AviationStart 2026 DreamLaunch Tour Cleared for Takeoff
Atlanta (Feb. 6, 2026) - As the industry faces a critical workforce shortage, AviationStart Founder and FAA Ambassador Jamail Larkins is reaching middle and high school students early — supported by aviation companies and institutions investing in next-gen talent.
AviationStart founded by pilot and FAA ambassador for aviation and space education Jamail Larkins and dedicated to expanding access to aviation and aerospace careers, today released confirmed stops for the 2026 DreamLaunch Tour. Supported by Signature Aviation, AeroShell, McFarland Aviation, Tempest Aero Group, Embraer Foundation, and Avemco, along with other industry leaders, AviationStart’s DreamLaunch Tour is one of the country’s most impactful aviation outreach programs, inspiring students to explore aviation and aerospace careers.
At each stop, Larkins shares his personal story:beginning his flight training at 12, traveling to Canada to solo at 14 because of U.S. age restrictions, and becoming the youngest American to solo a powered aircraft a milestone that fuels his mission to make aviation accessible to all. Larkins has reached more than 60,000 students across 1,000 schools, connecting young people to aviation career pathways, training, and funding. Students explore real aviation careers piloting, aircraft maintenance, avionics, engineering, airport operations and learn how to access more than $20 million in scholarships and training resources through AviationStart.
Aviation careers are abundant and well-playing, but many students lack exposure, guidance, and financial pathways,” said AviationStart Founder Jamail Larkins. “AviationStart and the DreamLaunch Tour aim to close that gap by connecting students to scholarships, training, mentorship, and real industry professionals turning early interest into actionable career steps.”
2026 DreamLaunch Tour Dates
- January 24 - Orlando Sanford International Airport Aviation Career Day - Orlando, FL
- February 28 - Augusta Regional Airport - Augusta, GA
- March 7 - Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center - Dallas, TX (in collaboration with the Commemorative Air Force with support from the Embraer Foundation)
- March 10 - North Dakota Aviation Association - Minot, ND (in collaboration with the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission)
- March 26 - Middle Tennessee State University - Murfreesboro, TN (with support from AeroShell)
- April 24 - West Michigan Aviation Academy - Grand Rapids, MI (with support from the Embraer Foundation)
Additional DreamLaunch 2026 stops will be announced throughout the year
The DreamLaunch Tour arrives at a pivotal moment for the nation's talent pipeline. The U.S. faces a projected need for 660,000 new pilots and 710,000 maintenance technicians over the next 20 years, according to Boeing’s 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook.
With demand accelerating faster than the current training pipeline can supply, early exposure and accessible pathways are essential to sustaining the aviation ecosystem. AviationStart, together with its industry partners, is working to close that gap by reaching students long before they make post-secondary decisions; connecting them to real careers, real mentors and real opportunities.
AviationStart recently launched an AI-driven scholarships tool, created in collaboration with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and supported by Signature Aviation and Avemco Insurance Company. The AviationStart Scholarships platform uses artificial intelligence to match users with the industry's largest database of aviation scholarships and training resources.
Additional DreamLaunch Tour dates will be announced throughout the year. Schools, educators and community organizations interested in hosting a stop can learn more at AviationStart.org.
