Oklahoma’s Aviation High Schools Lead the Way for the Second Consecutive Year

STATEWIDE – Six years after statehood, powered flight came to Oklahoma on March 18, 1910, when Charles Willard flew his Curtiss Pusher airplane to an altitude of three to four hundred feet at a speed of thirty miles per hour. The age of the airplane was born as an increasing number of individuals in the 1920s became pilots. One hundred years later, the Oklahoma skies are once again calling young aviators from what was once grass strips dotting the prairies to what has now evolved into a thriving state airport transportation system with 108 airports supporting communities, economic development, and workforce education across the state.

For the second consecutive year, the Oklahoma aviation high school roster has been established as leading the way with the highest number of schools teaching the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) “You Can Fly” high school curriculum. Oklahoma is #1 in the nation for the number of schools that are teaching this aviation and aerospace program in the classroom, 87 schools, nearly double the number of any other state.

Because of the consistent need for a thriving and sustainable workforce across the state, Governor Kevin Stitt announced in July that Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell will serve as Secretary of Workforce Development in his Cabinet. In the new appointment, Pinnell will work closely with the Departments of Education, Commerce, Aerospace and Aeronautics, and the CareerTech system to emphasize the workforce pipeline and economic development for the state.

“STEM occupations are projected to grow 10.8% by 2031, and our high school aviation programs give students the foundation they need to pursue careers in the field. Many of these students will fill critical roles as pilots, engineers, aircraft technicians, air traffic controllers, and industry support personnel because they have been given a foundational STEM education focused in aerospace,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell.