On a brisk December 6 morning, Pryor High School aviation students boarded a bus bound for the 2024 Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day Celebration, Roses & Wrenches. The networking event, presented by Rose State College, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, and the Oklahoma Aerospace & Aeronautics Commission, brought industry professionals and aspiring aviation students together to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders.
Accompanied by aviation instructors Dr. Jenny Peters and Tami Rowland, the students settled in for the 50-minute drive to the 138th Air National Guard Base in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon arrival at the Mingo Road gate, the students’ curiosity was piqued as they watched Mrs. Rowland coordinate with base security to clear the bus for entry. Inside the base, they joined peers from 32 schools across Oklahoma for a rewarding experience.
A Unique Vantage Point
The day began with coffee, donuts, and an opportunity to explore exhibits, all while watching commercial airliners touch down on the Tulsa International Airport (TUL) runway and arriving light aircraft land and taxi at the guard base. Women pilots from collegiate aviation programs deplaned from Cessnas and other light aircraft, taking time to share their experiences and discuss career opportunities with the students.
“I can imagine myself flying one,” said Pryor freshman Ava Parks, who plans to join the aviation program. Parks said that she felt aviation would offer her the opportunity to learn important skills required for a career in aviation.
Senior Grace Rutherford, who is working toward her private pilot’s license, shared her enthusiasm for flight. With 50 flight hours and solo flight experience under her belt, Rutherford is preparing for her check ride. “Flying is fun; it’s probably my favorite thing I’ve ever done,” she said. Rutherford, who has applied to Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Baylor University, hopes to attend a college with a strong flight program and eventually become a pilot for a major airline.
Opportunities Beyond the Cockpit
The event also highlighted the increasing demand for aviation maintenance technicians in Oklahoma. Representatives from Spartan College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the Air Force discussed career paths in avionics, airframe, and powerplant maintenance with students who visited the exhibits.
Pryor sophomore Cadee Clark has set her sights on aviation maintenance, inspired by her interest in working on cars. “I thought airplanes would be a pretty cool thing to go into for high school, so I chose aviation as one of my classes,” she said. “The first year was pretty fun. I love Miss Rowland. As I went through Aviation 1, I got more into airplanes.”
Sophomore Preston Sjafiroeddin is weighing two potential aviation pathways: aeronautical engineering or becoming a military pilot. His interest was sparked during a commercial flight when he wondered about the jet’s structure. “I joined the aviation program and the Tango Flight program, where we’re building an RV. It’s pretty much just engineering a little plane and then getting it out there,” he explained.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
During the luncheon inside the hangar, students listened to keynote speaker Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Retired), the first female Thunderbird pilot. She encouraged students to push their limits, saying, “Push the envelope; push yourself to discover your capabilities. . . Why not me? Why not you?”
Former Navy pilot, congressman, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine also spoke, highlighting Oklahoma’s role in aerospace innovation. He mentioned Tulsa’s plan for a $20 million test facility for hyperbolic engines and potential space launch facilities at Burns Flat. Bridenstine emphasized how advances in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and medical research are shaping the future.
Aviation Education in Oklahoma
Oklahoma leads the nation in aviation education programs, aiming to foster a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands. According to Oklahoma Commerce, our state is a hub for aviation and aerospace, home to two of the world’s largest aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centers and over 1,100 aerospace entities. With its central location and favorable flying conditions, Oklahoma has cemented its place as the MRO capital of the world.
For Pryor High School students, the Roses & Wrenches event showcased the soaring possibilities in aviation. Whether in the cockpit, hangar, or beyond, aviation offers a bright future for Oklahoma students.