Aviation Influence Expands Youth Outreach With Take FLIGHT At Wilmington Airport

Youth can explore hands-on activities at Take FLIGHT with AVi event. (Girls in Aviation Day 2022) (Photo courtesy aviationinfluence.org)

WILMINGTON— Aviation Influence (AVi) will host Take FLIGHT with AVi Soars into Delaware on Saturday, September 27, at Wilmington Airport (ILG).

The event, presented in celebration of National Aviation Day, is supported by Atlantic Aviation, the Delaware River and Bay Authority, Black Women in Aviation, and the Delaware Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.

The free, family-friendly program is expected to draw more than 1,200 attendees and will feature record-breaking aviator Jamail Larkins alongside AVi’s LIMITLESS partner, flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute.

“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.

Featured guests

Larkins made history at age 14 as the youngest American to solo a powered aircraft, completing the feat in Canada due to U.S. age restrictions. By 16, he soloed the Cirrus SR Series aircraft, later becoming an airshow performer and FAA Ambassador for Aviation & Space Education. Today, he continues to inspire young people through AviationStart, the nation’s largest scholarship resource for aspiring aviation professionals.

The event will also welcome back emcees Lyndse Costabile, co-founder of Aviation Influence and pilot of the mission-based Lady Liberty aircraft, and Samantha Mitchell, FAA-certified A&P, founder of Black Women in Aviation, 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,” said Ian Lumpp, Board Chair, Aviation Influence.

Activities

The full-day program will include hands-on STEAM activities, a sectional chart scavenger hunt, paper airplane challenges, static aircraft and helicopter displays, and surprise historic flyovers. Attendees can also explore an Author’s Corner, meet aviation influencers, and take part in giveaways, catered lunch, and a digital silent auction that 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.

Registration

Advance registration is required, with no walk-ins permitted. The event is open to youth ages 8–17, and schools, academies, scout troops, and homeschool groups are encouraged to register as teams.

AVi has set a fundraising goal of $28,750 to keep the event free. Donations, sponsorships, and auction contributions will directly support the program and future scholarships.