The sky was more than just a backdrop at Wilmington Airport (ILG) as hundreds of students, families, and educators gathered for the Take FLIGHT with AVi youth aviation and STEAM experience. This year’s celebration of National Aviation Day put a spotlight on Black excellence in aviation, thanks to the inspiring presence of organizations like Black Women in Aviation (BWIA) and trailblazing figures including record-breaking aviator Jamail Larkins and BWIA founder Samantha Mitchell.
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Hosted by Aviation Influence (AVi) and supported by Atlantic Aviation and the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the free, family-friendly event blended hands-on STEAM education with historic aircraft flyovers, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable encounters with aviation pioneers.
Spotlight on Black Aviation Leadership
Jamail Larkins, the first FAA Ambassador for Aviation & Space Education, captivated young attendees with his story, becoming the youngest American to solo a powered aircraft at 14 and later leading AviationStart, the nation’s largest scholarship resource for aspiring aviation professionals.
Equally inspiring was Samantha Mitchell, an FAA-certified A&P mechanic, author, speaker, and the visionary founder of Black Women in Aviation. Mitchell’s message resonated deeply with girls and young women of color, encouraging them to claim their space in a field historically lacking representation.
The participation of Black Women in Aviation brought not only representation but also practical guidance and mentorship, providing resources to support future pilots, engineers, and aviation leaders.
A Transformative Experience
Hands-on activities like the Sectional Chart Scavenger Hunt, Paper Airplane Challenge, and interactive aircraft and helicopter displays created a fun, educational atmosphere. The historic 90-year-old warbird flyover brought history to life, while the Author’s Corner and special guest influencers inspired youth to explore both aviation and STEM-related careers.
“It was an amazing experience for our students,” said one local educator. “They were able to see themselves in these careers for the first time.”
A Pathway for the Future
For many families, this event wasn’t just an introduction to aviation, it was a call to action to pursue opportunities in flight training, engineering, and STEAM education. With partners like flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute offering pathways to careers in aviation, and leaders like Larkins and Mitchell breaking barriers, the future of aviation is more diverse, inclusive, and inspiring than ever.
