Aerospace + Aviation Day 2026 was held Saturday, January 24, at Orlando Sanford International Airport, drawing families and students from across Seminole County and Central Florida. The event marked one of the first major aviation gatherings of the year in Florida and served as a large-scale educational showcase focused on aviation, aerospace, and various career pathways. Many of the attendees were students ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school seniors.
The event was hosted inside the Million Air hangar and provided children of all ages hands-on learning about professional aviation. However, the exhibits represented a wide spectrum of aviation, aerospace, government agencies, military, law enforcement, EMS, and educational organizations. Interactive displays allowed students to engage directly with various professionals.
Aerospace + Aviation Day 2026 also marked the first air show of the year attended by Servant Air Ministries Incorporated (SAMI). Kyle Dixson, SAMI Vice President and Air Show Coordinator, led eight SAMI volunteers to participate in this powerful event. The ministry used the event to share how aviation is used to serve people throughout the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. SAMI’s exhibit focused on faith, storytelling, relationship-building, and education. Visitors learned how aviation can be used beyond commercial and recreational purposes. Families were introduced to mission-focused aviation as a viable and meaningful path.
Students were invited to sit in and explore the cockpit of a Piper Archer aircraft. Volunteers explained flight instruments, controls, and basic aviation concepts. The impact extended beyond aviation knowledge alone. Literature and Bibles were distributed to students and families throughout the day. Prayer was offered to students who visited the booth. The day allowed SAMI to minister in both practical and spiritual ways. The interactions reflected SAMI’s goal of being missionaries, not only overseas, but also domestically.
SAMI was able to successfully share how aviation is used to serve communities domestically and globally. Volunteers had the opportunity to speak with students and families about aviation careers, ministry roles, and educational pathways, offering cockpit experiences, literature, and prayer. The event connected students from pre-kindergarten through high school with aviation and aerospace opportunities while building meaningful relationships with the community and having a spiritual impact.
Aerospace + Aviation Day was not the only event SAMI was involved in that day. Check out how SAMI was also serving the community here.
Recognition: Additional thanks are extended to Roberta from the Aviation Day crew for assistance with setup, Million Air FBO for its hospitality, special appreciation to “Beefo” Brady for sharing his Air Force trainer experiences, and gratitude toward Seminole County students and families we were able to connect with at our booth. Servant Air Ministries Inc. invites attendees to stay connected through emails, social media, and future meetings.