Oklahoma

Aviation Associations, State Agencies Mourn Passing of Former Senator James Inhofe

Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics as well as numerous national aviation associations, marked the passing of general aviation advocate and former Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), who tirelessly fought on behalf of the industry throughout his decades of public service.

Sen. James Inhofe

“Sen. Inhofe was a master legislator and general aviation’s great champion,” said National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Those two truths are reflected in every aviation bill that has passed Congress and been signed into law over the past 35 years.”

“His Discharge Petition, General Aviation Revitalization Act, Pilots Bill of Rights, Basic Med and numerous FAA Reauthorization bills that have protected general aviation’s access to airspace and airports represent just a fraction of what Jim Inhofe has done to promote aviation,” Bolen added. “There is no one who has done more to help the United States have the largest, safest, most diverse and most efficient aviation system in the world. We will miss him greatly.” 

As an accomplished aviator, Inhofe brought a deep appreciation and understanding of the industry to policy debates on Capitol Hill. Over the course of his career, he supported legislation that ensured general aviation would continue connecting communities and remain a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, including through his work as a key proponent of legislation creating aviation workforce grants.

Greg Pecoraro, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), said Senator Inhofe was a passionate aviator, as well as a dedicated public servant. “Guided by his passion and experience, his many legislative accomplishments in this field helped shape the nation’s aviation policy for decades. He was a true champion for aviation in the Senate and we will always remember his tremendous impact on our industry. NASAO and its members send their deepest sympathies to Senator Inhofe’s family and friends.”

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and CEO Curt Castagna, noted that Sen. Inhofe’s legislative skill and deep understanding of the importance of general aviation left an indelible mark on our nation’s aviation infrastructure and skilled workforce. “We are a stronger, more resilient industry because of the Senator’s wisdom, leadership, and dedication.”

“Just last week NATA hosted its annual Air Charter Summit in Sen. Inhofe’s home state of Oklahoma, where we saw firsthand how his passion for his constituents and for our industry shaped a vibrant, innovative aviation landscape that continues to flourish. We are confident that his legacy will inspire future aviation advocates and professionals for generations to come,” Castagna added.

Grayson Ardies, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics noted that in a legacy of public service that spanned over 40 years, no one did more for aviation, aerospace, and defense than James Mountain Inhofe. “A tireless champion of airports and infrastructure, his advocacy ensured that our air transportation system was the envy of the world and the safest in the world. It is fair to say that Jim Inhofe beneficially impacted every public airport in Oklahoma during his time in public service.”

Ardies said that advocating for the Oklahoma aviation and aerospace industry was a task of love that was always at the top of his list whether you were American Airlines, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, or a small aviation business with less than 50 employees. “The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City never had a bigger champion than Senator Jim Inhofe and its successes in keeping our air transportation system safe and efficient are thanks to his advocacy over the years. When it comes to aviation and aerospace, Jim was a mountain of a man,” said Ardies. “He was Oklahoma’s #1 Airvangelist! Thank you, Senator Inhofe, for everything you’ve done for our Nation, for our State, and for the aviation, aerospace, and defense industry.”

FY 2025-2029 Five-Year Airport Construction Program Approved

Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission met on May 29, 2024, to discuss and approve significant initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s aviation and aerospace infrastructure. The Commission took action and approved the Department’s proposed FY 2025-2029 Five-Year Airport Construction Program (ACP), a strategic initiative which is set to invest $342 Million in Federal, State and Local Funds across the Oklahoma Airport System over the next five years. This plan aims to enhance airport facilities, support economic growth, and ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the state.

Agency staff provided the Commission with a comprehensive briefing on the system planning process and project selection methods used in developing the ACP. During the nearly hour-long presentation, Commissioners reviewed each new project slated for inclusion as well as amendments to existing projects in the FY 2025-2029 Five-Year ACP. Following the review, Commissioners unanimously approved the programming of project funds aimed at enhancing the state’s airport infrastructure.

