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

Wilmington, DE (August 19, 2025) — 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.

Guest speakers and influencers for the event include inspiring leaders in aviation:

Jamail Larkins

Jamail 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 21, he performed aerobatic routines on national primetime television and in front of crowds rivaling Major League Baseball stadiums.

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.

Lyndse Costabile

Lyndse is an entrepreneur, pilot, aviation advocate, and co-founder of Aviation Influence. She is a global STEM advocate, philanthropist, and entrepreneur with more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit and corporate fundraising, where she has helped raise over $20 million.

She also secured and pilots the aircraft Lady Liberty, which has become AVi’s flying platform for mission-based work and youth outreach.

Passionate about aviation and education, Lyndse continues to champion representation and inspire future generations in STEM fields.

Samantha Mitchell

Samantha is an FAA-certified A&P, author, and speaker who founded Black Women in Aviation (BWIA) to create greater representation and visibility in the field.

She is also the author of The 3 Keys to Unlock and Unleash Your Confidence, a book that reflects her passion for empowering others to recognize their own potential.

Her career beautifully blends her love of flight with a commitment to fostering confidence and opportunities for Black women pursuing aviation careers.

“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 takeflight@aviationinfluence.org for group registration support.

About Aviation Influence, Inc. (AVi)

Aviation Influence, Inc. (AVi) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2019 with a mission to engage young people in STEM and aviation through hands-on outreach. AVi’s seven-member board consists of experienced nonprofit, aviation, and STEM professionals dedicated to developing a pipeline of future talent across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and aviation. AVi elevates interest, engagement, and enthusiasm in youth, with programs locally and in underrepresented regions. More information can be found at www.aviationinfluence.org.