Aviation Influence, Atlantic City, N.J., will bring two historic Douglas C-47s to its 2026 Take FLIGHT with AVi event, using the aircraft to connect young people and aspiring aviation professionals with the history of military aviation. The C-47 Second Chance, operated by the American AirPower Museum, and Placid Lassie, operated by the Tunison Foundation, will support the educational event at Signature Aviation at Atlantic City International Airport on Sept. 26. The event is designed to bring together youth, families, educators, college students, young professionals, and aviation industry representatives for a day of aircraft displays, hands-on STEAM activities, career discussions, and other aviation experiences.
Both C-47s bring extensive histories of their own. Second Chance, a C-47B built in 1944, served with the U.S. Army Air Forces before being transferred to the Royal Air Force. It later flew during the Berlin Airlift and served with the French and Israeli air forces before eventually becoming part of the American AirPower Museum’s collection. The museum says the aircraft has retained its original military configuration throughout its operational life. Placid Lassie is a 1943 C-47 operated by the Tunison Foundation. The aircraft flew with the 74th Troop Carrier Squadron during WWII and participated in the D-Day invasion, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and Operation Varsity. The Foundation continues to operate the aircraft as a flying memorial and educational tool.
The presence of the two aircraft fits the educational focus of Take FLIGHT with AVi, which is expanding its programming in 2026 to include a Young Professional Hub, networking and career-development opportunities, aviation colleges and flight schools, industry exhibitors, educational presentations, and hands-on STEAM activities. Aviation Influence also announced Team Genius Squad as the event’s Featured Keynote Experience. The organization, founded by Ava N. Simmons, focuses on STEM education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning for young people.
“At Team Genius Squad, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover what they’re capable of. Partnering with Aviation Influence allows us to introduce young people to exciting STEAM interests they may have never imagined while showing them that curiosity, creativity, and confidence can truly take them anywhere,” said Tita Simmons, President of Team Genius Squad. “We can’t wait to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, pilots, and problem-solvers.” Aviation Influence chair Ian Lumpp said the event’s expanded programming is intended to reach people at different stages of their education and careers. “There is no better place to share this exciting announcement than while surrounded by the global aviation community at EAA AirVenture,” said Ian Lumpp, founding board member and current chair of Aviation Influence. “As we officially open registration, we’re thrilled to welcome Team Genius Squad as our Featured Keynote Experience while unveiling the next evolution of Take FLIGHT with AVi. This year’s event has been intentionally expanded to create meaningful experiences not only for youth and families, but also for collegiate students and young professionals preparing to enter the aviation workforce.”
Other additions for 2026 include an Authors Corner curated by airline pilot and author Erin Murphy, a Professional Headshot Studio for participants ages 18-25, aircraft displays, technology demonstrations, aviation career organizations, educational panels, food trucks, and a digital silent auction benefiting Aviation Influence scholarships and youth programming. Take FLIGHT with AVi will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, at Signature Aviation at Atlantic City International Airport. Registration is now open, with sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities also available. For more information and to support the Aviation Influence, click on this link: aviationinfluence.org.