Major Projects and Grants:

In addition to approving the Five-Year ACP the Commission also awarded two grants for infrastructure projects that will start construction this summer.  Both projects up for consideration were approved using preserving rural economic prosperity (PREP) funds that the Legislature approved in the fall of 2022.

Tulsa International Airport Grant: A substantial grant was approved for constructing a new air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control facility. This project, with a total cost of $111,597,773, will be funded through a combination of $52.5 million in federal funds, $16 million in PREP funds, and nearly $40 million in sponsor matching or other local funds.

Ardmore Municipal Airport Grant: The Commission approved $2,269,099 in PREP funds for constructing the south air cargo apron at Ardmore Municipal Airport, a critical infrastructure project supporting the region’s economic development growth opportunities.

Key Development Projects:

The overall five-year ACP includes 125 projects in 67 communities across Oklahoma. Projects range in size and scope from simple pavement maintenance projects to large multi-million-dollar runway renovations and extensions.  Included in this year’s version of the ACP are 52 projects which are considered “pro-growth” or economic enhancement projects which are made possible by funding that the Oklahoma Legislature has provided the Department in the last several years.

  • Alva Taxiway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,033,884, ODAA Share: $183,358, Local Match: $183,359
  • Ardmore Downtown Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,323,000, ODAA Share: $500,000, Local Match: $632,300
  • Durant Eaker Field Apron Expansion – Total Project Cost: $3,500,000, ODAA Share: $175,000, Local Match: $175,000
  • El Reno Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $100,000
  • Enid Woodring Apron Expansion – Total Project Cost: $2,250,000, ODAA Share: $112,500, Local Match: $112,500
  • Guthrie/Edmond Taxiway Development Area – Total Project Cost: $1,936,300, ODAA Share: $900,000, Local Match: $146,300
  • Haliburton Field (Duncan) Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $9,000,000, ODAA Share: $450,000, Local Match: $450,000
  • Hobart Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $200,000, Local Match: $200,000
  • Max Westheimer (Norman) Air Traffic Control Tower – Total Project Cost: $11,745,000, ODAA Share: $637,250, Local Match: $637,250
  • Mid-America (Pryor) Runway Extension & Strengthening – Total Project Cost: $6,000,000, ODAA Share: $300,000, Local Match: $300,000
  • Muskogee Davis Field Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $200,000, Local Match: $200,000
  • Pauls Valley Runway Reconstruction – Total Project Cost: $5,280,000, ODAA Share: $264,000, Local Match: $264,000
  • Ponca City Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $3,000,000
  • Seminole Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $1,000,000
  • Stillwater Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $5,200,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $1,200,000
  • Thomas Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $100,000, Local Match: $100,000
  • Weatherford Stafford Taxiway Development Area – Total Project Cost: $1,607,000, ODAA Share: $900,000, Local Match: $113,000

The above listed infrastructure projects are just an example of some of the construction activities that are a part of the comprehensive program to enhance airport infrastructure and ensure the state’s aviation facilities meet current and future needs to achieve the goal of having a safe, efficient and effective air transportation system.  The entire ACP document can be found here: https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace/airports/airport_construction_program.html

“Our state’s airport system is the backbone of Oklahoma’s economic vitality and overall prosperity. When our airports flourish, they drive economic development, enhance connectivity, and significantly improve the quality of life for our businesses and residents,” said Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.

FlightHorizon Selected to Provide Airspace Management and Detect-and-Avoid for Osage Nation’s Skyway36 Droneport

Kim Stevens

Vigilant Aerospaces’ FlightHorizon airspace management and uncrewed traffic management (UTM) system has been selected as the airspace management system for the Skyway36 droneport in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Skyway36 is a leading droneport in the United States and serves as an “airport for drones” and for larger Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, like air taxis.

Vigilant Aerospace is a provider of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM). With FlightHorizon, Skyway36 will be able to track and coordinate drones, detect intruding aircraft and provide a safe environment for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight of drones, which is essential for growing the UAS industry.

