Oklahoma’s growing reputation as a national leader in aerospace education was on full display this week as students from across the state competed in the first-ever “Fly Forward: Search and Rescue State Championship” at Lake Carl Blackwell in Stillwater.
The event, held on Tuesday, 21 October, brought together thirty high school teams from across Oklahoma to demonstrate their drone-based search and rescue skills in a day-long competition designed to mirror real-life emergency scenarios. Among the attendees was Representative Jason Blair (R-Moore), Vice Chair of the A&B Transportation Subcommittee, who joined educators and industry leaders to observe the next generation of aviation professionals in action.
Real-World Challenges for Student Pilots
Hosted jointly by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE), the competition tested students on their ability to plan, coordinate and execute emergency rescue missions using drone technology.
Teams were tasked with locating a downed hiker, identifying an overturned kayaker, and rescuing a simulated snakebite victim. Operating from a mobile command centre, the students received dispatch details, analysed data, and deployed their aircraft to locate targets and complete missions.
Support for the event came from Oklahoma State University Police, Stillwater Medical Center, Payne County Emergency Management, and LifeNet Emergency Medical Services, who helped ensure authenticity and safety throughout the exercise.
Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager, commended the students’ performance and the educational value of the competition.
“This event was truly exceptional. It challenged students to utilize the skills gained in their aviation classes to effectively tackle real-world emergency scenarios.”
Celebrating Success and Teamwork
Wilson High School was crowned overall state champion, while Putnam City Aviation, Kingston High School and Wilson High School took individual category honours. The teamwork and spirit award was presented to P91 Homeschool Co-op for its outstanding collaboration and enthusiasm.
Dr. Jamey Jacob, OAIRE’s executive director, praised the students’ professionalism and ingenuity during the event.
“It was incredible to watch these young pilots and aspiring first responders in action,” he said. “Their skill, teamwork, and excitement during each successful rescue were inspiring, and even how they handled themselves as they worked through challenges and roadblocks (should I say ‘air’ blocks?). I can’t wait to see the competition grow even bigger and better next year.”
Building Oklahoma’s Aerospace Workforce
Oklahoma’s commitment to aviation education continues to yield results, with 149 schools across the state now offering aerospace coursework. These programmes connect students with local airports, aerospace companies, and higher education institutions to prepare them for careers in the state’s expanding aerospace and defence sector.
Grayson Ardies, executive director of the ODAA, highlighted the importance of collaboration between education and industry in maintaining Oklahoma’s leadership in the field.
“The most beneficial relationship we can cultivate is one that bridges our established aerospace industry and the aspiring professionals of tomorrow,” said Ardies. “This vital connection fosters a remarkable win-win scenario: industry partners acquire a pool of well-trained, skilled workers, educational institutions draw in enthusiastic and passionate students, and those students are equipped with the chance to embark on rewarding careers with higher salaries.”
The state’s dedication to aerospace education has not gone unnoticed. In June 2025, Oklahoma was named the nationwide leader in high schools offering aerospace curriculum for the fourth consecutive year.
A Key Driver of Economic Growth
Aerospace and defence represent Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing economic sector. The state is home to more than 1,100 aerospace companies and organisations, generating an estimated £36 billion (US$44 billion) in annual economic activity. The sector supports over 206,000 jobs, including 120,000 direct employees with an average annual salary of around £60,000 (US$73,300).
Of the total economic output, military aviation and defence contribute approximately £15.9 billion (US$19.3 billion), while off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses account for £11.5 billion (US$13.9 billion), and the state’s 108 commercial and general aviation airports produce a further £8.5 billion (US$10.6 billion).
Oklahoma also boasts 10,000 licensed pilots and more than 5,700 registered aircraft, with 95% of its population living within a 30-minute drive of a jet-capable airport — a testament to the state’s deep integration with the aerospace sector.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Oklahoma continues to invest in STEM education and industry partnerships, initiatives like the “Fly Forward” championship are set to play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals and maintaining the state’s trajectory as a leader in innovation, education, and workforce development.
