Business Manager avionbusiness@erau.edu Belle Holck
Design Editor avioneditor@erau.edu
Daphne Sierra Aquiningoc
News Editor avionnews@erau.edu Noelle Cover
Photo Editor avionphoto@erau.edu Jayden Vaughan
Contributors & Page Editors
Andrew Comparetta
Brianne Weathers Carter Bitz
Kaden McVerry
Kate Caling
Matthew Mazan
Grace Hamilton Noelle Cover
Daphne Sierra Aquiningoc Mira Giunta TNG Exec Board
Advisor
Indira Diaz
Associate Director of Student Government
SGA Executive Board
President sgapres@erau.edu Isaac Reyna
Vice President sgavpres@erau.edu Nathaniel Wrobel
Treasurer sgatres@erau.edu Anthony Cafiso
Chief Justice sgachfj@erau.edu Nicola Kaehler
EIC, The Avion avioneditor@erau.edu Kaden McVerry
GM, WIKD 102.5 dbgmwikd@erau.edu Ben Redmond
Chairperson, TNG dbtngchr@erau.edu Bryan Wiebe
Want to see more from The Avion or learn more about our services we provide to all students? Scan the QR Code and visit our website!
Letter from the Editor
Thanks for opening The Avion! If this is your first time reading and you may not know us, we are a proud division of the Embry-Riddle Student Government Association and have been serving the EmbryRiddle community as a fully student-run, accredited news source since 1969.
To introduce myself, I am Kaden McVerry and I am excited to serve as this year’s Editor-in-Chief. I am a rising junior from North Carolina studying Uncrewed Aircraft Systems with a minor in Geographical Information Systems. I have been a part of The Avion for two years, starting as a broadcast technician, then serving as business manager and now leading an incredible team of photographers, designers, reporters, leaders and more.
Walking onto the Union Lawn for the first time, I never would have imagined that I would be leading a student organization like The Avion. What I have learned from being at Embry-Riddle is that the opportunities to join organizations are endless, with more than 250 student organizations and growing. Everyone has the opportunity to get involved, whether that is with The Avion going to Kennedy Space Center to interview astronauts, becoming a credentialed photographer at the Daytona 500 or working with Touch-N-Go Productions and getting to meet Flo Rida or Sal Vulcano. If that does not interest you, there are 248 other choices, from filmmaking with UnReel Media to launching rockets into the sky with the Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab.
Whether this is your first time opening The Avion or you are a regular reader, I hope you enjoy this issue and the next. Have a great and safe summer, Eagles.
Campus is waiting for your return.
Kaden McVerry
Featured Articles
08
INSIDE THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Learn about some of the amazing internship journies our very own Avion staff are embarking on this summer.
HARRIER ARTICLE
Sail beyond the classroom and learn about the opportunies of studying abroad. 12 16
Discover how the retirement of the AV-8B Harrier II marks the transition from legacy aviation to the future of flight.
STUDY ABROAD
New Student Orientation Team: Ambassadors Here to Help
WORDS and DESIGN: Grace Hamilton | Managing Editor
When you first move to campus there are so many emotions flying around. It’s a time full of excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and maybe a little bit of anxiety. Those first few days of getting settled, finding your room, meeting your roommates, and figuring out how to use your meal plans can seem like a lot. But thankfully there is a team of students ready to help you. These dancing and chanting eagles are known as your ERAU Orientation Team.
This team of students is here to help make the transition into college a breeze and get you the help you need. The O-Team ambassadors are the first set of smiling and welcoming faces you see as you drive through the check in during the morning or walk into the union in the afternoon.
Alex Stephen, one of the specialist on this years team said, “ I’m so excited for fall orientation and the chance to help students and their families feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable as they begin a new chapter of their lives on our beautiful campus!”
During the first week of college the team helps put on and manage a series of events to help you meet and engage with fellow new students. There will be options available for those who want a quieter environment and those who want to be all in the social circle.
The Orientation Team is busy preparing for Fall Orientation and is excited to help the next group of future eagles feel at home at Embry-Riddle. Before you know it, the eagletastic check-in and orientation week will be here.
Editors Guide to Daytona Beach
From local coffee shops to quick weekend escapes, Daytona Beach offers students plenty of places to explore beyond campus. Whether you are looking for food, shopping, beach views, or a short road trip, this editor-picked guide highlights local favorites and nearby destinations worth visiting.
WHERE TO EAT
• Caribbean Jack’s
Waterfront dining with seafood, shareable plates and views of the Halifax River.
