Aybar Uses Storytelling To Inspire Future Aviators

Charles Aybar, an aeronautical sciences expert and longtime aviation professional, uses storytelling as a bridge between technical knowledge and imagination. He is committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generations of aviation professionals using this storytelling.

Aybar said his new book series, focused on aviation and finance, respectively, grew out of his desire to reach Gen Z and Alpha students through fiction-based education. “Gen A has an enormous imagination,” he said. “Imagination leads to creativeness, and creativeness develops new products, new strategies, new safety initiatives.” 

His “Soaring Dreams” series immerses young readers in aviation and aerospace through narrative-driven, STEM-infused scenarios, while “Money Dreams” teaches financial literacy through a similar storytelling format. “I want these kids to be empowered,” Aybar explained. “They need excellent direction in what they plan to do, and how they plan to do it.”

Beyond writing, Aybar mentors emerging professionals through NBAA’s mentorship program and outreach with the FAA Safety Team. He said his goal is to help students and early-career mentees “match their dream, not my dream,” emphasizing empowerment, integrity, and lifelong curiosity. With more than 40 published titles, Aybar sees fiction as a tool to plant seeds of innovation, giving young people the confidence to envision careers in aviation, engineering, and finance.