Enid High School Aviation Program Reaches New Heights with Inaugural Flight of Student-Built Aircraft

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Grant Fuels Local STEM Program

ENID, Okla. – Several Garfield County community members were on hand to see Enid High School’s aviation students’ hard work take to the skies Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2026 at Woodring Regional Airport.

Enid celebrated the inaugural flight of its student-built RV-12iS Light Sport Aircraft as part of the Tango Flight (TFI) aircraft construction program.

The program utilizes the curriculum provided by TFI, an educational non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers, pilots, aviation mechanics and technicians. TFI’s curriculum blends classroom learning with hands-on training where students apply their knowledge to building a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified airplane. Since 2016, TFI has worked with educators and aviation experts nationwide to construct this innovative STEM-focused educational program.

“We are so excited by the completion of the first Tango Flight ‘airplane build project’ at Enid High School,” said Dan Weyant, Tango Flight Inc. executive director. “The students did an outstanding job on this airplane. Their hard work and attention to detail have resulted in a high-quality aircraft… one of the best built RV-12iS (planes) in the country!”

Enid’s program was developed with crucial assistance from a grant offered through the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), demonstrating Oklahoma’s commitment to STEM education and workforce development in the state.

“The ODAA is proud to support the development of Enid’s aviation education program,” said Grayson Ardies, executive director of the ODAA. “This partnership with Tango Flight reflects Oklahoma’s commitment to delivering premier hands-on STEM education to ensure we have a robust, homegrown workforce for the state’s thriving aerospace and aviation industries.”

Other Oklahoma high schools that are currently participating in the Tango Flight program include:

• Durant High School
• McAlester High School
• Oklahoma Aviation Academy (Norman Public Schools)
• Pryor High School
• Sequoyah High School (Tahlequah)
• Northeast Technology Center (Afton)

McAlester, Northeast Tech (Afton), Pryor and Oklahoma Aviation Academy are expected to finish their aircraft during the spring 2026 school semester.

For more information on Oklahoma aerospace and aviation education programs, visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education.