OU School of Aviation Welcomes First Helicopters, Nine Planes During Fly-In Event

NORMAN, OKLA. – Today, the University of Oklahoma celebrated the arrival of its first two helicopters and nine new aircraft that will advance the training and education of students enrolled in OU’s award-winning School of Aviation program.

“Welcoming these new aircraft today marks a significant milestone that serves as a tangible illustration of OU’s longstanding commitment to strategically align with our state’s workforce needs,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “The addition of top-of-the-line aircraft, combined with the rapidly growing enrollment in our top-ranked School of Aviation, highlights our determination to produce graduates who are primed to lead and elevate Oklahoma’s burgeoning aviation sector.”

During the Fly-In event held at OU’s Max Westheimer Airport, attendees viewed the School of Aviation’s nine new Piper single-engine airplanes and first two helicopters. These aircraft increase the School of Aviation’s capacity for flight training, bringing OU closer to its goal of 28 aircraft.

“These new airplanes are classified by the FAA as ‘Technically Advanced Aircraft;’ they have the latest avionics, such as moving map GPS and a glass cockpit, and are certified for flying under visual and instrument flight rules,” said Eric Wydra, director of the School of Aviation. “They also have automated engine and systems management and an autopilot system. Lastly, these aircraft have a more powerful, fuel-efficient engine than our current aircraft, thus lowering our operating costs.”

The helicopters support OU’s newly created fixed-wing helicopter aviation program with a focus on helicopter flight. Enrollment for this program is expected to begin in fall 2024 and will address a critical workforce shortage of qualified helicopter pilots.

“These technologically advanced aircraft are complemented by state-of-the-art ground simulators that enhance the flight programs; moreover, OU is investing in advanced simulators that are truly virtual realities that address the expanding needs in air traffic control,” said Berrien Moore III, dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences. “OU is at the center in meeting the nation’s needs for highly skilled people in all aspects of the nation’s air transportation system. We are clearly cleared for takeoff!”

Throughout the day, more than 350 OU alumni and friends also participated in a “Meet the Fleet” event organized and hosted by the OU Foundation. Last year, OU announced an anonymous gift that raised over $1 million for a new hangar at the Max Westheimer Airport to house the new fleet. Donations also supported 19 scholarships for School of Aviation students last spring.

Freshman enrollment in aviation programs has more than doubled over the past two years to meet the workforce demands for pilots, air traffic controllers and airport managers. With the growth of student enrollment, the addition of aircraft and increased traffic to the Max Westheimer Airport, OU leaders and Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma recently celebrated the award of $36.5 million in federal appropriations to support airport improvements that include extending and strengthening the runway, and developing a new taxiway and additional hangar space, as well as to create safer ingress and egress passageways.

OU senior and Certified Flight Instructor Ben Arnold from Flower Mound, Texas, spoke about his experience as a soon-to-be graduate of the professional pilot track in the School of Aviation.

“OU Aviation has given me all of the tools I need to succeed in the aviation industry through great flight instruction and a community that encourages love and enjoyment of aviation, not just a place to get work done. I am excited to graduate with the ability to fly, as well as a passion for flying,” Arnold said.