• Riptides Raw Bar and Grill
Beachside seafood spot with a raw bar, crab, burgers and wings.
• 5th Element India Kitchen
Indian restaurant near campus with curries, biryani, naan and vegetarian-friendly options.
• Tia Cori’s Tacos
Downtown Daytona Beach taco spot with Mexican plates and quick casual meals.beach.
SHOPPING COFFEE & TEAS
• Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach
Outdoor outlet center with name-brand stores, deals and casual food options.
• One Daytona
Shopping, dining and entertainment across from the Speedway.
• City Thrift
Secondhand clothing, home goods, and unique finds.
• Copperline Coffee + Cafe
Coffee, espresso drinks, teas, baked goods and a study-friendly cafe setting.
• Sweet Marlay’s Coffee
Local coffee shop with hot and iced drinks, desserts and pastries.
• Seven Bubble Tea
Bubble tea shop with milk teas, fruit teas, toppings and customizable drinks.
• Serra Doce Daytona
Coffee and tea stop with house-made pastries, desserts and light bites.
QUICK ESCAPES
• Ponce Inlet
Beach access, lighthouse views, and the jetty.
• Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail
Coastal views and nature just a short drive away.
• Daytona International Speedway
Tour the track, see the high banks and visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Grace Hamilton
What is your Major and any minors? Aerospace and Occupational Safety
Minors: Human Factors, Aeronautical Studies, Aviation Law
Where are you interning? Ge aerospace
What is your role? Environmental Health and Safety Intern
What kind of tasks do you get to work on?
I work on various EHS tasks and have several revitalization projects for the company that I am currently working on. I also serve on subcommittees for intern engagement.
What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?
Talk to everyone you can. The people you work with are there to help you so don’t be afraid to ask questions. If there is something you are interested in don’t be scared to ask about it and see if there’s a way for you to get involved.
What is your favorite part of your internship so far?
I love being able to get out on the shop floor and see how the day-to-day operations and assembly processes occur. I also get to talk to a lot of experienced and knowledgeable people every day.
carter Bitz
What is your Major and any minors? Mechanical Engineering
Where are you interning? collins aerospace
What is your role? MRO Mechanical Engineer Co-Op
What kind of tasks do you get to work on?
I assist the engineering MRO team with maintaining landing gear for aircraft including the A380, C17, and F35.
What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?
Learn as much as possible. Anywhere you go, there will be people with more experience than you, so ask lots of questions and fill in the gaps between school and the real world.
What is your favorite part of your internship so far?
I love the hands on aspect of my internship. I work with a lot of documentation, but also get to go onto the shop floor and work with the mechanics themselves.
Brianne weatHers
What is your Major and any minors?
Communications, Broadcast meteorology track
Where are you interning? wesH 2 news
What is your role? Weather Intern
What kind of tasks do you get to work on?
I work on putting together weather graphics for the on air meteorologists’ broadcasts, write weather-themed web stories for wesh.com, and work in front on the green screen to make my own forecasts.
What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?
Remember, the point of an internship is to learn and grow through experience. You deserve to be there! You earned it so don’t doubt yourself if you make a mistake.
What is your favorite part of your internship so far?
Getting to know and observe the other meteorologists is just the best. They are such kind and supportive people. They all have different styles and skills so I get to observe and learn everything.
andrew comparetta
What is your Major and any minors?
Communications
Minor: Marketing
Where are you interning? makers air
What is your role?
Marketing Intern - (Social Media and Content Creation)
What kind of tasks do you get to work on?
I document Maker’s Air activities, photograph flights and make content creation, gather marketing material in the Bahamas and design social media graphics. I also join flights to learn operations, promote services and support recruiting.
What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?
Get to know and build connections with your coworkers and spend time learning everything there is to know about the company. It’s beneficial to any intern just starting out to know what your role is and how it contributes to the company’s goals. A handbook or training session won’t provide you with years of experience and insights that the people around you often have.
What is your favorite part of your internship so far?
The highlight of the experience was forming connections with coworkers while building relationships in the company. Traveling to the Bahamas was a unique opportunity and it was rewarding experiencing the lifestyle and culture firsthand. Learning about social media, content creation and graphic design was enjoyable and valuable from a professional perspective.
A Reflection on the AV-8B Harrier’s Legacy
On June 4, the AV-8B Harrier II will take flight on American soil for the final time, closing out an operational history of over half a century as the final squadron retires its remaining jets to transition to the F-35B Lightning II.
