The skies over Okmulgee Airport were buzzing with excitement last Friday as Okmulgee High School students got a firsthand taste of the aviation world during the school’s inaugural Aviation Day.

For many students, the event was a dream come true - the chance to sit behind the controls of an airplane, take their first official discovery flight and explore the vast world of aviation up close. Thanks to the collaboration between PlaneBros Flight School, local pilots and aviation enthusiasts, the event delivered an unforgettable experience that left students inspired and eager to learn more about the field.

The day kicked off with students touring an impressive array of static aircraft displays, including three planes brought in by Lee Burk and the Oklahoma Airman Flying Club. From sleek single-engine trainers to helicopters provided by TRU Flight Academy, students had the rare opportunity to get inside, ask questions and talk directly with the pilots who fly them.

But the highlight of the day, by far, was taking to the skies. Under the guidance of certified flight instructors from PlaneBros, students participated in hands-on discovery flights - their first real flight lessons. The thrill of lifting off the runway and seeing their hometown from the air ignited more than just smiles; it sparked new ambitions. Amanda Adams, principal of Okmulgee High School, was beaming as she watched her students immerse themselves in the world of aviation.

“We’re thrilled to give our students this unique opportunity to engage with aviation professionals and experience the thrill of flight firsthand,” Adams said. “Oklahoma is a leader in the aviation industry, and we’re excited to showcase the diverse career paths available in this field.”

The event also served to showcase Okmulgee High School’s Aaviation program, led by instructor Jimmy Adams. The program, offered through Oklahoma Career Tech in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), offers a four-year curriculum designed to prepare students not only for flight but also for aircraft maintenance careers through the Choose Aerospace program.

“Through our program, students can work toward taking the knowledge test for the Private Pilot Certificate or the Professional Drone Pilot Certificate,” Jimmy Adams explained. “This opens doors to careers both in the air and on the ground.”

Throughout the day, local pilots shared their own stories and insights, showing students how aviation can lead to exciting, well-paying careers right here in Oklahoma.

Though the event was closed to the public, the impact on the participating students was crystal clear - a day of discovery, empowerment and, most importantly, taking flight toward new possibilities.

As the sun set over the runway, one thing was certain: Okmulgee High School’s inaugural Aviation Day had sent students soaring into a future filled with sky-high dreams.