Plans For Student Scholarships And Competitions

Forty high school aviation teachers from around the state of Oklahoma gathered at the FlightSafety International plant in Broken Arrow for a two-day event February 10-11, 2025, to learn more about flight simulation techniques and practices employed in the development of flight simulation.

The event was put together in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and gave teachers the opportunity to listen to engineers, explore aerospace careers, and improve their flight simulation skills.

Michael Vercio, EVP of Simulation Systems for FlightSafety, opened with a welcome to the teachers at the Broken Arrow plant and expressed FlightSafety’s support in providing industry experiences for teachers that enhance their ability to prepare students for aerospace careers.

Paula Kedy, Statewide Manager of Aerospace Education for the ODAA expressed their gratitude to FlightSafety, saying, “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.”

Near the end of the event, Richard Lofton, FlightSafety VP for Commercial Sales Operations, announced the company’s plans to award three post-secondary scholarships for aviation programs. He also said the company would partner with the ODAA to develop a Flight Simulation State Championship competition, a 3-round event for students to display their flight knowledge.

There are 117 high schools in Oklahoma that teach the aviation curriculum developed by AOPA, and also implement aerospace pathways to prepare students for the state’s growing aerospace industry.

FMI:  oklahoma.gov/