Oklahoma Students Take Flight at Student Aero Day

Big dreams were in the air last Friday as ERDA and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics teamed up to host Student Aero Day at Enid Woodring Regional Airport — and what a day it was!

Over 275 students and teachers from 16 high schools got a front-row seat to the world of aviation and aerospace, connecting with 16 top industry vendors and professionals. From piloting and aircraft maintenance to engineering and manufacturing, students discovered just how many ways there are to build a career in Oklahoma’s second-largest industry.

One major highlight? A special behind-the-scenes tour of Aircraft Structures International Corporation (ASIC), where students saw the incredible craftsmanship that goes into building and maintaining aircraft.

Plus, students met real pilots and checked out static aircraft displays from Vance Air Force Base, getting the inside scoop on what it’s like to fly for the U.S. Air Force. 

The day was capped off with an inspiring keynote from Colonel Carl F. Miller, Deputy Wing Commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance. His passion for aviation and leadership story left students motivated to aim high — literally!

“This event was a huge success in helping students envision themselves in careers they might not have considered before,” said Marcie Mack, ERDA Executive Director.

At its heart, Student Aero Day was all about opening doors — helping students see that exciting, high-paying aviation careers are right here in Oklahoma, ready for them to take off.

The future of aerospace is bright — and it's already boarding!