Since 1947, the OU Aviation Program has prided itself on providing students with quality aviation instruction paired with a solid business foundation from a nationally ranked institution.
OU Aviation offers a bachelor’s degree in Aviation with five concentrations for students to consider, each allowing for the development of knowledge, leadership, and communication skills required to work in management positions.
Our program mission is to provide aviation majors with the knowledge and skills of a competent pilot, air traffic controller, and/or industry professional along with broad education and business concentrations that provide long-term competitive professional advantages.
All graduates of the program in aviation will have developed a depth of understanding of the Aviation industry and been afforded the opportunity to prepare for an aviation-related professional career following graduation.
OU North Base
1700 Lexington Ave
Norman, OK 73069
Max Westheimer is home to seven aviation businesses, approximately 68 hangar tenants, and over 110+ based aircraft.
As many as 100 students a year complete their private pilot certificates through the University of Oklahoma School of Aviation. Yearly another 1000+ children can obtain hands-on experience in the aviation field each summer through the Sooner Flight Academy program.
The buildings contain many classrooms and study areas, with training aids, simulators, and other facilities to enhance the student’s learning environment. The airport is about a 20-minute drive from the National Weather Center. Aviation students also have access to the school’s maintenance hangars, which further enhance the student’s ability to learn. Students are encouraged to take an active part in their learning process.
OU North Base
1205 Halley Ave
Norman, OK 73069
The School of Aviation cut the ribbon on a newly renovated simulation center in the Fall of 2022.
This 5,000-square-foot facility houses two classrooms, full-scale air traffic control simulators for approach, en route, and tower control, and two flight simulators. This state-of-the-art facility has helped elevate the OU School of Aviation to greater heights since our students are able to train on top-of-the-line equipment. Specifically, the air traffic control simulators were purchased and installed in 2022 making OU a premier air traffic control training facility.
The Guimbal Cabri G2 is the primary training helicopter used by the University of Oklahoma helicopter program. It is a modern, two-seat helicopter designed specifically with flight training, safety, durability, and pilot development in mind.
Although the Cabri G2 is a piston-powered training helicopter, it incorporates technology and safety features normally associated with much larger and more advanced aircraft. It is an exceptional platform for developing professional helicopter pilots.
Key Features and Specifications:
- 180 Horsepower Engine
- Three-bladed main rotor with composite blades
- Shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor
- Full composite structure
- Crash resistant fuel cell
- Energy absorbing crash resistant seats
Tail Numbers:
N885SF
N721TX
N1127L
The Bell 206B3 JetRanger III provides the next level of professional helicopter development allowing pilots to progress from piston helicopter training into a turbine-powered aircraft with systems and operating characteristics directly applicable to the professional helicopter industry.
The Bell 206 family is one of the most recognized helicopter platforms in the world and has been utilized extensively in commercial aviation, law enforcement, government operations, corporate transportation, utility operations, patrol, observation, and professional flight training.
Key Features and Specifications:
- 420 Horsepower Rolls-Royce Turbine Engine
- Two-blade semi-rigid rotor system
- Excellent autorotation performance
- Stable handling characteristics
- Outstanding visibility
Tail Number:
N4445H
For our single-engine program the school operates 28 Piper Warriors and Piper 100is. The transition from the Warriors to the 100is is seamless and by 2027, all aircraft will be new 100is.
For our Multi-Engine program the school operates a PA44-180 Seminole. Transition to this aircraft from the Warriors is almost seamless. The aircraft have a full glass panel–Garmin G1000® NXi with state of the art technology and autopilot systems. With this aircraft you will practice simulated engine failures, as well as single engine approaches and landings.
Our flagship is a late-90’s model King Air C90B purchased in 2005. The King Air is used in the school’s turbine transition course. Like our other aircraft, the King Air is equipped with the latest in avionics, including electronic flight displays (EFIS), autopilot, flight director, multi-function display, and GPS navigation capability. Turbine Transition students are also exposed to advanced aircraft systems including pressurization, radar, weather downlink, de-ice, and anti-ice systems. Turbine Transition and a chance to fly a modern turbine aircraft is offered by only a few collegiate level aviation programs. The King Air is also available for faculty and staff transport (FAST) flights on University-related business.
