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For everything you need to know about Purdue Aviation Day 2026.
Know Before You Go
Parking and Transportation
No Ticket Necessary
Driving to the event?
Click HERE to read about our parking and shuttle options.
Flying to the event?
Purdue Aviation Day is a free-to-the-public event, put on by student leaders within Purdue University's School of Aviation and Transportation Technology.
More questions?
Click below to visit our FAQ page
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited - Weapons - Alcoholic beverages - Tobacco products and E-cigarettes - Noisemakers and irritants - Folding chairs - Glass bottles - Shakers or strobe lights - Pets (except registered service animals) - Bicycles
Aircraft on Display
AND MORE...
Aircraft Subject to Change
Event Schedule
Speaker Bios
Captain Ryan Lynch
Ryan Lynch is a commercial airline captain, entrepreneur, and dedicated youth aviation advocate who founded LiftOff Creamery, an aviation‑themed ice cream shop that blends his love for flying with mentorship and community engagement. A graduate of Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Ryan created LiftOff Creamery to give young people hands‑on experience in business, leadership, and customer service while offering the community a fun, aviation‑inspired gathering place. He has spent nearly twenty years guiding future aviators through programs he founded, including the Indianapolis ACE Academy and the nonprofit National Aviation Youth Resources, which together have introduced thousands of students to aviation careers. Beyond his work as a Republic Airways captain, Ryan serves on the board of the NGPA and continues to champion inclusion, education, and opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals.
Captain Laura Savino is a Purdue alumna, veteran airline pilot, and acclaimed author whose return to campus is a celebration of a career that began right here in West Lafayette. After earning her degrees in Applied Science and Aviation Technology at Purdue, Laura went on to fly everything from small single‑engine aircraft to United Airlines widebody jets, including the B777, B767, B757, B747, B737, A319, and A320. Her path also included roles as a flight instructor, charter and freight pilot, aerial tour pilot, ferry pilot, and even aircraft repossessor. These experiences shaped her bestselling book JET BOSS and her contributions to Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her Eastern, Pan Am, and United uniforms have been honored by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, reflecting her place in aviation history. Today, she serves on Purdue’s Aviation & Transportation Technology Industrial Advisory Board and remains a passionate mentor, dedicated to inspiring future aviators and encouraging people of all backgrounds to chase bold goals. Purdue is proud to welcome her home.
Captain Laura Savino
Captain Theresa M. Claiborne
Captain Theresa M. Claiborne is a pioneering aviator, decorated Air Force veteran, and recently retired United Airlines Boeing 787 captain whose remarkable career has helped reshape the landscape of American aviation. Beginning her journey in 1981 as a U.S. Air Force officer, she made history in 1982 as the first Black woman pilot in the Air Force, later serving as an aircraft commander and KC‑135 instructor throughout seven years of active duty and thirteen years in the Reserves. Theresa joined United Airlines in 1990 and went on to fly the 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, and 787, logging more than 23,000 flight hours and becoming one of only 24 Black women pilots among more than 17,000 aviators at United. Today, she continues supporting the airline in a contracting role and remains a powerful advocate for future aviators as President Emeritus of Sisters of the Skies and a board member of the Grand Dames of Aviation. Her achievements have earned her numerous honors, including the Katherine Wright Trophy, induction into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame, and recognition as a 2025 Ebony Power 100 STEM Trailblazer. A graduate of California State University, Sacramento, Theresa is also celebrated for her leadership, mentorship, and tireless commitment to opening doors for underrepresented voices in aviation. We are proud to welcome Captain Claiborne back to Purdue Aviation Day, where she inspired audiences last year and continues to uplift the next generation of flyers.
Vanessa “Siren” Mahan
Colonel Vanessa “Siren” Mahan is a combat-proven aviator, commander, and nationally recognized speaker on leadership and performance under pressure. She graduated from Purdue University in December 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science/Meteorology and was awarded Distinguished Graduate honors from Purdue Air Force ROTC Detachment 220. Siren has flown more than 100 combat missions in the F-15E Strike Eagle in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In addition to her fighter experience, she flew in the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler and earned carrier qualification, one of a small number of USAF aviators to do so. Beyond operational flying, Siren is a sought-after voice on leadership, resilience, and high-performance decision-making. Through appearances on TED’s Women Who Lead and numerous national podcasts and panels, she challenges audiences to lead with clarity, discipline, and courage—especially in high-stakes environments. She is also a dedicated functional fitness and health coach, promoting strength, confidence, and sustainable wellness as foundations for peak performance.
Colonel Mahan currently serves as Commander of the 701st Combat Operations Squadron, where she leads Airmen delivering critical operational capabilities supporting global operations across the joint force.
The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the United States Air Force.
Student Panel
Learn about what being a School of Aviation Transportation Technology student at Purdue University is like from current students. Featured in this session are four aviation majors offered by Purdue; Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Aviation Management, Professional Flight, Unmanned Aerial Systems. Returning to Purdue Aviation Day from 2025, this panel focuses on the experiences, goals, and perspectives of future aviation professionals across the different majors. We are excited to bring this panel back to the public for another year at Purdue Aviation Day to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals from current students.
Lieutenant Colonel Derek Carden
Captain Derek Carden is a distinguished U.S. Air Force experimental test pilot, aviation safety leader, and proud Purdue University graduate whose career has spanned more than 17 years of high‑level flight operations and developmental testing. Currently serving as the Combat Rescue Helicopter Training Systems Branch Chief within the Air Force’s Helicopter Program Office, Derek has held a wide range of roles across the Air Force, including UH‑1N instructor pilot, squadron executive officer, chief of safety, and multiple positions within the 413th Flight Test Squadron, where he evaluated aircraft performance and oversaw major test programs supporting numerous commands. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he has completed extensive developmental test work on platforms such as the UH‑1N, TH‑1H, and MH‑139 and has supported operational deployments in Riyadh with AFCENT and CENTCOM. Derek holds a Master of Science degree from Purdue University, building on the foundation that launched his engineering and aviation career. Known for his technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing military aviation safety and capability, Derek continues to shape the future of rotorcraft and test operations. We are proud to welcome him back to Purdue Aviation Day as an alumnus making a significant impact in the field.
Vendors
Live Music
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