Project Takeoff Gives Everyone a Chance to Fly at Purdue Aviation Day

Project Takeoff volunteers ready to greet attendees at Purdue Aviation Day. View more photos.

ALPA’s Project Takeoff made a high-visibility debut at Purdue Aviation Day 2026 on Saturday, April 11, and the excitement was unmistakable. An estimated 8,000 aviation enthusiasts descended on the Purdue University Airport (KLAF), transforming the field into a vibrant hub of activity. Hangar doors stood wide open, showcasing every aspect of the aviation industry, while buses unloaded students from schools across the region eager for hands-on STEM experiences.

These events give students a chance to learn directly from pilots.

Education Committee member F/O Mitch Murgoitio (United) led a seasoned team of volunteers that included Capt. Kayle Thompson (Delta) and F/Os Brooks DeSpirito (Frontier), Sean Richmond (Frontier), and Nolan Walters (Frontier). Joining the pilots were nine dedicated collegiate aviators involved with Purdue Professional Pilots, the student organization ALPA partners with to bring its professional development and mentoring program on campus. Together, they engaged with hundreds of visitors throughout the day.

The ALPA booth was anything but quiet. Two flight simulators ran nonstop as future aviators eagerly lined up for their chance to fly. Young pilots earned their coveted plastic “ALPA wings” after successfully navigating virtual skies. Some carefully mastered straight and level flight while others enthusiastically discovered the joys of a well-executed barrel roll.

Conversations flowed just as freely as the simulated flights. Attendees of all ages asked thoughtful questions ranging from the basics of becoming an airline pilot and life on the line to deeper discussions about air traffic control modernization and mental health in the aviation industry. By day’s end, Project Takeoff had not only drawn a crowd—it sparked curiosity, inspired ambition, and strengthened connections across generations of aviation professionals.

ALPA Pilots: Get Involved!

ALPA members looking for more information or to get involved in the Education Committee’s efforts to promote the piloting profession, mentor aspiring aviators, and prepare future generations of pilots to join the ranks of our members should visit the Education Committee page or contact Education@alpa.org.