The AV-8B’s retirement marks a symbolic shift in military aviation. The Harrier represents some of the last purely mechanical “stick-and-rudder” airframes, and its sundown marks the move from these systems to modern fly-by-wire platforms. For the men and women of the final Harrier squadron, VMA-223, “The Bulldogs,” these characteristics are what make the Harrier unique.
The Marine Corps hosted the final public demonstration of the Harrier on May 10 at the biennial MCAS Cherry Point Airshow. Amidst a crowd of tens of thousands, VMA-223 showcased the Harrier’s capabilities and power, at one point registering 125 decibels on the ground as it hovered in place before the crowd.
For the pilots who demonstrated those capabilities, the reality of the aircraft’s retirement was beginning to sink in.
“Honestly, it hasn’t hit me yet, but I will tell you, it’s coming, it’s bittersweet,” said a Harrier pilot known by the callsign “Pepe.” “It’s sad to see it go, but it’s exciting I guess to be a part of the end of it.”
WORDS: MATTHEW MAZAN/ Contributor DESIGN: KADEN MCVERRY/ Editor-In-Chief
The Harrier’s Pegasus engine allows pilots to rotate four exhaust nozzles to move between forward flight and hover. That thrust-vectoring ability helped create tactics such as Vectoring in Forward Flight, where a pilot can shed airspeed and force an enemy aircraft to overshoot. Pepe said the maneuver is possible, but costly: “You can do it, but you’re selling your soul for a shot, basically.”
Despite being a subsonic aircraft in an increasingly supersonic world, the Harrier has continued to hold its own. Pepe said the aircraft’s size is part of its advantage: “We’re really small, so if you can’t find us, you can’t fight us.”
Flying the Harrier is notoriously challenging. Since it lacks a digital fly-by-wire system, the pilot must manually stabilize the aircraft and manage the throttle, stick, rudder, and nozzle positions simultaneously.
According to Pepe, the transition into a hover defies traditional aviation logic. “Honestly, the very first hover that I came into, it breaks your mind, right?” Pepe recalled. “You can fly Cessnas and you’re going 60 knots. . . then you’re flying jets where 360 knots is our normal tactical speed. Coming into like a break at 350 knots and then being in the hover about a minute later really breaks your mind. Just sitting there on thrust, it’s unique and different.”
The experience also has a physical side. Pilots wear double ear protection beneath their flight helmets, but the Harrier is still felt as much as it is heard. On cold days with less drag, Pepe said takeoff can “really kick you in the pants.”
When asked about the legacy of the Harrier, Pepe gave a simple phrase: “Vertical Vibes.” He added, “Honestly, there’s really not anything I’m going to be glad to get rid of. I love the jet. It was an absolute blast and a privilege to fly.”
For Embry-Riddle students, the Harrier offers a blueprint for strong Human-Machine Interface design. Pepe stressed that engineers must never lose sight of how a human operator interacts with the machine in high-stress environments.
“You’ve got to definitely think about how the aircraft is set up, what you’re putting where, and where you’re looking for that information,” Pepe advised Riddle students. “If you can package it well, the pilot is way less tasked to find the information that they need to fly the aircraft.”
As the Harrier approaches its final sundown, it stands as a testament to the engineers who built it, the maintainers who kept it flying, and the pilots who flew it. Pepe had two final words on the Harrier: “Go Dawgs!”
Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Located near Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex allows visitors to explore NASA history, view real spacecraft, and learn about past and future missions. Exhibits include the Space Shuttle Atlantis, launch simulators, astronaut experiences, and displays highlighting decades of space exploration.
Playalinda Beach is one of the closest public viewing areas for launches from Kennedy Space Center. Located inside Canaveral National Seashore, it offers a natural coastal setting where visitors can watch rockets rise over the shoreline while enjoying one of Florida’s quieter beaches.
Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral is a popular launch viewing location with beach access, a fishing pier, and views of ships entering Port Canaveral. Its location makes it a strong option for watching launches while also spending time near the water before or after an event.
Playalinda Beach
Jetty Park
TRAVEL TO
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus is located just a short drive from Florida’s Space Coast, one of the most important aerospace regions in the world. Students are close enough to experience rocket launches, visit Kennedy Space Center, and explore the communities that support America’s space industry.
For students interested in aviation, aerospace engineering, spaceflight, or exploration, the Space Coast offers more than a weekend trip. It is a place where classroom learning connects directly to real launches, historic missions, and the future of space travel. Whether watching a launch from the beach, visiting NASA facilities, or exploring nearby coastal towns, Embry-Riddle students have a unique opportunity to experience the aerospace industry up close.
