The Oklahoma Aviation Academy (OAA) is undergoing a significant expansion to address the growth and demand for skilled aerospace professionals. This expansion includes a new standalone facility set to break ground this summer, aiming to accommodate the growing student enrollment exceeding 500.  

Dr. Kristi Gray, director of gifted and advanced programs, emphasizes Oklahoma's thriving aerospace industry, stating, “It is the second largest and fastest growing in the state with a $44 billion economic impact.” 

The strategic location of Oklahoma, accessible by land, water and air within a 500-mile radius, positions it as a prime hub for aerospace endeavors. OAA created exclusively for aerospace careers with a focus on industry-connected education pathways, offers diverse programs such as private pilot, unmanned aircraft systems, computer science, meteorology, air traffic control, airport management and aviation mechanics. 

The academy's transformative vision provides innovative educational experiences rooted in aviation and aerospace. Students can earn certifications, including Airframe and Powerplant through Moore Norman Technology Center and drone operation licenses at OAA, along with obtaining a private pilot's license. 

Terry Adams, OAA academy director, emphasizes the importance of early exposure to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) opportunities, noting a remarkable 30% attendance rate of female students, surpassing industry averages of women in aviation at 6-8%. OAA strives to eliminate barriers, partnering with Norman Public Schools Foundation to fund opportunities such as scholarships and private pilot licenses. 

OAA collaborates with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), offering a specialized curriculum covering pilot and unmanned aircraft systems from freshman to senior year. Oklahoma holds the number-one ranking nationally for aviation programs, showcasing a 34% increase in districts teaching the AOPA curriculum, with 87 participating schools in 2023-24. The curriculum's flexibility replaces computer science or foreign language requirements, allowing for early specialization. 

The OAA Board of Advisors, featuring industry leaders such as Alexandra Capellupo with Boeing supporting the program with a third donation of $100,000 in 2023. Robert Hogue and Shannon Alfaro from the 76th Software Engineering Group at Tinker Airforce Base, and Justin Cockroft from the FAA, all enhance the academy's exclusivity and dedication to the continuing growth of Oklahoma aerospace.  

OAA's expansion, strategic partnerships and commitment to diverse, industry-aligned education with the AOPA curriculum position it as a leader in cultivating the next generation of aerospace professionals, contributing significantly to Oklahoma's thriving aerospace landscape.  

The academy's vision is clear and ambitious, delivering an innovative educational experience rooted in aviation and aerospace while opening doors for students to seamlessly transition into successful aerospace careers.