National Aviation Day, celebrated annually on August 19, celebrates the history and future of flight — honoring the pioneers who made it possible and inspiring the next generation to take to the skies. And as a leading regional airline, Envoy is a proud part of that history and future.
For the past three years, Envoy has invited lucky prize drawing winners to Irving, Texas, to fly in one of our full-motion Embraer 175 flight simulators at Avenger Flight Group. For some attendees, the experience is more than just a behind-the-scenes look. It’s a turning point.
Meet Roy Moya and Geoffrey Kepka, two past participants whose time at Envoy’s National Aviation Day celebration ignited their passion and set them firmly on the path toward their aviation careers.
Roy’s Story: Reigniting a Dream
When Roy attended National Aviation Day with Envoy, he was emerging from one of the most challenging chapters of his life. The loss of his grandmother had left him questioning his next steps.
“I went into the Aviation Day event with an open mind, but I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose,” said Roy. “Operating the simulator was nothing short of amazing! It’s hard to put the feeling into words. All I can say is, I felt like a kid in a candy store.”
Roy credits his experience at Envoy’s Aviation Day event with reigniting his passion and motivating him to pursue his aviation goals. Touring the training facility, meeting Envoy pilots, and hearing their encouragement gave him the clarity and determination to keep going, no matter the obstacles.
Since then, Roy has worked as an Observer for a pipeline company alongside a Certified Flight Instructor mentor, shared his story at a local elementary school Career Day (pictured), and made steady progress toward his Commercial Single Engine license, with plans to pursue his Commercial Multi Engine in Dallas. His advice to aspiring aviators: research your school, advocate for yourself, and never give up — especially when training gets tough.
Geoffrey’s Story: Committing to the Climb
For Geoffrey, the journey to the flight deck began with a leap of faith. After working in Florida and owning a home in Orlando, he made the bold decision to fully commit to an aviation career. He sold his house and left his job to focus on flight training.
The housing market had other plans. For nearly a year, his home sat unsold, limiting how often he could fly. But Geoffrey stayed the course, and in early 2025, the sale finally went through, allowing him to train more consistently. On March 12, he took his first solo flight (pictured) and is now on track to earn his Private Pilot License within the next two months.
Looking back, Geoffrey says the Envoy Aviation Day event played a pivotal role.
“It helped solidify my decision to pursue aviation as a career and gave me a clear vision of where I want to be,” Geoffrey says. “The environment felt welcoming, supportive, and close-knit, like a true family. It affirmed that Envoy is the kind of company I’d be proud to grow with.”
Geoffrey plans to commit to full-time flight training this winter and hopes to join the Envoy family once he completes his ratings and builds his hours.
Looking Ahead to National Aviation Day 2025
Stories like Roy’s and Geoffrey’s are why Envoy celebrates National Aviation Day. Sometimes all it takes is one experience, one conversation, or one opportunity to remind you why you started. This year, we’re excited to welcome 12 lucky winners for the same behind-the-scenes experience that inspired Roy and Geoff. Our hope is that these future aviators leave with the same spark and that we’ll see them in Envoy wings one day soon.