WORDS & DESIGN: Kaden McVerry / Editor-In-Chief
WORDS: KATE CALING / Senior Reporter
DESIGN: DAPHNE SIERRA AQUININGOC / Design Editor
Summer break is typically for catching rays, getting ahead of studies and reconnecting with the outside world after months of surviving on deadlines and caffeine. However, for some students, it becomes an opportunity to continue their academics while experiencing a trip of a lifetime.
ThroughERAU’s Study Abroad & Global Engagement, students are able to participate in programs in various countries throughout the world. From studying economics in Rome to Chinese studies in Taiwan, there are an abundance of opportunities to expand their understanding of the different cultures and environments of the world while simultaneously connecting their academic studies. Students have the potential to go on these short-term programs during their school breaks or attend exchange programs for a full semester or year. Other programs offered include studies in France, Spain, Hungary, Argentina and Australia.
This past summer, two milestone programs celebrated anniversaries. The 20year partnership with Dante Aleghieri in Siena, Italy, was celebrated with a dinner at a local restaurant on the famous Il Campo of Siena. The 10-year partnership anniversary with Get Lost, Inc. was held in Athens, Greece, with Aegean Airlines sponsoring the celebration gala.
The Director of Study Abroad & Global Engagement for all ERAU campuses, Sue Macchiarella, mentioned how Riddle students are now able to study in two new countries in the upcoming academic semesters: Alliance in India for social science and physics and Chévere Ecuador for engineering.
“At its inception, study abroad focused primarily on foreign language acquisition, cultural immersion and building international goodwill through educational exchange,” said the director.
“Beyond professional development, study abroad serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, challenging students to expand their perspectives, develop confidence and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others.”
Students who participated in the Aegean Airlines study abroad in Greece shared what made their time abroad so meaningful. Aeronautical Science student Jacob Patterson (JP) highlighted that he went rafting in the Papingo mountains. “The views were amazing and the water was freezing, but racing the other rafts and splashing each other was extremely fun.”
Patterson also mentioned how his favorite part of the trip was when he and seven other students attempted to row a single dingy from the beach back to their boats.
“Although we were successful in our voyage, apparently the max limit was four people…and the professors didn’t find that amusing.”
Ryan Bonser, a senior in Space Operations, went on the trip for a second time this past summer to further explore and experience Greece. For him, one of the most memorable moments was sharing dinner with the friends he made on the trip on the island of Milos, reflecting on the journey that had brought them there.
“I would encourage others to do this study abroad not only because of the beauty of Greece,” said Bonser. “…but also because of the friends you make and the experiences you get to have, such as learning how to sail and going to islands you may not have originally gone to if traveling by yourself.”
Writer’s Note:
“As someone who went on this Greece trip with JP and Ryan, I can attest that studying abroad is a wonderful way to experience the world and make lifelong memories.” - Kate Caling, Senior Reporter
If you are interested in a faculty-led winter, spring or summer program, it is advised to meet one-on-one with our Study Abroad Advisor, Andrew Norris (norrisa8@erau.edu) or visit the Study Abroad webpage on the Embry-Riddle website.
“Studying abroad is also about giving students the opportunity to grow on multiple levels,” Advisor Andrew Norris said. “The intersection of academics and real-world practice is impossible to replicate in a traditional classroom setting and is a huge benefit to students on our programs. The adversity that students face on these programs—from flight delays or missed trains, to academic challenges—are all part of studying abroad and all lead to a student’s growth while on a program.”
Students are also encouraged to attend the Study Abroad Fall Forum, which will take place near the middle to the end of September. There, all of the programs for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year will be announced.
Summer 2026 Happenings with Avion Staff
Summer is a season of new experiences, unforgettable adventures, and well-earned relaxation. From backpacking through the Grand Canyon and studying abroad in Greece to surfing, beach days, movie nights with family, and everything in between, Avion staff members are making the most of their summer break.
Take a look at where their journeys have taken them and how they’re spending their time before returning to campus this fall.
MIRA GIUNTA
MIRA GIUNTA
KATE CALING
GRACE HAMILTON
JAYDEN VAUGHAN
JAYDEN VAUGHAN
JAYDEN VAUGHAN
MIRA GIUNTA
MIRA GIUNTA
KATE CALING
GRACE HAMILTON
VAUGHAN
VIBES VIBES
WORDS: GRACE HAMILTON | Managing Editor, TNG Executive Board
DESIGN: GRACE
HAMILTON| Managing Editor
A Letter From Your SGA President
My Fellow Eagles,
Welcome to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the largest aviation and aerospace-focused university in the world.
