Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Media Contact: Christy Lang | Manager, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University and the United States Air Force are partnering to inspire high school students with dreams of taking to the skies through the Aim High Flight Academy (AHFA).
OSU is one of only eight universities nationwide chosen to host this esteemed program, which provides scholarships to high school students for a three-week introductory flight program.
“The Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center is honored to host the United States Air Force Aim High Flight Academy for the second year in a row,” said Tom Joyce, assistant manager of the center. “This program gives our Certified Flight Instructors the opportunity to develop and motivate the next generation of pilots, and it allows our Flight Center to support the military in a unique and meaningful way.”
AHFA is available to high school students at least 16 years old, including graduating seniors, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. No aviation experience is necessary, and there’s no obligation to join the Air Force after the program.
Participants receive 15 hours of flight training with FAA certified flight instructors, along with classroom instruction and flight simulator sessions. The program covers all expenses, including housing, meals, and transportation.
“We’re hoping to inform them about what it takes to be an aviator and join the Air Force, while influencing and inspiring them to then pursue a career in the military or as a pilot,” said Sarah Schafer, AHFA program director and recent OSU graduate.
OSU’s state-of-the-art facilities play a crucial role in the program’s success. The Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center offers advanced simulator technology, dispatch space and student common areas, providing an unparalleled learning environment.
“The Air Force gave us requirements to fulfill, but it was up to OSU how we wanted to meet them,” Schafer explained. “We’ve developed a robust schedule of flight lessons, activities and support systems.”
The curriculum covers all aspects of flying, including preflight planning, flight controls, radio communication, aerodynamics and emergency procedures. Professional aviators from the Air Force, like 2nd Lt. Crystal Bartot, provide mentorship and career guidance.
“We help them study, discuss different career paths and explain how to apply to the Air Force Academy,” said Bartot. “It’s about showing them what they could do in the future and how to get there.”
Beyond flying, students engage in various activities, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. “They visited Vance Air Force Base,” Schafer said. “They’ve also gone axe throwing, hiking and swimming.”
For many, AHFA offers a first taste of college life, while pushing them to pursue professional goals.
“Aim High Flight Academy has allowed me to push through mental barriers and gain life experience in persevering through complex situations,” said current AHFA student Arial Young.
Another participant, Kaelyn Ruiz, added, “It has been such an eye-opening experience to be able to fly a plane and learn the intricacies of aviation. Everyone and everything about this program is exciting and motivates me to give it my all and keep learning.”
Former AHFA participants have gone on to excel in Air Force careers or obtain private pilot’s licenses, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in launching aviation careers.
For students interested in participating in the Aim High Flight Academy in 2025, visit recruiting.af.mil/Aim-High-Flight-Academy for more information about eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Learn more about OSU’s degree programs in aerospace administration and operations at flyosu.okstate.edu.
Story By: Jillian Walker | jillian.walker@okstate.edu
