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Commission approves Tango Flight grants for Stillwater and Watonga schools to build Van's RV‑12 aircraft
Summary
The commission approved two Tango Flight grants to support high‑school aircraft builds (Stillwater and Watonga). The program covers Van's RV‑12 builds; the agency said it will pay half of the initial program cost of $74,354 for each approved proposal.
The Oklahoma Aerospace & Aeronautics Commission approved two Tango Flight grants on May 13 that will fund high‑school aircraft assembly programs in Stillwater and Watonga for the 2026–27 school year.
Stephanie Holt‑Lucas, who presented the Tango Flight proposals, described the program as one that converts classrooms into aircraft assembly labs where students build a Van's RV‑12 and gain technical skills and industry mentorship. She said students who complete the program benefit from hands‑on experience and industry connections; programs previously supported by the agency include Enid, Pryor and McAlester, which have advanced toward FAA certification in recent cycles.
Holt‑Lucas told commissioners that the program cost is $74,354 and that the agency's funding would cover half of that initial cost for the approved proposals. Commissioner Jim Putnam asked which aircraft would be built; Holt‑Lucas replied the Van's RV‑12. The commission voted to approve the two grant proposals; the motion passed on roll call.
Why it matters: Tango Flight provides vocational training and direct career pathways into aviation maintenance and aircraft manufacturing for high‑school students, supporting the state's workforce pipeline.
Next steps: Staff will move the approved grants through the standard award and reporting processes and coordinate teacher training and project timelines with the schools.
