The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission's mission is to promote aviation, which includes fostering the growth of the aerospace industry and ensuring that the needs of commerce and communities across Oklahoma are met by the state's 114 public airports that comprise the state’s air transportation system.

LATEST OAC & STATE AVIATION NEWS!

OAC Changes Date for March Meeting - Feb. 2, 2010

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission announced today that it has rescheduled its March meeting for March 4, 2010, at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, First Floor Commission Room. The meeting was originally slated for March 11. For more information, please contact Harve Allen, director of communications, at 405.604.6916.

VALCO Wins Small Business Award

DUNCAN — VALCO Manufacturing of Duncan is no stranger to small business awards. They have received multiple awards from numerous companies, but owner Roger Valdez (pictured at left with OAC Director Victor Bird) said it was still an honor when they received the award for Lockheed Martin’s small business of the year. Read the full article from The Duncan Banner, 1/02/2010.

State Airports Set to Receive Funding for Various Capital Projects

Construction projects scheduled at several regional business airports across the state are one step closer to becoming reality following the approval of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission’s 2010-2012 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

The three-year Capital Improvement Program provides funding to Oklahoma airports for various capital needs, such as runway maintenance and construction; installation of navigational aids; land purchases; and installation and repair of airfield lights and signage. Read more.

Future of Aerospace in Oklahoma Looking Up Despite Economy, Bird Tells Tulsa Group

During a panel discussion at the Tulsa Metro Chamber's Economic Outlook Conference Dec. 3, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission Director Victor Bird provided attendees with a current picture of the state's aerospace and defense industry along with a forecast for its future. Read more.

Development of State Airports Subject of House Interim Study

Members of the House Transportation Committee convened in Weatherford on Dec. 1 for an interim study to examine the development of the state’s regional and municipal airports.

The study, which was requested by Rep. John Wright, was held at the Thomas P. Stafford Airport inside the Stafford Air & Space Museum, both of which were named in honor of the former astronaut who grew up in Weatherford.

Stafford flew to Weatherford from his current home in Florida to greet committee members and provide a personal tour of the museum just prior to the start of the meeting (photo above). Read more.

Oklahoma's Bird Elected Chairman of National Aviation Association

At their annual convention and trade show, members of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) recently elected Victor Bird, director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, as chairman of the NASAO Board of Directors. He will serve as chairman until October 2010.

Bird is the first Oklahoman to be elected chairman in the 78-year history of NASAO. He previously served as vice chairman, treasurer and secretary of the board.

NASAO is comprised of the directors of state aviation agencies in the 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. Its purpose is to ensure uniformity of safety measures, standardize airport regulations and develop a truly national air transportation system responsive to local, state, and regional needs. Read more.