Forty Oklahoma high school aviation teachers met at FlightSafety International in Broken Arrow last Monday for a two-day event designed to increase awareness of flight simulation techniques and the engineering practices used in the development of flight simulation.
The event, created in collaboration and partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), offered teachers the chance to hear from engineers, explore aerospace careers, and enhance their flight simulation skills.
Michael Vercio, Executive Vice-President of Simulation Systems for FlightSafety, welcomed teachers to the Broken Arrow plant and expressed FlightSafety’s support in providing industry experiences for teachers in order to ensure student readiness for aerospace careers.
Paula Kedy, Statewide Manager of Aerospace Education for the ODAA expressed gratitude to Flight Safety for sponsoring the unique event, “We appreciate FlightSafety’s willingness to host the Simulation Expo. It illustrates the company’s support of Oklahoma schools in the development of strong aerospace programs for students. The event offered teachers an excellent opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore the careers available for students in aerospace pathways.”
At the event’s conclusion, Richard Lofton, FlightSafety Vice-President for Commercial Sales Operations, announced FlightSafety’s plans to award three post-secondary scholarships for students wishing to enroll in post-secondary aviation programs. Lofton also announced the company’s desire to partner with the ODAA in the development of a Flight Simulation State Championship, a three-round event that will be designed to showcase students’ knowledge of flight.
“Pilots understand that experience with flight simulation is essential for developing confident and capable aviators. Having simulators in Oklahoma classrooms equips aviation students with the resources necessary for learning those critical STEM aviation learning experiences. Oklahoma is enhancing aerospace education across the state, one simulator at a time, and we are grateful to FlightSafety for their partnership with industry and Oklahoma teachers,” said Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of ODAA.
Oklahoma continues to lead the way in aerospace education and remains #1 in the nation in the number of schools teaching the curriculum developed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Currently, 117 Oklahoma high schools are implementing aerospace pathways designed to prepare students for the state’s ever-growing aerospace industry.
