AOPA "You Can Fly"
Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce in the aerospace and aviation industry, the Aeronautics Commission is working to support Oklahoma high schools interested in offering aviation curriculum developed by the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). The four year, “You Can Fly” curriculum is offered free to schools committed to providing high quality aviation STEM pathways for students.
The AOPA curriculum program consists of two pathways, the pilot pathway and the UAS pathway. Schools may choose to implement one or both. The difficulty of the course work increases each consecutive year, building upon the knowledge required to become a private pilot or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot.
During a four-day training conference in the summer of 2022, teachers and industry leaders met at OU’s National Weather Center to celebrate the growth of aviation and aerospace education in the state, and to discuss ways to partner in the building of programs that will ensure the growth of Oklahoma’s aviation, aerospace and defense industry workforce. Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced from the stage that Oklahoma is first in the nation for the number of schools approved to teach the AOPA high school aviation curriculum. With AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker and the State Director of Aeronautics Grayson Ardies flanking the stage, AOPA and Oklahoma Aeronautics confirmed that the 57 schools across the state signed onto the program and moved the Sooner State into first place in the United States. Oklahoma maintained its number one ranking in 2023 with 87 schools now teaching the curriculum.
The registration period for schools wishing to apply to teach the AOPA curriculum is open between November 15th and May 31st each year. Interested educators may access the application at aopa.org/apply. Applications must be submitted no later than May 31 of each year. For more information, contact the agency’s Aerospace & Aviation Education Coordinator, Paula Kedy, M.A. Ed. at (405) 604-6900 or by email at pkedy@oac.ok.gov.