ˌāvēˈāshən, ˌav- — the variant with a in 1st syll seems to be more frequent for “aviation” than for “aviator” noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French, from avi- (from Latin avis ) + -ation
1. : the operation of heavier-than-air aircraft
2. : military aircraft
carrier-based aviation
his aviation had sunk or damaged 52 Japanese vessels — Newsweek
3. : aircraft manufacture, development, and design especially of a particular group or nation
advances in American aviation