Oklahoma Hosts Its First Ever Student Pilot Day 

OK – Aviation is an important industry in Oklahoma so getting students interested in those types of careers early, is crucial. 400 kids from all over Oklahoma got to get up close with all things related to flying at the first-ever Student Pilot Day. More than 400 Oklahoma aviation students from 19 schools across the state gathered at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Hangar 80, American Airlines, in Tulsa to explore various aviation and aerospace exhibits and career paths.  

Paula Kedy with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, or OAC, was a driving force behind the event. “There are so many needs as far as employment in Oklahoma and in the United States for pilots for maintenance workers for air traffic controllers,” Kedy said. “In every aspect of aviation and aerospace.” The commission received an FAA 625 workforce development grant for the program. 

According to the OAC, Oklahoma is #1 for the number of schools teaching the “You Can Fly” curriculum. Students had the chance to meet with professionals in the aviation field, including the Air National Guard. Brigadier General Tray Siegfried was there to speak with the future aviators. Siegfried continued that growing the aerospace workforce in Oklahoma is critical to the state’s future. 

Maxwell Smith is a senior at Enid High School and was one of the students in attendance. With his high school graduation right around the corner, he is focused on figuring out his future as a pilot.”I started looking for more options as an airline pilot and so that’s the goal,” Smith said. “After I graduate, I am going to work on my hours.” With the help of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Smith was able to get a close look at different types of aircraft. 

Robin Cavanaugh, a commander with the 138-fighter wing, thinks it is great to expose students like Smith to everything that aviation has to offer. “Whether that be in the civilian community, in the military, just to give them lots of options once they transition into their next phase of life and career opportunities,” Cavanaugh said. Along with hearing from people in the military, Smith got to talk to pilots with American Airlines. He is already practicing for his test so he can one day become one of them. “If you are flying planes for people, you need to know what you’re doing and need to do a good job,” Smith said. Smith hopes this day will inspire his friends and other students to look to the skies for their future as well. 

The event was a collaboration between the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, American Airlines, Oklahoma National Guard, Tulsa Air and Space Museum, and Tulsa International Airport.  

To learn more about the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, visit its website here: https://oac.ok.gov/