Skyway36 is the Osage Nation’s aerospace innovation zone, providing dedicated facilities for UAS flights. It is designed to support advanced air mobility and drone missions including survey drones, first responder drones, autonomous delivery aircraft and other missions. The facility includes a state-of-the-art UAS indoor test facility operated by Windshape, hangar and office space under development, a 3,000-foot runway suitable for larger, fixed-wing drones, and a certified helipad for both conventional helicopters and for new electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs).

“Skyway36 is working to provide and build premium infrastructure and this partnership with Vigilant Aerospace and its FlightHorizon system helps to keep us at the forefront of the industry. As an officially designated Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tulsa region and our droneport can play an important role in the national development of autonomous systems,” said Russell Goff, CEO of Osage, LLC.

The site is managed by DronePort Network, under contract to Osage LLC and is the first commercial node on the Skyway Range Flight Corridor, a 114-nautical mile drone corridor and one of the most ambitious advanced air mobility projects in the nation. Skyway Range consists of four major nodes for autonomous flight testing along multiple routes and is supported in part by a grant from the US Economic Development Administration.

“As autonomous flight gathers momentum, we’re seeing a growing number of flights from droneports like Skyway36,” said Craig Mahaney, CEO of DronePort Network. “To scale safely and successfully, we must ensure an environment designed to enable long-distance drone flights, air traffic monitoring and advanced safety systems. Vigilant Aerospace’s FlightHorizon allows Skyway36 to provide these services and to attract more operators by providing a world-class facility and technology for a wide variety of uncrewed flight operations and testing.”

Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace noted that Skyway36 provides a significant capability not just regionally but nationally for furthering autonomous flight Installing FlightHorizon at one of the nation’s first commercial droneports is a milestone for the industry and helps to set the standard for shared infrastructure at droneports everywhere. “Being the first node on the Skyway Range Flight Corridor also provides significant opportunities to make Skyway36 and this region a national proving ground.”

FlightHorizon is based on two NASA patents and fuses data from a range of sources including aircraft transponders, radar, drone autopilots, and live FAA data to create a single picture of airspace around a drone. The software predicts trajectories and provides standards-compliant avoidance commands to the remote pilot.

Oklahoma Aerospace Teachers Rocket to #1 In the Nation for Third Year

Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) celebrated a significant milestone in aerospace and aviation education recently with the announcement that Oklahoma has maintained its top spot in the Country with an impressive 116 schools scheduled to begin teaching the AOPA “You Can Fly” high school curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year.

Superintendents and teachers from across the state started the third annual Oklahoma Aerospace Education Training Summit by attending the “Planes on the Plains” banquet event inside Schwab Hall at Tulsa International Airport, where they were joined by industry executives, military aviation leaders, and state legislators in celebrating Oklahoma’s commitment to aerospace education. Lieutenant Governor, Matt Pinnell, began the evening by announcing that Oklahoma is #1 in the nation for the third consecutive year in the number of schools committed to offering these aerospace programs.

“Oklahoma’s commitment to aerospace education is unmatched. Being number one in the nation for three consecutive years is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of our state’s dedication to fostering the next generation of aerospace professionals. Aerospace is Oklahoma’s fastest growing industry, and our continued investment will ensure we have the talent necessary to fill incoming jobs.” stated Pinnell.

The evening featured networking opportunities, inspirational speeches, and a keynote message from Todd Willinger, CEO of Redbird Simulations, which many of the classrooms are using to introduce students to the fundamental principles of aviation and aerodynamics. Other speakers included Grayson Ardies, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Alexis Higgins, CEO, Tulsa International Airport, Mandy Monahan, Tulsa Aerospace Council, Dan Justman, Vice-President, AOPA “You Can Fly” Programming, and Tanner Gilliam, AOPA Pathway and Southeastern University Aerospace Sciences Institute Graduate.

