EAA’s Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet honors American Heritage Museum PBY Catalina on December 11

A historic World War Two aircraft will be the centerpiece of this year’s EAA Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet in Oshkosh.

The December 11, 2026 event will feature the Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, currently displayed in the EAA Aviation Museum’s Eagle Hangar.

Built in 1941, the amphibious aircraft flew anti-submarine patrol and air-sea rescue missions during World War Two. According to EAA, its combat record included three-and-a-half German U-boat kills.

The aircraft also received the Grand Champion World War Two Lindy award at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year.

Rob Collings, executive director and chief pilot of the Collings Foundation, will discuss the aircraft’s history and restoration.

Doors open at five p.m. December eleventh, with dinner at six-thirty and the presentation afterward.

Tickets cost $85 for EAA members and $100 for nonmembers. Tickets are available through EAA’s website.