Have you ever seen head-to-head full contact Drone Soccer? The Academic Drone Soccer Student League World Cup Tournament is happening early April and AviNation will be there! Read below for details!

The AviNation Magazine Winter Issue's cover features Kelsey Krupicka, a flight test engineer who has logged over 130 hours in 18 different types of aircraft. Raised by a single mother, her determined journey of overcoming the odds includes a degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and a minor is flight test engineering. Some of the companies she has worked for enabled her to test EVTOLs too!

Let's congratulate this month's AviNation Rising Stars: Alexander Sawyer, a Senior from Lakeland, FL and Connor Mullen, a Senior from Surprise, NY. Each month, 2 Rising Stars earn a custom package from ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics, Inc.). Do you have a student that is going the extra mile? Nominate them here !

With spring just around the corner, we're already crisscrossing the country participating in as many events as possible. Our calendar is below of events that we'll either be attending or supporting!

We are so excited that our Future in Flight podcast is officially launched and the response is fantastic! We have our March Schedule below and the speakers and topics are very cool. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Visit Future in Flight Podcast to access our complete archive of episodes!

AviNation is constantly on the move so come see us, subscribe to our podcast, follow us on social, and be sure to share these monthly eblasts with your students, colleagues and friends...and enjoy our AviNation Winter Magazine!

Blue Skies,

Jacob Peed, Publisher

Congratulations AviNation Rising Stars

sponsored by ASA

Young Man standing in front of plane with graphic

Alexander Sawyer
Senior

Central Florida Aerospace Academy
Lakeland, Florida
After watching the Blue Angels fly at SUN 'n FUN, I knew I wanted to be a pilot. I aspire to get my Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) and fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. I soloed a glider at 15 and earned my Private Pilot License at 17. My next step is to get my tailwheel endorsement, as well as an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rating.

Connor Mullen

Senior

Greenville Central School District

Questar III Donald R. Kline Technical School

Surprise, New York

I am Connor Mullen, a high school senior with a passion for aviation. I got into airplanes long ago when I got into radio controlled airplanes. I really got going when I was accepted into a high school aviation program.

I started flying in November 2023 which was my junior year of high school. I soloed in January on a fresh snowy morning and after some “turbulence” in my training, I passed my check ride this past November 2024.

My short term goal is to earn my Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) before graduation then on going to SUNY Schenectady Community College where I will dive straight into commercial training. My long term goal is to take inspiration from my aviation teacher and close friend, Radek Wyrzykowski, and go deep into flight instruction and see where it takes me.

Do you have a Rising Star at your school or flight school

that deserves recognition?

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.

Nominate Your Rising Star !

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS:

The FUTURE IN FLIGHT PODCAST TAKES OFF!

AviNation is thrilled to announce the launch of our newest venture in collaboration with Creative Relay Media – The Future in Flight Podcast! Hosted by the dynamic Shawn Staerker, this weekly show has been inspiring aviation enthusiasts since its February premiere.

Dedicated to empowering the next generation of aviators, each episode delivers engaging storytelling, expert interviews, and practical advice that provides young adults and their families with a clear roadmap to explore the wonders of aviation.

The podcast has opened to wonderful reviews from our community:

"A great, educational show that my students can enjoy."

Rob D., High School Educator

"This podcast makes complex aviation topics easy to understand.

My whole family listens together!"

Mark R., 42, Aerospace Engineer

"I love hearing the stories from real pilots.

It keeps me motivated to chase my dream of flying!"

Emily S., 14, Future Aviator

Recent episodes have covered fascinating topics including Purdue University's aviation programs, pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman, seaplane aviation, and inspiring journeys from military service to aviation entrepreneurship.

The Future in Flight Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Visit us to access our complete archive of episodes!

Subscribe today and join our community of young aviation enthusiasts as we explore the wonders of flight together.

