MONRONeYnews logo

 
 
Center Buzz
Aerospace Reinforced as an Economic Driver for State with Aero Advocacy Day
Vol.10 Issue 4
The second floor of the Capitol building was bustling with people from all walks of aviation and aerospace.

On the morning of April 3rd, from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, over 1,000 people convened at the State Capitol to meet with one another, state legislators, and other elected officials to demonstrate Oklahoma’s commitment to our aviation heritage, and to solidify the state’s position as a global leader in aviation, aerospace, and defense. The second floor of the rotunda was filled with Oklahoma military members, industry leaders, private and commercial pilots, airport managers, municipal officials, drone pilots, educators, flying club members, and many users of the Oklahoma Airport System, all coming together as ambassadors to show support for an industry they are passionate about. This free, annual event is open to the public and is hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, and special presentations are given throughout the morning and afternoon. Paul Rosino, Oklahoma Senate Member, stated, "With this industry well on its way to becoming Oklahoma’s top economic driver, I look forward to seeing what opportunities lie ahead for our workforce, economy, and the state as a whole." Aviation and aerospace account for $44 billion in annual economic activity in Oklahoma.

Aaron Varland, an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, volunteered his time to show participants the value of flying a flight simulator.
Lesha Thompson, Deputy Director of FAA’s National Security Programs & Incident Response stopped by the FAA booth to visit with Tammy Loken (L) and Whitney Robison (R)
Jamie Loving, the Aeronautical Center’s STEM Outreach Program Specialist, demonstrates how to read the instrument panel on a flight simulator.

Over sixty exhibitor booths were on display, including an interactive booth from the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, complete with a flight simulator, pamphlets with aviation career options, and ways to compete in the FAA’s Airport Design Challenge. Unlike most events we attend, this audience was well aware of our simulator's capabilities and knew how to take it to higher levels with minimal instruction.

Kevin O’Connor, Deputy Director of the Aeronautical Center poses with military members, Lieutenant Colonel Ensign and Chief Mater Sergeant (CMSgt) Anthony Potter in the US Air Force.
Members of the Executive Services and Outreach (AMC-003) pose with members of the True Sky Credit Union.


The event honored the life and legacy of General Thomas P. Stafford, an astronaut and aerospace industry leader who recently passed away on March 18, 2024. Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, expressed, "Our state is fueled by the legacy of heroes like General Tom Stafford. Leadership is forging the path for growth in our state. We are on the trajectory for aerospace to be Oklahoma’s #1 industry, and when we come together for advocacy and collaboration, we solidify our commitment to achieving that goal."

Attention was given to the recent passing of an amazing Oklahoman and Astronaut, Thomas P. Stafford, who pioneered international cooperation in space when he commanded the American capsule that linked up with a Soviet spaceship (during the Apollo-Soyuz mission) on July 15th, 1975.
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics logo
 
 
 
 
Federal Aviation Aministration (FAA) seal

Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
6500 South MacArthur Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73169