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In celebration of National Aviation Day, Aviation Influence (AVi) announces that Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware. Hosted by Atlantic Aviation and supported by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the event will take place Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Wilmington Airport (ILG). This free, family-friendly youth aviation and STEAM event expects over 1,200 attendees."We are proud to host this year's Take FLIGHT with AVi in partnership with Atlantic Aviation. The mission of familiarizing young people with aviation is so important and will hopefully inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams," said Ben Clendaniel, director of Airport Operations.Jamail Larkins made history at just 14 years old, becoming the youngest American to solo a powered aircraft — an extraordinary feat accomplished in Canada due to U.S. age restrictions. By 16, he became the first student pilot to solo the groundbreaking Cirrus SR Series aircraft. By 18, he was certified as an airshow performer, opening shows for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. By 21, he performed aerobatic routines on national primetime television and in front of crowds rivaling Major League Baseball stadiums. Before graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Jamail was appointed the first-ever FAA Ambassador for Aviation andamp; Space Education, traveling nationwide to inspire young Americans and leading AviationStart, the largest scholarship resource for aspiring aviation professionals.Returning emcees this year include two inspiring leaders in aviation:Lyndse Costabile, entrepreneur, pilot, aviation advocate, and co-founder of Aviation Influence. Lyndse also secured and pilots the aircraft Lady Liberty, which has become AVi's flying platform for mission-based work and youth outreach.Samantha Mitchell, FAA-certified Aandamp;P, founder and president of Black Women in Aviation, author, leadership speaker, and the first female Aircraft Maintenance Technician for Air Jamaica."We're excited to take flight with this year's event, the evolution of our past Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) events offering so much more! Aviation Influence couldn't do this without our amazing sponsors and our dedicated board members, volunteers and staff. We look forward to inspiring the next generation," shared Ian Lumpp, Board Chair, Aviation Influence.In addition to the keynote and emcees, the event will feature:
Hands-on STEAM activities and interactive exhibits
Sectional Chart Scavenger Hunt
Paper Airplane Challenge andamp; Photo Experiences
Static Aircraft, Helicopters andamp; Equipment Displays
Surprise Historic Aircraft Appearances, including a 90-year-old warbird flyover
An Author's Corner and Special Guest Aviation Influencers
Catered lunch, swag bags, giveaways, and raffle prizes
Digital Silent Auction (opens one week before the event)"I'm thrilled that flyGATEWAY is teaming up with Aviation Influence for Take?FLIGHT with?AVi. This event provides the kind of experiences that spark young people's interest in aviation. It's a perfect fit with our mission to deliver accessible, innovative flight training," expressed Brad Snyder, Chief Instructor, flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute.Advance registration is required at www.aviationinfluence.org; no walk-ins permitted. Youth ages 8-17 are encouraged to attend. Schools, academies, scout troops, and homeschool groups can contact
[email protected] for group registration support.AVi is working toward a fundraising goal of $28,750 to keep these events 100% free. Donations, sponsorships, and silent auction contributions directly support the event and future scholarships.Interested in sponsoring, exhibiting, or supporting? Visit https://aviationinfluence.org/september-event-ilg or contact Maricarin Minnock, Development, Corporate Relations andamp; Administration at
[email protected].