Pryor High School Aviation and Aerospace students recently competed in the semifinal round of the first-ever Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship, held at Tulsa Community College.
Hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics in partnership with FlightSafety International, the championship began with 120 schools statewide. Semifinalists represented Ada, Cache, Collinsville, Haworth, Marietta, Newcastle, Oklahoma Aviation Academy (Norman), Pryor, Stillwater, Tulsa Union, Westmoore, and Wyandotte.
Strong Finish in a Large Field
After advancing through the earlier stages of competition, the PHS team earned a 10th-place overall finish, a strong showing in a highly competitive event.
How the Competition Worked
The championship was designed to evaluate each student’s ability to fly a specific pattern in a flight simulator while demonstrating accuracy, precision, and focus under instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions.
To reflect real-world aviation decision-making and adaptability, the event included several built-in parameters:
Students received practice elements ahead of time, but the final flight pattern was new at competition time.
Competitors had one minute to review the assigned pattern before flying.
Students flew on specialized simulators that are not typically available for public use.
Scoring included penalty points assessed per second for deviations, emphasizing time and precision.
Student Skill and Sportsmanship on Display
PHS students handled the fast-paced environment with maturity and confidence, showing the growth they’ve developed through ongoing training and skill-building. Throughout the day, they represented Pryor High School well—supporting one another, engaging respectfully with other teams, and demonstrating strong sportsmanship between heats.
A Meaningful Learning Experience
In addition to competition, students gained valuable hands-on experience in IFR concepts and procedures, reinforcing classroom learning through real application. The event also gave students the chance to connect with peers across Oklahoma who share similar interests in aviation and aerospace careers.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics notes that aerospace is Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing industry, making opportunities like this a meaningful step for students exploring future pathways in the field.
Overall, the championship was a rewarding experience that showcased the dedication and potential of PHS Aviation and Aerospace students.