Chris Eckler, with the Ada Schools Aviation Program (ASAP), spoke to Rotary about youth aviation programs.
The July 14, 2022 meeting of the Chickasha Rotary Club was called to order by Rot. Ed Stanton. Rot. Mitch Williams led the club in singing "Rocketman".
Stanton presented a few fun facts—on July 14th, 1881, Billy the Kid was killed in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. July 14th is also National Macaroni and Cheese Day, as well as Shark Awareness Day. Afterwards, Stanton announced that fines from the 2022-23 year would benefit the "Shop with a Cop" program.
Stanton then presented Lacey Graham from the Chickasha Animal Shelter with a check for $1,141.24, raised from fines in the 2021-22 year.
After receiving the check, Graham spoke to the club about the Animal Shelter, particularly its efforts to relocate animals to loving homes, even across the country if needed.
Rotarian of the Day Mitch Williams introduced the speaker, Chris Eckler of Ada Schools Aviation Program (ASAP). ASAP provides aviation and flight classes to students at Ada High School. They are entering the sixth year of the program. Eckler said that with commercial pilots in high demand across the country, aviation programs in schools are much needed, and can provide a lucrative career path for young people. Oklahoma has the most schools of any state in the country using the AOPA curriculum, including ASAP. The aerospace industry is the second largest driver of economic growth in Oklahoma.
ASAP students learn the principles of aviation mechanics as well as piloting. Classes start in 9th grade. By 11th grade, students will have enough knowledge to complete the written examination for a private pilot license. In 12th grade, students can pursue independent study and capstone research projects.
The Ada Schools Aviation Program Foundation, a nonprofit funded by community members, provides scholarships to students to offset the cost of obtaining a private pilot license. Around $100,000 in scholarships has been awarded, including 9 students this summer. The awards cover up to 70-80% of the certification costs.
Catering for the meeting was provided by Interurban. Lunch included fajitas and tequila bread pudding.
