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Thank you Event & Programming Partners
Take FLIGHT with AVi at Atlantic Aviation ILG
Take FLIGHT at ILG – A Huge Success!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Take FLIGHT at ILG! While our 2025 event has concluded, the excitement around aviation training and community engagement continues.
A full recap will be coming in the following weeks, and with additional funding, we look forward to expanding scholarship opportunities in STEAM and aviation training, education, and certification.
Thank You to Our Hosts, Sponsors & Partners
Our Hosts
A heartfelt thank you to Atlantic Aviation ILG and the Wilmington Airport for providing the perfect venue and infrastructure to bring an event of this scale to life.
Our Presenting Sponsor - LIMITLESS PARTNER
We extend our gratitude to flyGATEWAY for their generosity and commitment, which made it possible for Take FLIGHT to soar. You provided a unique 'GATEWAY' for youth to explore opportunities in aviation!
Our Presenting Partner Organization
We were proud to partner with the Civil Air Patrol, represented by three wings — Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Their presence and engagement added invaluable inspiration to our attendees.
Honored Guests, Keynote & InspirED Experience
Dr. Alma Elizabeth Bailey – Tuskegee Nurse, age 101
We were deeply honored to welcome Dr. Bailey, a living link to history whose service embodies the courage and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Nurses. She contributed to the Philly Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit, inspiring future generations of aviators and leaders.
Keynote Speaker: Jamail Larkins
From soloing a powered aircraft at 14 to becoming the youngest aerobatic performer in the U.S. and testifying before Congress, Jamail’s story exemplifies passion, leadership, and impact. Recognized globally as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a Forbes 30 Under 30, and a Goldman Sachs Top 100 Most Innovative Entrepreneur, Jamail embodies what it means to motivate the next generation in aviation training.
InspirED Experience Presenters & Emcees
Our InspirED Experience sessions ignited meaningful conversations, thanks to our emcees Lyndse Costabile and Samantha Mitchell. They were joined by Rancel Garcia and Alina Gagliola, who shared their inspiring stories to energize the next generation of leaders in aviation and STEAM.
Capt. Barrington Irving – Flying Classroom
We were proud to welcome Captain Barrington Irving, a record-setting pilot and founder of the Flying Classroom. As the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world, Capt. Irving continues to break barriers and inspire youth worldwide through hands-on STEM and aviation learning. His participation as both an exhibitor and honored guest brought an unforgettable dimension to Take FLIGHT.
Inspiring Displays & Young Leaders
Lady Liberty Aircraft
On display was our symbolic aircraft Lady Liberty, flown in by 20-year-old commercial pilot Ryan Matter. Ryan’s journey illustrates the opportunities available when young aviators are encouraged to engage in programs like ours.
The Next Generation at Work
Several members of our AVi team brought their energy and vision to the event:
Branden Thomas, Program Manager for Take FLIGHT; Nifemi Odetuyi, our lead intern at just 17 years old, displayed exceptional professionalism while leading a team of peers.
Our Leadership
We extend our gratitude to our entire Board of Directors for their vision, service, and guidance in advancing AVi’s mission of community engagement and aviation training.
Special thanks to those who supported onsite at Take FLIGHT: Bruce Ganger, Arun Ayyagari, Tim Cwik, Aidan-Rock Arnarson, and co-founder Dave Krause.
Our 2025 Exhibitors
We are grateful to the outstanding organizations that exhibited at Take FLIGHT at ILG. Each played an essential role in inspiring future aviators, celebrating history, and connecting our community to opportunities in aviation, STEAM, and beyond.
Aviation Industry Leaders
The Boeing Company, Leonardo Helicopters, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Avelo Airlines, Philadelphia International Airport, Wilmington Airport (ILG), Boeing Employees' Flying Association.
Training, Education & Workforce Development
flyGATEWAY, Delaware State University, Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance & Polytech Adult Education, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, NJ Aviation Education Council, WTS TrYOU.
Youth & Inspiration
Flying Classroom (Capt. Barrington Irving), AVi’s InspirED Experience (Rancel and Alina), Erin Murphy Books, Grand Dames of Aviation, Master Your Drone.
Military & Service Organizations
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Delaware Air National Guard, United States Air Force Academy, Delaware Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Civil Air Patrol – Delaware Wing, New Jersey Wing, and Pennsylvania Wing.
Diversity & Legacy in Aviation
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), OBAP Aircraft Display by Ramone Thomas, Black Women in Aviation (BWIA), Roscoe Draper Chapter (RDC) of Black Pilots of America (BPA), Philly Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, DC-3 Society.
Advocacy & Nonprofits
Corporate Angel Network, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Aerial Systems Group International, Aviation Influence, Inc. (AVi).
Looking Ahead to 2026
We are thrilled to announce that planning is already underway for our 2026 Take FLIGHT event, hosted by Signature Aviation at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) on September 26th, 2026!
If you’re in a position to give back, please consider supporting future opportunities in aviation and STEAM: Donate Today.
Take FLIGHT at ACY - Postponed
Take FLIGHT @ ACY has been postponed due to worsening weather conditions.
We are currently working with our partners, exhibitors and featured experiences to plan a new date for April 2027. The new date will be announced soon.
This is a postponement—not a cancellation.
We look forward to taking flight with you in 2027!
Our Silent Auction remains open through October 3, with proceeds supporting Aviation Influence scholarships.