AviNation

09/19/2025

Gaurang Nandedkar
Liberty University School of Aeronautics
Collierville, TN
My aviation journey began in my Junior year in high school when I was awarded a scholarship to the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, FL. It only took three days to realize that aviation was the right career track for me.
To test my decision, I booked a discovery flight at a local airport to gain a better understanding of what it takes to become a pilot, and it was well worth it. I accelerated my high school diploma and graduated in just 2 and a half years, just to begin my pilot training as early as possible. Today, at the age of 19, I have a bachelor’s degree in Aviation and hold a commercial pilot’s license (CSEL/CMEL) with an Instrument rating, and I am working towards my CFI initial. I have also applied for and received acceptance letters from multiple pilot cadet programs that are eager to offer helpful resources to continue my professional development.
In the future, I hope to become a flight instructor and share the joy of flying with other students who also once dreamed of flight. I will continue to volunteer my time to the Civil Air Patrol as an Aerospace Education Officer to promote aerospace and aviation topics to the future of this industry, while contributing my skills as a pilot to conduct orientation flights and survey missions. My advice to my fellow aviators would be to make calculated decisions, focus on excellence, and prioritize your goals. Wishing you all blue skies and tailwinds!

09/17/2025

Check out our latest drop - Episode 25: Turning Passion into Opportunity with Jamail Larkins

What happens when a 12-year-old gamer with a passion for Microsoft Flight Simulator refuses to take “no” for an answer?

In this episode, host Shawn Staerker shares the incredible journey of Jamail Larkins—from flying virtual Delta jets in his bedroom, to becoming one of the youngest Americans to solo a powered aircraft, to inspiring thousands of students as the FAA’s first Ambassador for Aviation Education.

But we don’t stop there. Shawn also takes you on a seasonal adventure into the magic of fall flying and closes with a dive into aviation milestones of September—from steam-powered airships to the invention of attack helicopters, and the day aviation (and the world) changed forever: 9/11.

This episode is about persistence, passion, and the endless possibilities that aviation holds for the next generation.

Take a listen here:
https://futureinflight.com/episode_25_jamail_larkins/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZvWIMhUGFQ

09/13/2025

09/05/2025

09/05/2025

Join us on our AviNation American Dream Tour, coming to a school/city near you...

https://www.wtap.com/2025/04/29/avination-american-dream-tour-swings-by-ritchie-county-high-school/

09/04/2025

Ava Shelly
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. She is motivated not only by her love of flying, but also by the honor of representing the next generation of aviators in one of the most demanding careers in the world.
When asked what advice she would share with others, Ava encourages young people to “follow their passions and never give up.” Her story is a testament to what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity, and she hopes her journey inspires others to chase their dreams fearlessly.

09/02/2025

✈️ From a basement in Wisconsin to the skies above, the Eagles Nest Projects Wisconsin is rewriting what aviation education looks like.

High school students aren’t just learning about flight—they’re building real aircraft, earning their pilot’s licenses, and even making it into the Air Force Academy. 🚀

This episode of The Future in Flight Podcast dives into:
🔧 How hands-on learning changes lives
👨‍✈️ Students who became pilots before graduation
🛩️ A LEGO-fueled aviation history project
🤖 The math behind today’s autopilot systems—and tomorrow’s AI-powered ones

The future of aviation is being built rivet by rivet by passionate young people.

🎧 Listen now

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2npZR1LdsmIK9BXGUsEQ48?si=7QBbY5-vTFuxZjU_zRJYrg

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-in-flight-podcast/id1783597042?i=1000724550408

08/27/2025

Nick Poucher
Skydive Space Center
Titusville, FL
At a young age, Nick Poucher has already built an impressive aviation career. A commercial pilot and CFI with a multi-engine, tailwheel, high performance, complex and single engine sea endorsements and over 1,100 hours of total flight time, Nick currently flies as a “Diver Driver” jump pilot for Skydive Space Center in Titusville, Florida. 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.
With his skill, enthusiasm, and drive, Nick is well on his way to a bright professional flying career. Congratulations to Nick on his accomplishments so far—his story is just taking off.

08/26/2025

08/26/2025

Samson Sky Switchblade Creator Sam Bousfield explains how his design can take advantage of underutilized facilities across North America, Asia, and Europe. W...

08/20/2025

🌟 Happy National Aviation Day! 🌟

There’s no better way to celebrate than with a brand-new episode of The Future in Flight Podcast!

This week, we sit down with Antonio Ferrara, founder of Aviators for Autism, who is working to make the skies more welcoming for families with autistic children. 💙

We cover:

✅ Why 87% of families with autistic individuals avoid vacations due to anxiety—and how his program can change that.
✅ How neurodiverse strengths can help fill the 1.5 million aviation jobs needed by 2034.
✅ His mentorship of fathers with special needs children.

PLUS—

✅ We visit with Bose Aviation at AirVenture and learn how their game changing headsets enhance safety with next-generation active noise cancellation and comfort.

✅ A look at the booming drone industry and what it takes to earn an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. (With some help from our friends at Drone Cadets)!

On this National Aviation Day, let’s celebrate not only flight itself, but also the people shaping its future—through inclusivity, innovation, and opportunity. 🚀

🎧 Listen here: https://futureinflight.com/antonio_ferrara_autism_inclusivity/