Since the legislature established Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Day, the state’s Aerospace and Aeronautics sector has been soaring to new heights.
During the 2017 legislative session, Senator Chris Kidd of Waurika and former Representative Scott Biggs of Marlow passed Senate Bill 47, creating Oklahoma Aviation & Aerospace Day on August 19. The day coincides with National Aviation & Aerospace Day, which commemorates the birthdate of Orville Wright, who, with his brother Wilbur, made substantial contributions to powered flight.
Since the bill was signed into law, the aerospace sector in Oklahoma has seen remarkable growth. Over the past seven years, more than $186M has been invested in the Oklahoma Airport System. The state has also launched the Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) Program within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and created an aviation generation, with 5,000 high school students enrolled in aviation programs across 116 schools in all 77 counties. Nearly 40 aviation laws have been signed into state statute, and the former Commission has evolved into an official Department.
“When we proposed Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Day to the legislature in 2017, we had compelling data showing that aerospace had become the state’s second-largest industry, just behind oil and gas. It was the perfect time to push this initiative forward,” said Grayson Ardies, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
Since the early 2000s, aerospace and aviation education has been a top priority. Over the years, the Department has provided $5.8 million in aerospace and education funding to organizations and programs throughout the state. Entrusted by the Oklahoma Legislature to coordinate the state’s aerospace education efforts through SB 930 (2023), the agency has been given the extraordinary responsibility to inspire young minds and guide them toward aerospace careers.
“With Oklahoma schools starting just in time for this significant day, we encourage K-12 educators to create activities that highlight the importance of aviation,” said Paula Kedy, M.A. Ed., statewide aerospace STEM education manager. “Discussing aviation pioneers like the Wright brothers and Amelia Earhart would be a fitting tribute.”
“Oklahomans are encouraged to explore our state’s rich aviation history by visiting museums like the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, or the 99’s Museum of Women Pilots in Oklahoma City,” said Sandra Shelton, the department’s director of government relations and originator of the initial legislative measure. “These institutions showcase how aviation has shaped our state and continues to inspire future generations.”
Aviation has been with the Sooner state since statehood and is well served by the state’s 104 general aviation airports and 4 commercial airports. Of those airports, 45 are jet-capable, meaning they have at least a 5,000-foot runway. Aviation & Aerospace is the second largest industry in the state, producing almost $44 billion in annual economic activity. Altogether, these segments support 206,000 jobs and an $11.7 billion payroll. The average salary in aviation and aerospace is just over $73,000.
