Oklahoma
October 7, 2003

At the October Commission meeting, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission partnered with the Aerospace America Airshow International for a $21,000 personal service contract that helped promote the Centennial of Flight celebration in Oklahoma during the annual Aerospace America Airshow held on October 3, 4, and 5.

With this contract, Aerospace America used funding for an aviation career day for teens to participate in hands-on learning activities at the Metro Tech Aviation Career Center, the Air National Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Will Rogers World Airport. The $21,000 contract also covered air show tickets for up to 1,000 disadvantaged children and teens; however most of the funding went towards the Centennial of Flight Youth Education area, which was new at the airshow this year.

"Aerospace America would like to thank the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission for their support with funds in making it possible to launch our Junior Pilot Educational Play Zone. With their help we were able to make this area entirely free for all children to enjoy," said Lois Lawson, Aerospace America Executive Director.

The educational area was for children wishing to participate in hands-on educational activities including a three-motion flight simulator provided by the OU Sooner Flight Academy, Jay Jay the Jet Plane, piloted pedal planes in a simulated airfield, Metro Tech's Aviation Career Center computer flight simulators and aircraft mechanics, videos on the history of flight, and moving the flight controls on one of OU's Aviation Department airplanes. The Centennial of Flight Youth Educational Center was a unique opportunity for children of all ages to experience aviation education in a fun and educational environment.

"We were pleased with the hard work and dedication the participating organizations displayed at the Airshow and we will continue to support aviation education and the Centennial of Flight in Oklahoma," said Commission Director, Victor Bird.

"The Commission was happy to help with the funding and partner with an organization that has been named the number one Airshow in the nation on numerous occasions," said Commission Chairman, Kenneth Adams.

Contact:

(405) 604-6900