Free youth aviation event to take place Sept. 27 at Wilmington Airport
In celebration of National Aviation Day Aug. 19, Aviation Influence announced its Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware event will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, at Wilmington Airport. The event will feature record-breaking aviator Jamail Larkins and Avi partner, flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute, offering a free, family-friendly youth aviation and STEAM experience for more than 1,200 attendees.
The day will be hosted and supported by Atlantic Aviation and the Delaware River and Bay Authority, with presenting partners Black Women in Aviation and the Delaware Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.
“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, DRBA 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 air show 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 those at Major League Baseball stadiums. Before graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Larkins was appointed as the very first 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 is an entrepreneur, pilot, aviation advocate and co-founder of Aviation Influence. Costabile also secured and pilots the aircraft Lady Liberty, which has become AVi’s flying platform for mission-based work and youth outreach. Samantha Mitchell is an FAA-certified airframe and powerplant mechanic, 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 events, offering so much more. We look forward to inspiring the next generation,” said Ian Lumpp, Aviation Influence board chair.
In addition to the keynote and emcees, the event will feature: hands-on STEAM activities and interactive exhibits; a sectional chart scavenger hunt; paper airplane challenge and photo experiences; static aircraft, helicopters and 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; and a digital silent auction that opens one week before the event.
Advance registration is required at aviationinfluence.org; no walk-ins will be permitted. Youth ages 8-17 are encouraged to attend. Schools, academies, scout troops and homeschool groups can contact takeflight@aviationinfluence.org for group registration support.
