While school children were busy last week donning protective eye wear, looking with wonder at the solar eclipse, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission was authorizing plans to assist the next generation of Oklahoma’s youth in exploring the solar system and beyond through flight. Twenty-five organizations were recently awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants or contracts […]
Oklahoma
Conway Appointed to New Term on Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has reappointed Dr. David Conway of Durant, Okla., to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission until December 31, 2022. Conway has served on the Commission since 2009 replacing former District 2 Commissioner Mel Stubbings of McAlester. “We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Conway remain on the Commission,” Aeronautics Commission director Victor Bird […]
Military Aerial Corridors over Oklahoma at Risk
Over the open skies of the state, there is an undetectable treasure that most Oklahoman’s are not even aware of. Just below the state’s wispy cloud deck, the United States Air Force (USAF) is using airspace to conduct low-level training critical to the development of Air Force pilots. Far more than one would think, this […]
Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill to Streamline Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act
The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) worked with state Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus, and state Senator Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, to streamline laws regarding any structure near a public use airport in the state. Governor Mary Fallin signed HB 2179 into law last week. During the 2010 legislative session, the “Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act” (APPPA) […]
Oklahoma Senator Introduces Fairness for Pilots Act
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; member of the Senate General Aviation Caucus; and certified flight instructor with more than 11,000 flight hours, today introduced S. 755, the Fairness for Pilots Act, which broadens protections for general aviation pilots provided by Inhofe’s Pilot’s Bill of […]
Med-Trans Air Medical Transitions Tahlequah, Okla. Base to First Flight
The former EagleMed air medical transport base in Tahlequah has been renamed First Flight and is now being operated by national air medical transport leader Med-Trans Corporation. “Although we have a new name, the same amazing medical and flight crews based in Tahlequah remain on the job and committed to providing the very best in […]
OAC Says Safety Area Likely Saves Pilot and Passenger During Oklahoma Crash
During a touch and go exercise this month at McAlester Regional Airport a single-engine aircraft lost power and crashed off the end of the runway in what is known to aviators across the country as the safety area. It is likely this smooth area of ground off the end of the runway saved the lives […]
OAC Awards More Than $218,000 in Aerospace & AvEd Grants
Twenty-four organizations were recently awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants or contracts totaling over $218,000 from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC). The funds will be used to expose more school-aged children in Oklahoma to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers, particularly those in aerospace and aviation. “Aerospace is our second-largest industry. To ensure […]
Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission Director “Airvangelizes” Norman Chamber, Aviation/Transportation Committee
For those in the aviation-know in and around Norman, there is a reverence as one enters the gates of Max Westheimer Field in Norman. Locals recognize the rich history behind the legendary airfield, and in that area, from the grass to the heavens, it is a cathedral built for aviation with pavements in lieu of […]
Governor Mary Fallin Appoints Four to Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission
Governor Mary Fallin has appointed four people to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. Jerry Hunter (shown at right), of Oklahoma City, will replace Tom Stephenson, who died in April. Hunter’s term will expire December 31, 2021. Hunter is owner and chief executive officer of Sundance Airport. Michael Ray, of Guymon, was appointed to represent the 3rd […]



