Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) announced Oklahoma was awarded two grants to establish aviation workforce development programs. These grants are the first ones awarded under the new programs Inhofe created in Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-254). Inhofe worked closely with then-President Trump to establish two grant programs, one for Aircraft Pilots and one for Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and Oklahoma State University received nearly $1 million combined in grant funding from these programs.
Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) – $491,000
The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission was awarded an Aircraft Pilots grant totaling $491,000. This funding will be used to launch a statewide program that includes the training of teachers and the delivery of the “You Can Fly” Pilot and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pathway High School Curriculum to students. This curriculum will provide high schools with Aviation and STEM laboratory equipment and/or supplies to ensure the implementation of meaningful aviation education. Through the program, the OAC will host eight Regional Aviation and STEM Days for students as well as a high school Pilot Day.
“I have and always will be an advocate for preparing the next generation of pilots,” Inhofe said. “With this Aircraft Pilots grant, Oklahoma students will have ample professional development opportunities to become future leaders of the aviation industry. I am glad to have secured this funding for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and I look forward to seeing them utilize it in the coming years.”
“The Aeronautics Commission is grateful that FAA selected our grant application on behalf of the State of Oklahoma for the Workforce Development Grant Program. This was truly a team effort from across the state and we are excited to get started with developing the next generation of pilots, engineers, and UAS operators to help further the state’s second largest industry, aviation and aerospace,” said Grayson Ardies, Oklahoma State Director of Aeronautics.
On March 22, 2021, Inhofe led the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of this project.
On July 25, 2018, Inhofe introduced the Securing and Revitalizing Aviation Act which created the Aircraft Pilot Education Program to support the education of aircraft pilots by bringing aviation curriculum to high school students.
Oklahoma State University (OSU) – $450,000
Oklahoma State University was awarded an Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers grant totaling $450,000. This funding will be used to establish a sustainable pipeline of training to address the needs and priorities of Oklahoma’s aviation maintenance workforce. These maintenance professionals make up a significant sector of the aviation and aerospace industry that drives Oklahoma’s economic growth.
“Oklahoma would not be able to thrive without aviation maintenance technical workers,” Inhofe said. “It is essential that we find ways to improve their career opportunities and ensure they have the proper training to keep up with the ever-changing aviation industry. I am proud to have seen this funding through to the finish line and I know Oklahoma State University will put it to good use, educating the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.”
“Supporting the aerospace industry in Oklahoma and nationwide through research and development, as well as workforce development, has long been a priority at Oklahoma State University,” said Dr. Kenneth W. Sewell, OSU’s Vice President for Research and President of OSU’s Research Foundation. “OSU’s programs in aviation education and in aerospace engineering provide the backbone of this support, and the new FAA workforce development grant will serve to amplify our impact.”
On October 03, 2018, the Senate passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 that authorized these grant programs.
On March 7, 2018, Inhofe introduced the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program Bill, bipartisan legislation to help close the skills gap and fill aviation maintenance jobs.