Enid High School’s aviation students have successfully completed and flown a student-built aircraft, marking a significant milestone for a STEM education initiative designed to develop future engineers, pilots and aviation technicians for the aerospace sector.
The inaugural flight took place at Woodring Regional Airport in Enid, Oklahoma, where members of the Garfield County community gathered to witness the result of months of classroom instruction and hands-on aircraft construction.
The aircraft, an RV-12iS Light Sport Aircraft, was built through the Tango Flight (TFI) aircraft construction programme, which provides schools with a structured framework to deliver aviation education while meeting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for certification.
The achievement represents the first completed “airplane build project” at Enid High School under the Tango Flight model and highlights a growing shift towards industry-aligned technical education. Supporters say programmes of this kind are increasingly important for regions seeking to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers into high-value sectors such as aerospace, aviation maintenance and advanced manufacturing.
TFI, an educational non-profit organisation, developed the curriculum used by Enid’s students. The programme blends classroom learning with practical application, enabling students to apply engineering concepts, mechanical skills and safety procedures in a real-world build environment. By guiding students through the process of constructing an FAA-certified aircraft, the programme positions itself as a credible route into technical careers rather than a purely academic exercise.
Since 2016, Tango Flight has worked with educators and aviation experts across the United States to expand access to aviation-focused STEM programmes. Its approach is designed to connect students with the disciplines and standards used in the aviation industry, while also building foundational skills that are transferable across engineering and technology roles.
“We are so excited by the completion of the first Tango Flight ‘airplane build project’ at Enid High School,” said Dan Weyant, Tango Flight Inc. executive director. “The students did an outstanding job on this airplane. Their hard work and attention to detail have resulted in a high-quality aircraft… one of the best built RV-12iS (planes) in the country!”
The Enid programme was developed with support from a grant provided through the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), demonstrating how targeted public funding can be used to expand specialist training capacity. State-backed initiatives of this nature are increasingly viewed as strategic tools for aligning education outcomes with workforce requirements, particularly in sectors that rely on technical competence, safety culture and regulatory compliance.
Officials have highlighted aerospace and aviation as key industries for Oklahoma, with education and training programmes positioned as an important lever for strengthening long-term competitiveness. Enid’s participation also reflects a wider emphasis on building local pathways into skilled employment, helping students gain early exposure to careers that are often associated with specialist colleges or industry apprenticeships.
“The ODAA is proud to support the development of Enid’s aviation education program,” said Grayson Ardies, executive director of the ODAA. “This partnership with Tango Flight reflects Oklahoma’s commitment to delivering premier hands-on STEM education to ensure we have a robust, homegrown workforce for the state’s thriving aerospace and aviation industries.”
Education leaders and programme advocates say the aircraft build process delivers value beyond aviation alone. Students working on an FAA-certified project must follow detailed procedures, manage quality control, and collaborate under strict standards—skills that translate into engineering, manufacturing, maintenance and technician roles across multiple industries.
The RV-12iS model is widely used in the light sport category and is regarded as a practical training platform due to its modern design and operational efficiency. Completing a build to certification standards requires structured processes and consistent oversight, giving students experience of the precision and discipline expected in professional aviation settings.
Enid High School is one of several Oklahoma schools now involved in the Tango Flight programme, pointing to a growing footprint for aviation-focused education within the state’s broader STEM development agenda. Other participating schools include Durant High School, McAlester High School, Oklahoma Aviation Academy (Norman Public Schools), Pryor High School, Sequoyah High School (Tahlequah), and Northeast Technology Center (Afton).
Further aircraft completions are expected from McAlester, Northeast Tech (Afton), Pryor and Oklahoma Aviation Academy, indicating that additional milestone flights could follow as more student teams reach the final stages of their builds.
For state officials and education providers, the programme’s appeal lies in its ability to combine academic structure with measurable outcomes. By giving students the opportunity to construct and fly an FAA-certified aircraft, Tango Flight offers a clear demonstration of how hands-on STEM education can support workforce readiness, strengthen local talent pipelines, and contribute to the long-term needs of the aerospace and aviation industries.
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