Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware: A Free Youth Aviation & STEAM Experience

In celebration of National Aviation Day, Aviation Influence (AVi) is proud to announce that Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware, hosted and supported by Atlantic Aviation (venue host) and the Delaware River and Bay Authority, with presenting partners Black Women in Aviation and the Delaware Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. It will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Wilmington Airport (ILG). The event features record-breaking aviator Jamail Larkins and our LIMITLESS partner, flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute, offering a free, family-friendly youth aviation and STEAM experience for 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 the world of 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 & 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 A&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 & Photo Experiences
• Static Aircraft, Helicopters & 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 & Administration at [email protected].