Online, 27-28 February 2026
Print the Legend will be held online on 27–28 February 2026. This will have scholars, historians, biographers, practitioners and enthusiasts exploring 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. Attendance is free but prior registration is essential.
So, what can you expect from this free event? Print the Legend will be held online on 27 and 28 February, and features 3 sessions across 2 days, with 11 presentations from around the globe. Take a look at the session program below to see what’s in store!
Friday 27 February | 9:00–11:00am Brisbane
(Thursday 26 February | 11:00pm London | 6:00pm US East Coast)
- Amanda Laugesen – Australia
Flying War Stories: Australian Aviation War Memoirs, Publishing, and the Evolution of the Genre - Kristen Alexander – Australia
Framing the Legend: Clive Caldwell’s Photographic Archive - Guillaume de Syon – USA
Hot Air Stories? Figuring out the “Real” Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin - Jeffrey Schultz – USA
From Pariah to Prophet: Reappraising Billy Mitchell
Friday 27 February | 6:30–8:30pm Brisbane
(Friday 27 February | 8:30am London | 3:00am US East Coast)
- Alessandro Pesaro – UK
Pippo the Phantom Aircraft: Aviation Lore in Second World War Italy - Ian Castle – UK
Will the Real von Buttlar Please Stand Up? - Dan Ellin – UK
“Jerry Was Firing Scarecrows to Panic Us”: The Legend of the Scarecrow Flare - Brett Holman – Australia
When Was the Red Baron?
Saturday 28 February | 6:30–8:30pm Brisbane
(Saturday 28 February | 8:30am London | 3:00am US East Coast)
- Adrian Constable – UK
Three Legendary Airline Characters of the 1930s - James Jefferies & James Kightly – UK & Australia
Fictional Facts: Where Fiction Tells the Truth – British Aerial Stories from Biggles to A Piece of Cake - Helen Doe – UK
The Legend of Bob Stanford Tuck: An Analysis
Standby for more details on the speakers and their topics in the coming days. We can’t wait to see you all online. And as always, thank you to the University of Southern Queensland!