AviNation

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Lincoln Hathaway
Greenville Technical Charter High School
Greenville, SC

From a young age, I was always interested in aviation. Airplanes always made me curious, how they flew and how they operated. I always thought I might want to be a pilot, but I was never sure. Until, at 14 years old, I took my first discovery flight with a family friend, and I fell in love. Aviation became not only a hobby, but a passion. I took a few more discovery flights before starting my PPL training at 17 years old. I worked hard into my junior year of high school, and passed my PPL checkride at the age of 17. My next steps are going to be pursuing my IFR rating, and continuing to get my certifications until I can become a flight instructor and gain time to go to the airlines. My biggest piece of advice to anyone wanting to start their pilot training is to stay ahead of the curve. It is easy to get overwhelmed on the hard stuff, so stay ahead of the curve and get the hard stuff over with.
Greenville Tech Charter High School, Barton Campus


ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)

06/10/2026

Robert Ritter
Union High School Innovation Lab
Tulsa, Oklahoma

When I was younger, I had always been into weather, and I had wanted to become a meteorologist for some time. When I was enrolling for my Freshman year, the school showed us videos of elective classes we could take, and the aviation class looked really interesting. At the time, I thought that taking aviation would help me become a meteorologist because of how it factors into the aviation world. However, I instantly fell in love with the program and completely switched my focus to becoming a commercial pilot. My freshman aviation teacher got me hooked on using flight simulators to help me explore the wonders of flight. Afterwards, I enrolled for my Sophomore year and decided to take Mr. McMullen's Aviation II class. That was an amazing decision, as I have had so many opportunities shown to me and been exposed to the aviation world in a whole new way this past year. Recently, my team competed in the first-ever Oklahoma Aviation State Championship, where we qualified for both the semi-final and final rounds before finishing in 3rd place out of 103 competing schools. That was an amazing experience, and I learned so much thanks to my teacher, my teammates, and the organizers. I hope to continue my aviation journey through high school and go to Oklahoma State University to receive my Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)

06/03/2026

Dominick Del Re
Central Florida Aerospace Academy
Lakeland FL

Dominick first discovered his passion for aviation after being introduced to the world of gliders and the soaring community. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a genuine love for flight. Watching sailplanes climb quietly through the sky sparked the moment he realized he had truly caught the aviation bug.

Throughout his training, Dominick distinguished himself not only through his flying skills but also through his work ethic and attitude. He consistently worked hard, helped his fellow students, and set a strong example for his peers both on and off the flight line. Whether assisting with daily operations, supporting other students, or staying committed to learning, Dominick became a valued member of the aviation community around him.

Because of his dedication and leadership, Dominick was awarded a glider scholarship. Through this opportunity he continued his training and successfully earned his **Private Pilot Certificate – Glider**, an important milestone in any pilot’s journey.

Dominick plans to continue building his experience in soaring and is especially interested in competitive glider racing. His goal is to develop the skills and experience necessary to participate in soaring contests and continue advancing within the sport.

To other students interested in aviation, Dominick encourages them to stay committed, work hard, and be willing to help others along the way. Aviation is a community built on teamwork and mentorship, and those who stay dedicated will find many opportunities ahead.

ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)

06/03/2026

What happens when you mix aviation stories, young interviewers, industry leaders, airshow energy, and a moving tram at SUN ’n FUN?

You get AviNation's Tram Talk.

Every year at the annual SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, AviNation takes aviation storytelling directly onto the showgrounds — interviewing students, pilots, performers, mentors, industry professionals, and anyone with a story that can inspire the next generation.

In this episode, Samantha Inguanzo joins us to talk aviation careers, flight training, pilot inspiration, and the opportunities waiting for young people in this incredible industry.

Watch the episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f7Muz9-itg

If you believe aviation stories can inspire future pilots, mechanics, engineers, and aerospace leaders, please like, comment, share, and subscribe to help us keep these stories flying.

05/15/2026

05/14/2026

Listen on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5uBrS8LCQg&t=872s

What does it take to build a life in aviation when the path refuses to stay straight?

Josh Blair grew up in a small Ohio town — seven minutes from a local airport that changed everything. He soloed at 16, earned his A&P, spent years in heavy maintenance on Boeing 767s, led turbine research programs at the University of Notre Dame, and then walked away from serious money — twice — because he just missed the airport.

His story is the heart of this episode. But there’s a lot more on the runway.

We’re also headed to the Warbirds Ramp at SUN ‘n FUN 2026, where our friend Vanzell Jenkins (VanzAir Inc.) sat down with active military aviators from three branches of the armed forces:
∙ “Strobe” — A-10 Warthog pilot, USAF, talking Close Air Support and what it means to protect troops from the air
∙ Cpl. Logan Wellingson — Blackhawk crew chief, Army 101st Airborne, deployed over the Red Sea at 23 years old
∙ “Huggy” and “Nova” — U-2 Dragon Lady and T-38 pilots from the oldest flying squadron in the US military, sharing what it takes to reach 70,000 feet

(You can hear Vanzell’s full interviews streaming soon on SnFRadio at LiveATC.net.)

And if you’re a student pilot or aspiring aviator, don’t miss our preview of AeroSummit 2026 — May 20–22 in Miami. Over 300 attendees, $20 million in scholarship resources, and a dedicated student track built for exactly where you are right now. Registration is open at now.

Every aviator in this episode found their way to the flightline by a different road. Yours is out there too.

🎧 Find Your Flightline — new episode out now.

Link in the comments.

Special “thank you” to FLYTE for being a part of the next generation of aviation through your support of The Future in Flight!