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Commission approves Tango Flight grants for four Oklahoma high school aviation programs
Summary
The commission approved Tango Flight implementation grants for Ada, Durant, Enid and Norman school districts after presentations from district leaders and program teachers.
The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved funding March 12 to support Tango Flight airplane-build implementation at four Oklahoma school districts: Ada, Durant, Enid and Norman.
Commission staff presented the consent docket item and invited district representatives to speak. Superintendents and program leaders described existing aviation pathways, facility updates and community partnerships that they said will support student builds and sustain programs.
Ada Superintendent Mike Anderson thanked the commission and described community partnerships that helped the district sustain its aviation program following staff changes and tornado damage at a school. “We build it through partnerships and relationships,” Anderson said, and he credited instructor Chris Eckler and local volunteer Bill Holland for program continuity.
Durant Superintendent Mark Morin described facility renovations and plans to offer early AOPA coursework for eighth graders and to create a pipeline to Tulsa Community College’s ATC program. Enid assistant superintendent Angela Rhodes and teacher Jason Crowley said Enid already has an active build and would use the grant to add a third plane. Terry Adams, director of the Oklahoma Aviation Academy, said Norman Public Schools is expanding a second build and expects to serve about 40 students; Norman plans a dedicated aviation facility at Max Westheimer Airport in 2026.
Commissioners moved to approve the Tango Flight implementation funding for the four districts. A roll-call vote recorded ayes from Commissioner Seth Phillips, Commissioner Charles Ortega, Commissioner Lindy Ritz, Chairman Blake Rainey and Commissioner Jerry Hunter; the motion passed.
Why it matters: the grants fund hands-on airplane-construction curriculum intended to expand the state’s high-school aviation pathways and local workforce development. Several presenters said community foundations, flight schools and instructors are integral to program sustainability.
Ending: The commission approved the consent-docket funding and thanked the district leaders for traveling to present in person.
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