• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
General Aviation News

General Aviation News

Because flying is cool

  • Pictures of the Day
    • Submit Picture of the Day
  • Stories
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
    • Products
    • NTSB Accidents
    • ASRS Reports
  • Comments
  • Classifieds
    • Place Classified Ad
  • Events
  • Digital Archives
  • Subscribe
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Oklahoma teachers soar to top spot

By General Aviation News Staff · June 18, 2024 · Leave a Comment

For the third year in a row, Oklahoma has maintained its top spot in the country with 116 schools scheduled to teach the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s “You Can Fly” high school curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year.

Last year, 87 schools taught the curriculum throughout the state, according to state aviation officials.

“Oklahoma’s commitment to aerospace education is unmatched. Being #1 in the nation for three consecutive years is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of our state’s dedication to fostering the next generation of aerospace professionals,” said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell.

During the third annual Oklahoma Aerospace Education Training Summit, held June 3 to June 6, more than 90 Oklahoma teachers from both public and private schools gathered at Oklahoma State University’s Helmerich Research Center in Tulsa to train for the implementation of an aviation curriculum designed by the AOPA Foundation.

The four-day summit gave teachers the opportunity to participate in hands-on lab activities, such as designing hot air balloons, building reciprocating engines, and learning the techniques of unmanned aircraft systems. They also had the opportunity to collaborate with teachers from communities across the state to focus on best aviation and aerospace STEM practices, according to officials with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA).

“Our aerospace education initiatives are essential in addressing workforce challenges and ensuring that Oklahoma remains a leader in the aerospace industry,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “The dedication of our educators and the enthusiasm of students is the key to our success.”

“Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries employ approximately 120,000 professionals, including engineers, technicians, mechanics, pilots, and air traffic controllers. The state’s education programs, particularly the AOPA You Can Fly program, play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals,” said Paula Kedy, M.A. Ed., Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager for ODAA.

In the past school year, more than 22,700 high school students in 471 school districts in 47 states across the country were taught the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum, according to state officials.

For more information: Oklahoma.gov/Aerospace, AOPA.org

Reader Interactions

Share this story

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on LinkedIn Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit Share on Reddit
  • Share via Email Share via Email

Join 110,000 readers each month and get the latest news and entertainment from the world of general aviation direct to your inbox, daily. Sign up here.

Curious to know what fellow pilots think on random stories on the General Aviation News website? Click on our Recent Comments page to find out. Read our Comment Policy here.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

© 2025 Flyer Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Comment Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Writer’s Guidelines
  • Photographer’s Guidelines