During the course of the Summit from June 3-6 over 90 Oklahoma teachers from both public and private schools gathered at Oklahoma State University’s Helmerich Research Center in Tulsa to train for the implementation of an aviation curriculum designed by the AOPA Foundation. The four-day event allowed teachers the opportunity to participate in hands-on lab activities and to collaborate with teachers from communities across the state to focus on best aviation and aerospace STEM practices.

The pathway which was introduced in Oklahoma for the first time at Ada High School eight years ago has now rocketed to an impressive 116 high schools that are focusing on sharpening applicable methods required to teach the four-year pathway of coursework, readying students for careers in Oklahoma’s growing aerospace industry. While at the training, teachers designed and lofted hot air balloons, built reciprocating engines and learned the techniques of unmanned aircraft systems. In addition to classroom sessions teachers toured Spirit AeroSystems while district school superintendents toured the American Airlines maintenance base.

Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of ODAA, shared the importance of these programs: “Our aerospace education initiatives are essential in addressing workforce challenges and ensuring that Oklahoma remains a leader in the aerospace industry. The dedication of our educators and the enthusiasm of students is the key to our success.” Ardies emphasized, “This curriculum offers students an introductory look to the industry and prepares them with STEM concepts that are fundamental to their future careers. We are seeing students who have an interest in aerodynamics, now choosing aerospace engineering when they go off to college. We have students who are mechanically inclined now pursuing their aircraft technician certifications, and students were not necessarily seeking private pilot certifications and are now exploring support roles in the aviation industry. We are learning from our teachers and students that Aerospace is open for everyone.”

AOPA’s You Can Fly initiative is all about building the aviation and aerospace community, getting more people into the skies, using the passion for flight to showcase the wide range of aerospace career opportunities, and keeping that passion ignited. The centerpiece of You Can Fly is the unique and free high school STEM curriculum, ensuring that all of aviation and aerospace has a bright future. For the 2024-2025 school year, 116 schools across Oklahoma are scheduled to teach the AOPA “You Can Fly” program, up from 87 schools the previous year.

“Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries employ approximately 120,000 professionals, including engineers, technicians, mechanics, pilots, and air traffic controllers. The state’s education programs, particularly the AOPA “You Can Fly” program, play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals,” said Paula Kedy, M.A. Ed., Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager for ODAA. “The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is committed to providing the resources necessary for Oklahoma schools to be successful in these programs.”

In the past school year, more than 22,700 students in 471 Districts in 47 states across the country, in all four grades, took the curriculum and learned about exciting opportunities in aviation and aerospace.

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Day

Kim Stevens

Last week on the National Teacher Appreciation Day, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) proudly extended its heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable aerospace and aviation educators who are shaping the future of their state. From Tulsa to Lawton, and Alva to Broken Bow dedicated teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of aerospace leaders.

At its December 2023 meeting, the Commission approved a groundbreaking partnership with the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Program, marking a significant milestone in Oklahoma’s aerospace education. This partnership introduced an after-school aviation program for 6th and 7th-grade students enrolled in Weatherford Public Schools, Pryor Public Schools, and Springdale Elementary of Tulsa Public Schools. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Oklahoma, aimed to cultivate interest in aerospace and aeronautics while celebrating the legacy of Bessie Coleman, America’s first black female pilot.

“The ODAA is delighted to have field-tested the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Program,” stated Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager. “This ten-week program has provided sixth and seventh-grade students with engaging, hands-on aviation activities and insights into important aerospace careers. Meeting Gigi Coleman, Bessie Coleman’s great-niece, was a highlight for students, igniting their passion for aviation.”

One student from Weatherford exclaimed, “This was the best activity I have ever had at school. It was an honor to meet Bessie Coleman’s niece. I want to become a pilot.”

Additionally, Oklahoma’s aerospace education landscape is enriched by the willingness of teachers to embrace innovative curricula, such as the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum and Choose Aerospace Program. These curricula, endorsed by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, expose students to real-life STEM capabilities and career paths, further enhancing the state’s commitment to innovation and learning.

