers Now Open!
Closing date 31 October 2025
Aviation Cultures Conference Inc. is proud to announce its upcoming “Searchlight” event, Print the Legend, to be held online on 27–28 February 2026. This conference invites scholars, historians, biographers, practitioners and enthusiasts to explore the fascinating intersection of fact and fiction in aviation history. Inspired by the iconic quote, “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend,” the event will delve into how narratives are crafted, myths are perpetuated, and legends are born in the world of aviation.
This larger-scale “Searchlight” event builds on the success of our “Spotlight” series, and will offer a broad investigation into the stories that shape our understanding of all aspects of aviation – people, places and things. From the art of storytelling and the influence of media to ethical challenges of biography writing and the evolution of legendary figures, this event will provide a platform for critical reflection and lively discussion. We welcome papers that interrogate the boundaries between truth and legend, and that contribute to a richer, more nuanced understanding of aviation’s cultural legacy.
Topics can include, but are not restricted to:
- Crafting Narratives & the Art of Storytelling: Exploring how compelling narratives are crafted while maintaining accuracy. Balancing factual integrity with engaging storytelling, and using fiction to reveal truths.
- From Myth to Reality: Famous aviation myths, their origins, and their impact on historical understanding.
- Biography & Navigating Bias & Subjectivity: Challenges faced in maintaining objectivity, and strategies for recognising and mitigating personal biases.
- Unmasking the Legends: The real stories behind aviation icons – contrasting legends with documented facts.
- Influence of Media in shaping Aviation History: How media shapes public perception of aviation and the role of sensationalism in distorting history.
- Ethics in Aviation History: Navigating sensitive topics and ethical dilemmas without compromising narrative integrity
- Evolving Legends & Norms: How aviation figures become icons – shifts in perception and publishing norms over time
Please email abstracts (200 words) to info@aviationcultures.org by 31 October 2025.
Include the subject line: “Print the Legend Abstract” and include your name, affiliation (if applicable), email address, title of paper, and a short biography (100 words). Presentations / papers are to be 15 minutes in length. Registration is free for everyone.