PHS Aviation Students in Second Year of RV-12iS Aircraft Build

Posted Date: 09/13/2023

PHS students are focused on assembling an RV-12iS light sport aircraft in their Tango Flight Aviation class.  This school term is the second year of the two-year building process for the students who work under Dr. Jenny Peters' supervision.;

The aviation STEM program was developed to address what Oklahoma University has called “the critical shortage of aviation professionals in Oklahoma.” 

“We are the first school in the state to have a Tango Flight program. Tahlequah Sequoyah came on board next, followed by McAlester.  Enid launched their program this year, and Norman is looking to start a program next school year,” said David Day, Innovation Center Director. 

The aviation class offers applied learning to high school students. As the course manual states, the hands-on learning environment “exposes students to various concepts of aerospace, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and design engineering. . .Through an in-house designed, aviation-focused curriculum, students explore a wide range of topics, including fundamentals and mechanics of aircraft and avionics equipment, aviation maintenance and inspection, and aircraft structure and assembly,”   

Day explained that participating in the program brings value beyond aerospace careers. “Students not only gain aviation skills but also develop transferable skills for other industries,” Day said.

The Innovation Center is on the Rogers State University Pryor Campus within the MidAmeria Industrial Park.  PHS students have the opportunity to enroll in career-focused courses at the center and pursue concurrent courses at Rogers State.   

“The experience helps students create a vision for their future.” Day concluded.