Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with maximum flight time! ☀️✈️

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics reminds all pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and drone operators that June 21, 2026 is the longest flying day of the year.

With more than 14 hours of daylight ahead, it is the perfect opportunity to log more hours, hit the runway, or enjoy a sunset flight across our beautiful Oklahoma skies.

How are you spending your extra flight hours this Sunday? Tag us in your pre-flight checks and sky views using !

Today, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics honors 251 years of service, courage and commitment as we recognize the birthday of the U.S. Army.

Since June 14, 1775, the Army has answered the nation’s call under the motto, “This We’ll Defend.”

From the earliest days of military aviation to today’s advanced air and defense capabilities, Army aviation continues to play a vital role in protecting our nation. We are proud to support the soldiers, veterans and defense partners whose dedication strengthens our communities and our country.

Thank you for your service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment.

Our team at the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics was honored to attend the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the newly renovated Oklahoma National Guard Museum! 🇺🇸

A huge congratulations to the Oklahoma National Guard on this incredible milestone. This state-of-the-art facility does a phenomenal job of honoring our state’s rich military heritage and the brave service members who protect us.
The museum is officially open to the public! Make sure to plan a visit and check out the historic aircraft, military vehicles, and incredible indoor exhibits.
📍 Location: 3301 NE Grand Blvd, OKC
🎟️ Admission: Free

Growing up in Atlanta, Curtis Harris would ask his mom to arrive at the airport hours early so he could sit by the window and watch airplanes take off and land.

Today, at age 22, he is directing aircraft as a certified air traffic controller after graduating from The University of Oklahoma enhanced air traffic controller training program. He is the first graduate in the nation of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program to achieve Certified Professional Controller status. He is also the first student from the University of Oklahoma Aviation Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program to earn the certification. He now works at Addison Airport near Dallas.

“Being one of the first people through the program is exciting, but for me, the biggest thing was completing the training,” Harris said. “There were a lot of eyes on our class because we were among the first students in the nation to go through the program. It is good to know we have shown that the AT-CTI program works.”

Read the full story on OU News! Link in comments.

🛩️ Countdown to 1K and June 13 🛩️

The McAlester Regional Airport Community Open House & Fly-In is shaping up to be a fun day for the entire family.

Here’s what you can expect:
🌭 Free hot dogs
🍦 Free frozen custard
🎈 Inflatables
🏢 Tours of the new terminal
✈️ Visiting aircraft and pilots
📚 Aviation displays and exhibits

The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Help us spread the word as we continue the Countdown to 1K.

⭐️✈️Congratulations to Blake Clark, the ODAA 2026 Aerospace Student of the Year! Blake is a recent graduate of Claremore High School and has already started his service to our great nation in the United States Marine Corps. In his very first year of the AOPA program at Claremore High, Blake developed a strong passion for aviation and aerospace. Fascinated by anything with wings, wheels, and an engine, Blake‘s love for flight led him to earn his FAA part 107 remote pilot certification through the Navy JROTC. While in high school, Blake served in numerous leadership roles within the Claremore Navy JROTC, and further developed his leadership skills through the University of Oklahoma’s High School Leadership program, the Tommy Franks Four-Star Leadership Camp, Oklahoma Boys State, Rogers County Sheriff’s Camp, and the Claremore Police Department Youth Camp. Blake recently began his career in the United States Marine Corps, where he will train as an aircraft mechanic . He plans to combine his military training with his passion for aviation to support and maintain aircraft as a future career. As Blake shares, “Aviation is where precision, discipline, and passion come together, and it’s the path I’m proud to pursue.” Congratulations, Blake! We are honored by your service and commitment to our great nation. The Oklahoma aerospace community salute you!

⭐️✈️Congratulations to Macee McNeff, the ODAA 2026 Aerospace Student of the Year! Macee is a recent graduate of the Mustang Aeronautics program and a Valedictorian of Mustang’s Class of 2026. Macee is a student pilot and was honored to receive the AOPA You Can Fly High School Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that allowed her to continue her flight training while in high school. Macee was also the president of the Mustang FFA. Through her convergence of service in both agriculture and aeronautics, Macee has demonstrated passion for hands-on work and involvement that she believes has equipped her to thrive in the aviation industry. This year Macee was accepted to both Oklahoma State University’s and Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s professional pilot programs. She has decided to attend SEOSU where she was also a recipient of the prestigious John Massey Leadership Scholarship. Macee is committing to Southeastern’s professional pilot program with the ultimate goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Congratulations, Macee! The Oklahoma Aerospace community salutes you!