The Aviation Community is one that is rooted in family, mentoring, and overall good-will. That was once again demonstrated at this year's SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, FL last month. AviNation was able to draw on its community of supporters with six days full of interviews for our Tram Talk series and Future in Flight Podcasts. We can't wait to start sharing the content that we were able to gather.

 

 

 

 

LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — Students in Lafayette, LA had a unique opportunity to explore careers in aviation and aerospace. The AviNation American Dream Tour visited David Thibodeaux STEM Academy on Tuesday, March 25, bringing leaders in the industry to guide students through the possibilities.

 

The event included live demonstrations showcasing advancements in aviation technology.

Students connected with industry professionals to learn about educational requirements for aviation careers.

 

"If there's a need for more pilots, more A&P mechanics, more engineers, more air traffic controllers, then what are we doing to move the needle?" asked Thomas Flavin, Business Development for AviNation and facilitator of the AviNation American Dream Tour.

 

Flavin emphasized the importance of the tour in inspiring talented students and engaging with exceptional educators. 

Olivia looking over rocket propulsion equipment onsite at Embry-Riddle's Rocket Development Lab at their Prescott campus.

Next year, Olivia Wood will graduate and go to work for SpaceX. As a student, she is already part of a team launching record-setting rockets.

 

When Olivia chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a propulsion focus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she found her passion in rockets. “I like things that explode or make loud noises,” she says with a laugh. “So, propulsion was the perfect fit.”

 

Now in her final year, Olivia plays a leading role at the Rocket Development Lab (RDL), the largest student organization on the Prescott Campus, with more than 500 students from every discipline involved.

 

As the director of liquid flight vehicles and team lead for the Deneb-2 rocket project, Olivia oversees key aspects of rocket design and testing. “I’m also the flight representative on our technical board. My focus is on ensuring our designs are flight-ready and that we’re teaching students along the way.”

Olivia also gained real-world experience when she interned with ILC Dover, where she worked on designing spacesuits. “It was incredible to work on something so tangible for human spaceflight,” she reflects. “That’s when I realized how broad the field of engineering can be.”

 

Through her work at the RDL, Olivia met Embry‑Riddle graduates who were already working in top aerospace companies, including SpaceX. Those connections helped her land a coveted internship at SpaceX, where she spent a summer working on launch operations engineering. “It was an unforgettable experience, and the Embry‑Riddle network really made a difference in getting my foot in the door,” she says.

 

Olivia has secured her next big leap—a full-time position at SpaceX, starting right after graduation. “I’ll be working in launch operations engineering, focusing on launch strategy, organizing launch manifests and managing deadlines,” she explains. Her new role is a perfect fit, building on the skills she honed at the RDL and during her internships.

 

ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics, Inc.) is the proud sponsor of the AviNation Rising Star program. Each Rising Star receives an ASA Pilot Backpack, the most current FAR/AIM, a Test Prep book of their choice, and ASA swag.