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479th FTG Launches “Aviator for a Day” Program: Soaring Beyond Challenges with Ava Seymour

  • Published
  • By Capt Laura Kane
  • 479th Flying Training Group
NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA --  

The 479th Flying Training Group is known for forging elite aviators and cultivating excellence in future warfighters—but a new initiative is taking that mission beyond the cockpit and into the hearts of local families. Through the newly launched “Aviator for a Day” program, the Air Force is opening its hangars to children battling serious medical challenges, offering them a chance to suit up, take flight in simulators, and receive honorary aviator wings.

The program, spearheaded by Maj. Jordan Allen of the 455th Flying Training Squadron, kicked off April 18 at Naval Air Station Pensacola with its very first participant—5-year-old Ava Seymour of Navarre, Florida.

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479th Flying Training Group’s “Aviator of the Day” Ava Seymour sits on the wing of a T-6A Texan II during her hands-on experience, April 18, 2025, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. The “Aviator for a Day” program opens its hangars to children battling serious medical challenges, offering them a chance to suit up, take flight in simulators, and receive honorary aviator wings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Laura Kane)
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In January, Ava was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer, a journey that has included intensive surgeries, ongoing treatments, and the possibility of a rare genetic condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia. But on a clear Friday morning, Ava wasn’t a patient, she was an Air Force aviator.

Reporting for duty in a custom flight suit and helmet signed by Airmen of the 479th Flying Training Group, Ava took part in a day full of adventure.

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479th Flying Training Group’s “Aviator of the Day” Ava Seymour sits in the Aircraft Commander position of a T-1A Jayhawk accompanied by Lt. Col. Jason Steinlicht, 451st Flying Training Squadron, during Ava’s hands-on experience with the Group, April 18, 2025, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. The “Aviator for a Day” program opens its hangars to children battling serious medical challenges, offering them a chance to suit up, take flight in simulators, and receive honorary aviator wings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Laura Kane)
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She flew simulator sorties, toured aircraft, collected morale patches, and even rode down the flightline in a fire truck, commanding the sirens and hose like a seasoned pro. The hands-on experience also included sitting in the cockpits of the T-1A Jayhawk and T-6 Texan II—staples of Combat Systems Officer (CSO) training at NAS Pensacola.

The day concluded with a graduation ceremony inside the National Naval Aviation Museum, where Ava received her honorary aviator wings before an audience of Airmen, family, and museum guests.

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479th Flying Training Group’s “Aviator of the Day” Ava Seymour receiving her honorary wings at a graduation ceremony in the Naval Aviation Museum. Ava was pinned on by Captain Jose Soto, 479th FTG instructor, “The most meaningful honor I’ve been given in my Air Force career” said Soto referring to awarding Ava her wings, April 18, 2025, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. The “Aviator for a Day” program opens its hangars to children battling serious medical challenges, offering them a chance to suit up, take flight in simulators, and receive honorary aviator wings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Laura Kane)
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“This program is about more than just showing kids around,” said Allen. “It’s about giving these young warriors a day where they’re not defined by their diagnosis—but by their strength, spirit, and ability to dream beyond the horizon.”

For Ava’s parents, Charlie and Jessica Seymour, the day was a powerful reprieve from the challenges of cancer treatment. “This was an experience Ava will never forget. She’s talked about it every day since,” said Charlie Seymour. “It was very special for us as well.”

The “Aviator for a Day” program exemplifies the 479th FTG’s commitment to community, service, and honoring courage in all its forms. Ava may be just five years old, but her strength has left a lasting mark on the Air Force family—wings and all.

As the program expands, more children like Ava will get to experience a day in the life of an aviator, soaring far beyond the boundaries of illness and into the realm of possibility.