“Our state’s aerospace education owes much of its success to our extensive network of strong teachers,” Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “Their unwavering commitment to implementing innovative programs such as the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum, Choose Aerospace, and the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Afterschool program reflects Oklahoma’s dedication to fostering innovation and learning.”

As the second-largest industry in Oklahoma, aerospace continues to grow exponentially. Our educators play a crucial role in driving this growth by instilling a passion for aviation in their students from an early age. Programs like the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum expose students to real-life STEM capabilities, opening doors to diverse career paths within the aerospace industry.

The Department is steadfast in its commitment to making aerospace the leading industry in our state and our educators are at the forefront of this mission, shaping a workforce prepared for the demands of the aerospace sector.

Moreover, Oklahoma’s interest and success in innovative programs such as the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Afterschool program underscore the impact of our efforts on communities statewide. By introducing aviation to students at a young age, we ignite curiosity and passion, paving the way for future generations of aerospace leaders.

As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Day, let us recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of our educators in shaping the future of aerospace education in Oklahoma.

For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and its education initiatives, please visit https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education.html.

Vigilant Aerospace Awarded OCAST Grant to Develop Distributed Airspace Management System

Kim Stevens

Vigilant Aerospace Systems, the leading developer of multi-sensor airspace management and collision avoidance software for drones and advanced air mobility, has been awarded a $500,000 grant as part of a nearly $1 million project to work with the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE) at Oklahoma State University to develop a distributed version of its detect-and-avoid system.

The grant is provided by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). Vigilant Aerospace also won an OCAST grant in 2019 to work with OSU integrating new radars into its collision avoidance system.

The project addresses the challenges posed by the increasing number of uncrewed aircraft operating in the National Airspace System, including inspection and delivery drones, first responder drones, and larger air taxi and cargo drones. While these autonomous vehicles offer significant societal and economic benefits, they require new airspace management paradigms to ensure safe integration into the existing airspace and air traffic.

Vigilant Aerospace provides the software and networked sensors and radars to allow uncrewed aircraft to safely fly long distances and beyond the visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) of the pilot – which is essential to enabling the next generation of aviation.

“Vigilant Aerospace is an industry leader developing crucial technology for aviation safety right here in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Jamey Jacob, OAIRE executive director. “The ability for drones and larger autonomous vehicles to detect and avoid collisions with other aircraft is critical for the future of aviation and for multiple efforts throughout the nation. Projects like this keep Oklahoma at the forefront of the industry, while supporting innovative local businesses. This initiative has far-reaching impact as a wide range of autonomous aircraft take to the air.”

The OCAST grant is provided through its highly competitive Oklahoma Applied Research Support (OARS) program, which supports businesses developing innovations and technologies that create new jobs and diversify Oklahoma’s economy.

The project also received support from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the $38.2 million Build Back Better grant awarded to a Tulsa-based coalition to support new aerospace initiatives in Oklahoma. Projects include the Skyway Range Flight Corridor, a 114 nautical mile drone corridor and one of the most ambitious advanced air mobility projects in the nation. The new corridor serves as the perfect platform for Vigilant’s distributed airspace management system to enable true BVLOS flight.

“Working with OSU helps to speed our R&D and provide the Skyway Range Flight Corridor with the most advanced airspace management system in the nation,” said Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace. “It’s an excellent example of public-private co-operation to fast-track this high-potential technology both in the region and beyond. We are grateful to our sponsors at OCAST and the EDA for their support and are excited to work with our partners at OSU with their exceptional capabilities and resources.”

 OSU and OAIRE support the project with unique capabilities including research engineers, pilots and subject matter experts, test aircraft, flights at the OSU Unmanned Aircraft Flight Station near Stillwater, and special research waivers from the FAA.

