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Welcome to cooler weather, autumn leaves and all things aviation!
Celebrations, contests, challenges, and opportunities is what makes up our September. This month's topics are inspiring and educational for individuals of all ages.
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11th Annual Celebration on September 20, 2025 |
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Registration Opens for Aviation Design Challenge
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The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has opened registration for the 2026 Aviation Design Challenge.
This annual competition, now in its 14th year, promotes careers in aviation in high schools through aviation-focused STEM education curriculum that incorporates flight simulation and aircraft design.
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The winning team will receive an all-expenses-paid general aviation experience, which includes a CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience. The second-place team will receive a Redbird Flight STEM Lab and the third-place team will receive one-year ForeFlight Premium subscriptions.
To register and to learn more about the challenge, visit the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge webpage. Registration closes on Dec. 19, 2025, or once all available slots are filled.
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Prepare your pilots for any situation with high-fidelity simulators that enable realistic training environments.
We’ve been building industry-leading devices for over 60 years, and proudly offer innovative simulators that exceed industry standards while meeting your specific project requirements, budgets and schedules.
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This episode of the Future in Flight podcast features Antonio Ferrara, founder of Aviators for Autism, who is transforming the aviation experience for families with autistic children. The conversation explores the barriers these families face in traveling and how Antonio’s advocacy work is bridging that gap.
We also delve into the technological advancements in aviation safety, particularly through Bose headsets, and concludes with insights into the burgeoning commercial drone industry, highlighting the opportunities available for young pilots.
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Journey through EAA AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, starting with an incredible VIP tour of the mind-blowingly awesome Fire Boss aircraft from our friends at Wipaire.
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Explore the transformative impact of the Eagles Nest Project Wisconsin, an aviation education initiative from founder Jim Senft that empowers high school students to build and fly real aircraft. |
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NBAA to Host 2025 Collegiate Connect During Convention
Students and faculty are invited to the 2025 Collegiate Connect, NBAA’s premier event focused on workforce development and community engagement. This year’s career day will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16 in Las Vegas, NV during the third day of the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest and most important business aviation event of the year.
NBAA recognizes the value in introducing students to the global business aviation industry and inspiring young people to explore the diversity of aviation careers. College students, as well as their school’s faculty and chaperones, are invited to attend for student-focused programming and opportunities, including access to hundreds of exhibitors.
Admission to the one-day Collegiate Connect on Oct. 16 is free for all registered students, faculty and chaperones. You must present your school/university ID at a registration counter to obtain your student badge for NBAA-BACE.
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Congratulations AviNation Rising Stars
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Titusville, FL
At a young age, Nick Poucher has already built an impressive aviation career.
A commercial pilot and CFI with multi-engine, tailwheel, high performance, complex and single-engine sea endorsements plus over 1,100 hours of total flight time, Nick currently flies as a "Diver_Driver" jump pilot. On a daily basis, he commands a King_Air_C_90, climbing to 18,000 feet to drop skydivers into the Florida skies.
Nick’s aviation journey began early, and his leadership was evident when he served as Chief of Staff at the Lakeland Aero Club, one of the nation’s premier high school flying clubs. His dedication to aviation extends beyond the cockpit—when he’s not flying, Nick enjoys joining the thrill-seekers by skydiving himself. |
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Port Saint Lucie, FL
Ava Shelly, 17, discovered her passion for aviation at just 10 years old. From her very first flight lesson, she knew the sky was where she belonged. Driven by curiosity and determination, she poured countless hours into flying, studying, and challenging herself to grow as a pilot.
On her 16th birthday, Ava achieved a milestone few can imagine—soloing both a single-engine airplane and a helicopter, while also earning her private pilot license in a glider that same day. This rare accomplishment set a high precedent in youth aviation and highlighted her commitment to excellence.
Ava’s journey is far from finished. With her sights set on the U.S. Naval Academy, she aspires to serve her country as a fighter pilot. |
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Do you have a Rising Star at your school or flight school
that deserves recognition? |
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Join AviNation's
American Dream Tour
The AviNation American Dream Tour will be making stops to promote aviation and aerospace education and careers. We would like to discuss some new ideas and welcome your involvement.
We have tour stops scheduled with more coming soon:
Cincinnati, OH - September 25th
Palmdale, CA - October 20th
Athen, AL - November 3rd
Contact:
for more information. |
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Helping STEM Minds Soar One Afternoon at a Time
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After a long day of school, most kids are ready to head home—but in San Antonio, TX, teachers across Northside Independent School District’s (NISD) several middle schools are giving them a reason to stay.
Amanda Quick, NISD's K–8 STEM Coordinator, organizes Aerial Aviators for the district—an out-of-school time (OST) program that skips the busy work. Instead, students are learning to fly drones, solve problems, and build real skills they can apply in school, at work, and in life.
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UPCOMING AVINATION EVENTS |
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AviNation American Dream Tour
Aiken High School, Cincinnati, OH
September 25th
Palmdale, High School - Engineering Academy, Palmdale, CA
October 20th
Athens High School, Athens, AL
November 3rd
EVENTS
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This newsletter is made possible by the support of
AviNation's Cornerstone Supporters: |
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