EXCITING NEWS! Tune into SUN 'n FUN Radio during the week of April 1-6 for a very Special LIVE Future in Flight Podcast broadcasting directly from the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo! You won't want to miss this exclusive episode!

MARCH PODCAST SCHEDULE

Looking to incorporate Drones in your Classroom?

The Echo Drone offered by Pitsco is a great choice for educators to get started in the world of drones. It’s a safe, versatile, and agile flyer that can be piloted with the R/C controller provided or (when you or your students are ready) automated with the block-based or Scratch coding using the app.

Flight Sim Expo 2025

One of the largest displays of flight simulation setups in the world is taking place June 27th-29th in Providence, RI. Get hands-on with the best of flight simulation before making it part of your own setup, or learning how it can support your professional requirements.

The event is attended by a unique blend of flight simmers, gaming enthusiasts, real-world pilots, aspiring aviators, and aviation professionals. Every segment of the aviation industry is represented, including:

Real-world pilots and air traffic controllers
Airline dispatchers, operations agents, and flight attendants
Aircraft maintenance technicians
Military training personnel
University and airline recruiters

More Details

Large room of people enjoying flight simulators

MSAA in Memphis TN Hosting Event to

Kickstart Your Aviation Career!

Graphic of Memphis Student Aviation Assoc. Fly-In and Student Aviation Career Day

Come join the Memphis Student Aviation Association (MSAA) on April 19th for a day filled with excitement and opportunities in the aviation industry! Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just dreaming of a career in the skies, this event is perfect for you. Network with industry professionals from colleges, military and aviation recruiters. Explore different career paths, and even get a chance to hop into a cockpit for a hands-on experience. Don't miss out on this unique event that could kick start your aviation career!

Free admission and parking for attendees

Proceeds supporting the Memphis Student Aviation Association’s initiatives

More Details

Business jet with students meeting with recruiters

Athenian Photo Hunt

was an Edu-taining Adventure!

At this year’s Buckeye Air Fair and Aviation Academy, innovation soared alongside the spectacular aircraft as the Athenian Photo Hunt transformed the traditional airshow experience into an interactive, edu-taining adventure. Designed to spotlight career exploration and trade skills in the dynamic fields of aviation, the Photo Hunt captivated attendees with its ingenious blend of STREAM themes—Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, and Math—delivered through an engaging, social-media-driven scavenger hunt.

continued....

Get Ready for SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo !

Be sure to pick up a copy of the AviNation Magazine

at any of these locations:

AviNation Tram Talk Tram Ride

Lakeland Aero Club

Ramos SkyLab Innovation Center

Sunset Grill
Career Fair Building
Forums
Preferred Seating

9/27 Club
The Island – Café

Pilot Welcome Center
Future ‘n Flight Plaza

Students sitting at their desks reading magazines

GREENVILLE TECH CHARTER H.S.

GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS

One of South Carolina's Greenville Technical Charter High School's (GTCHS) teachers, Doug Adomatis, shares that when he receives the box of AviNation magazines, he sets them out for when the students come into class and gives them 10-20 minutes to read through them. They then have a discussion about the content, and the students get to take the magazines home.

GTCHS is also the home of one of our AviNation Rising Stars, Thomas Wilke!

event flyer of the Academic Drone Soccer League WorldCup and Career Fair

Middle & High School teams to battle in World Cup Drone Soccer Event!

Have you ever seen head-to-head full contact Drone Soccer? The Academic Drone Soccer Student League World Cup Tournament comes to the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo April 4th-5th. This evening event will showcase over 200 competitors representing 12 countries and 12-14 Middle and High School teams.

Teams will earn global rankings in the only nonprofit Drone Soccer league for students, and the largest international World Cup!

This world's largest student drone soccer league is a non-profit organization led by educators. This league is FREE to join and looks to welcome all coed student teams regardless of nationality or league affiliation. Academic Drone Soccer League events include career exploration with universities and the aerospace industry!

Learn More