“Oklahoma continues to be a hotbed of innovation in autonomous flight, with a number of research institutions in the state already supporting this growth,” said Jennifer McGrail, Executive Director of OCAST. “This grant award brings together research and industry, helps to support innovation in the state and diversification of our economy. We look for ground-breaking initiatives, with potentially broad industry impact, and Vigilant Aerospace’s proposal fit that description.”

Elk City Breaks Ground for New Airport Terminal and Hangar

Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, in collaboration with the City of Elk City, celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Elk City Regional Business Airport terminal and hangar. The event occurred on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with distinguished speakers including State Representative Nick Archer, Elk City Mayor Cory Spieker, and Bobby Southard, City of Elk City Airport Board Chairman. Various state legislative officials and community leaders attended to mark this significant milestone in Oklahoma’s aviation infrastructure development.

“Terminal buildings serve as gateways to communities, leaving lasting impressions on visitors,” said Executive Director Grayson Ardies, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “The new Elk City Regional Business Airport terminal reflects the community’s vision and commitment to excellence in aerospace. We are proud to partner with the city on this project and look forward to the future growth this investment will spur throughout the region.”

“I am glad that I was part of the funding and selection process for this renewal of the Elk City Airport and Terminal,” said Senator Brent Howard. “The possibilities for western Oklahoma and the aviation industry are almost limitless and this investment in our area will help welcome new opportunities.”

“The Elk City Regional Airport has a 5.7M economic impact on our community; By replacing our 1966 terminal, we are getting a new front door to our city,” said Oklahoma State Representative Nick Archer. “This forward-thinking will serve our city and community for decades.”

“Today marks a giant leap forward for Elk City’s Aviation community, and the City is thrilled with the assistance from the Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to bring our vision with this project to reality,” said Tom Ivester, Elk City Manager.

Bobby Southard, Elk City Airport Chairman, emphasized the importance of the new terminal, stating, “The movers and shakers, the people who bring business to a town, don’t come in on the Greyhound bus. They come to town from the airport, and now we will be able to make a great first impression of Elk City with our new terminal.”

“It is a great day for the City of Elk City partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics for the construction of a new terminal and hangar at the Elk City Airport,” said Cory Spieker, Elk City Mayor. “Elk City is fortunate to be one of three cities in Oklahoma to be chosen for this project.”

The groundbreaking ceremony signifies a culmination of strategic investments in aviation infrastructure by Oklahoma’s leadership. Beginning with the 2022 Legislative Session, increased funding allocated to the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics marked a significant shift in prioritizing aerospace and defense initiatives. This sustained investment has empowered the department to embark on transformative projects, including the construction of three new terminal buildings across the state, made possible by FY 2024 appropriations.

This project marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Elk City and the broader Oklahoma aerospace industry. As the state continues to attract attention on the national stage for its innovative solutions and strategic investments, events like this underscore Oklahoma’s ascent as a top destination for aerospace and defense.

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Breaks Ground on New Airport Terminal at Miami

Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) announced a significant milestone in the expansion of aerospace infrastructure in Northeast Oklahoma. ODAA in collaboration with the City of Miami, Garver, and New Fire Native celebrated the groundbreaking of a new regional airport terminal.

The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by community members, state and local government, and partner organizations, reflects ODAA commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the aviation sector. This collaborative effort signifies the beginning of construction on a facility that will enhance NE Oklahoma and contribute to the continued advancement of aerospace operations in the state.

“The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is excited to partner with Miami to expand its Oklahoma aerospace presence with a new terminal,” said Executive Director Grayson Ardies, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “The new terminal will serve as a hub for regional air travel, facilitating economic growth and enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. We believe this partnership will further solidify Oklahoma’s position as a leader in the aerospace industry and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.”

“We are thrilled to expand Oklahoma’s aerospace footprint through this partnership with Miami,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “This new terminal marks a significant milestone in our state’s commitment to advancing air travel accessibility and fostering economic prosperity. I’m proud to see Oklahoma’s aerospace industry soar to new heights, driving innovation and creating opportunities for our communities to thrive.”