Whether you are beginning your first semester or returning to continue your journey, you are part of a community defined by ambition, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Every student who arrives here shares a common trait: the courage to pursue goals that demand more of them than ordinary paths ever could.
Embry-Riddle is more than a university. It is a place where future pilots, engineers, business leaders, military officers, researchers and innovators come together with a shared purpose—to push the boundaries of what is possible. The opportunities before you are extraordinary, but it is your willingness to seize them that will define your experience.
As you begin this academic year, I encourage you to challenge yourself beyond the classroom. Attend the event that sparks your curiosity. Join a club that aligns with your passions. Introduce yourself to someone whose background differs from your own. The relationships you build, the experiences you pursue and the lessons you learn outside of class often become the moments that
shape you most.
The strength of Embry-Riddle has never been found in its buildings, laboratories or aircraft. It is found in its people. It is found in the student who stays up late pursuing a difficult goal, the friend who offers support when it is needed most and the leader who chooses service over recognition. Our students are driven, resilient and determined to leave a lasting impact on the world. You will find faculty who challenge you, mentors who guide you and friends who stand beside you throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to step forward and become an active part of this remarkable community.
The Student Government Association exists to ensure that every student has a voice. Through advocacy, services, student organizations and divisions such as The Avion, Touch-N-Go Productions and WIKD 102.5 FM, the SGA works to enhance the student experience and strengthen the connection between students and university leadership. Our mission is simple: to serve the student body and help create an environment where every Eagle has the opportunity to thrive.
This year, my administration is committed to listening, leading and delivering meaningful results for students. We will continue working to improve campus life, expand opportunities for engagement and
ensure that student perspectives remain at the center of important conversations.
As you move forward this semester, remember that every achievement begins with the decision to take the first step. The challenges you encounter today will become the foundation of your success tomorrow. Have confidence in your abilities, embrace every opportunity to grow and never lose sight of the goals that brought you here.
The future of aviation, aerospace, business and technology will be shaped by the students who step foot on this campus. Each of you has the potential to make a lasting impact on your profession, your community and the world beyond EmbryRiddle. I am honored to learn alongside you and I look forward to seeing all that we will accomplish together.
Sincerely,
Isaac Reyna SGA President
Hello Embry-Riddle Eagles,
My name is Nathaniel Wrobel and I am honored to serve as your SGA Vice President for this upcoming year. I am a fifth-year student pursuing dual degrees in Systems Engineering and Space Operations and I am excited for the opportunity to help represent and serve our student body.
As we soar into a new academic year, the SGA and I are preparing to make a meaningful impact on the student experience. One of my biggest goals this year is strengthening our campus community and ensuring that every student feels supported. Embry-Riddle is home to an incredible group of students from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests and experiences. Between classes, work, flight training, athletics, ROTC, research and student organizations, it can be easy to become focused on our own corner of campus. I want SGA to help bring those different parts of our community together.
No matter who you are or what your involvement on campus looks like, SGA is here for you. Whether you’re an athlete, a member of ROTC, involved in an RSO, focused on academics or simply looking for your place on campus, you deserve to have access to the resources, opportunities and support that will help you succeed. My goal is to help create a campus where students feel connected, valued and comfortable reaching out when Stay rockin’ Eagles and I can’t wait to see you all this fall!
Best Regards,
Nathaniel Wrobel SGA Vice President
My name is Emily Wyszynski and I am honored to serve as your Student Government Association Chief of Staff for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Like many of you, my Embry-Riddle journey has taken me far beyond the classroom. I studied abroad during the spring 2025 semester at SKEMA Business School in Lille, France, completed two supply chain co-op rotations with Gulfstream Aerospace, served as President of Future Business Leaders of America and am currently spending the summer in Wichita, Kansas as a Sales Operations Intern with Textron Aviation. Through each experience, I have learned the value of leadership, adaptability and building meaningful connections with others.
Those lessons are what I bring to this role. As Chief of Staff, I am focused on building a strong cabinet that will support President Isaac Reyna and Vice President Nathaniel Wrobel’s vision for a more transparent, engaged and student-focused SGA. Whether it’s improving communication, advocating for student needs or creating opportunities for involvement, our goal is to ensure every student feels represented and empowered.
I believe some of the best parts of college happen when you step outside your comfort zone, meet new people and get involved. My door is always open and I encourage you to share your ideas, concerns and aspirations with us.
I am excited for the year ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible community.
