On April 6, 2023, more than 400 students and educators made the journey to American Airlines Hangar 80 at Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) to attend the first-ever Oklahoma Student Pilot Day.
The event was presented by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in partnership with American Airlines, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and Tulsa International Airport.
Students from 19 different schools learned about aerospace and aviation careers as they explored aircraft static displays, simulators, and exhibits at Hangar 80 and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. This event was made possible by an FAA workforce development grant that the commission received, according to state officials.
American Airlines team members spoke to the students sharing their first-hand experience about the various careers at the Tulsa maintenance base, where the airline conducts nearly half of its aircraft maintenance work. Additionally, representatives from the American Cadet Academy provided information about opportunities to join the academy.
Throughout the day students had the chance to meet with professionals in the industry, including members from the 137th Special Operations Wing and 138th Fighter Wing from Oklahoma, and the 188th Wing from the Arkansas Air National Guard in Fort Smith.
“We want to ensure every Oklahoma student has been given the opportunity to explore aviation and aerospace as a career opportunity,” said State Director of Aeronautics Grayson Ardies.