“Thanks to the generous support from the Oklahoma Aerospace & Aeronautics Commission, the new terminal at Miami Regional Airport not only enhances our infrastructure, but propels Miami forward,” said Miami Mayor Bless Parker. “We look forward to connecting our community with endless opportunities through this new advancement.”

As construction commences, we extend our congratulations to the City of Miami and express our gratitude to all those involved in making this project a reality. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, create jobs, and propel Oklahoma’s aerospace industry to new heights of success and prosperity.

Aero Oklahoma Welcomes 1,000 Oklahomans to State Capitol for Aerospace Advocacy Day

Kim Stevens

More than sixty exhibitor booths welcomed over 1,000 visitors to this year’s “AERO Oklahoma” Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Day presented annually by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics at the State Capitol.

The annual event is a unique occasion for Oklahoma’s military members, industry leaders, private and commercial pilots, airport managers, municipal officials, drone pilots, educators, flying clubs, and the many users of the Oklahoma Airport System to come together. With the opportunity to meet one-on-one with state legislators and other elected officials to remind them of Oklahoma’s strong aviation heritage and show them firsthand how the industry continues to solidify our state as a worldwide leader in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Grayson Ardies.
Photo by Christopher Bryan

This year’s event had a special presentation from American Airlines, and included the Oklahoma Air and Space Forces Association, Oklahoma City Innovation District, Oklahoma Defense Industry Association, Oklahoma Commerce, Oklahoma Transportation, Oklahoma CareerTech, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, Critical Components, Consolidated Turbine Specialists – a Kratos Company, Gilchrist Aviation Law and the Oklahoma National Guard.

“Aero Day at the Capitol is a testament to the powerhouse that this industry represents in Oklahoma,” said Executive Director Grayson Ardies, of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “Our state is fueled by the legacy of heroes like General Tom Stafford. Leadership is forging the path for growth in our state. We are on the trajectory for aerospace to be Oklahoma’s #1 industry, and when we come together for advocacy and collaboration, we solidify our commitment to achieving that goal.”

Three hundred students and 200 military personnel listened to state leaders address the crowd, including Speaker Charles McCall, Col. Abigail Ruscetta with Tinker Air Force Base, Greg Emerson, American Airlines, First Native American in Space, Commander John Herrington, and air and space historian Bill Moore. The aviation, aerospace, and defense community were welcomed with remarks about the important economic impact this industry provides to the state. 

Photos by Christopher Bryan with Christopher Bryan Studios of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“Of all the industry accomplishments highlighted at Aero Day, I’m proudest of our statewide initiatives that will ensure our military installations, airports, and MRO facilities can employ skilled professionals from right here in Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Senator Adam Pugh. “The continued growth of these industries would not be possible without our partners in school districts and Career Techs across the state who have worked to fill the workforce pipeline. On this Aero Day, let us not only celebrate the current accomplishments of this industry but let us celebrate the future opportunities to come for the individuals and businesses who call our state home.”

This year, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics commemorated the contributions of Lt. General Tom Stafford to the aviation and aerospace industry.

NBAA Congratulates Rep. Tom Cole on House Appropriations Chairmanship

Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes the appointment of Rep. Tom Cole (R-4-OK) as chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee. He succeeds Rep. Kay Granger (R-12-TX), who will remain on the committee as chairwoman emeritus.

Rep. Tom Cole

Throughout his more than 20 years in Congress, Cole has frequently stood with the general aviation (GA) community on several definitive issues, including championing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization measure passed by the House in July 2023.

“Rep. Cole has been a steadfast advocate for the vital role of GA and business aviation in facilitating a strong national aviation network,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We congratulate him on his appointment to lead the House Appropriations Committee and look forward to working with him in the months ahead.”

A member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2009, Cole served as committee vice chair, and chair of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee prior to being named chair of the full committee.

Cole’s home state of Oklahoma is home to more than 100 public-use airports, which support thousands of jobs and more than hundreds of millions in total annual economic activity and investment.