2026 High School Aviation Day is a free, high-energy day of industry and innovation created exclusively for Oklahoma high school aviation students. This one-of-a-kind experience brings together the past, present, and future of flight in an immersive, full-day event designed to inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders.

Students will explore aerospace history, hear directly from representatives of NASA, and engage with today’s aerospace professionals who are shaping the future of aviation and space exploration. Industry speakers will share real-world insights on career pathways, emerging technologies, and the critical role young innovators will play in advancing flight.

Throughout the day, students will connect with aerospace companies, vendors, and organizations actively seeking new talent, offering a unique opportunity to build relationships, ask questions, and discover future career possibilities.

2026 High School Aviation Day is more than an event. It is a launchpad for Oklahoma’s future in aerospace.

 
 

Event Itinerary

Time Group A Group B Group C
9am Display Aircraft Career Fair Exhibit Hall Speaker
10am Planetarium Speaker Display Aircraft Career Fair
11am Lunch Planetarium Speaker Display Aircraft
Noon Classroom Speaker Lunch Planetarium Speaker
1pm Beyond Boundaries Classroom Speaker Lunch
2pm Exhibit Hall Speaker Beyond Boundaries Classroom Speaker
3pm Career Fair Exhibit Hall Speaker Beyond Boundaries
       
  Group D Group E Group F
9am Beyond Boundaries Classroom Speaker Planetarium Speaker
10am Exhibit Hall Speaker Beyond Boundaries Classroom Speaker
11am Lunch Exhibit Hall Speaker Beyond Boundaries
Noon Career Fair Lunch Exhibit Hall Speaker
1pm Display Aircraft Career Fair Lunch
2pm Planetarium Speaker Display Aircraft Career Fair
3pm Classroom Speaker Planetarium Speaker Display Aircraft

Guests Speakers

John Aaron

John Aaron

NASA Engineer – “Steely-Eyed Missile Man”

Known as the “Steely-Eyed Missile Man,” John Aaron is celebrated for his critical problem-solving during the Apollo 12 and Apollo 13 missions. As a NASA flight controller and electrical systems expert, his quick thinking helped save lives and missions, making him one of the most respected engineers in NASA history.

Tom Hanchett

Tom Hanchett

NASA Flight Systems Engineer, Apollo Era

Tom Hanchett is recognized for his role as an INCO (Integrated Communications Officer) during the Apollo era — responsible for managing communications links between the spacecraft and Mission Control. His experience in mission operations and flight systems adds a crucial layer of insight into how NASA coordinated unprecedented space-flight challenges.

Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly

NASA Engineer – Apollo 13 Power Systems

Jim Kelly served in NASA’s Mission Control as the Vehicle Systems Staff Support Room (SSR) engineer specializing in electrical power systems. Alongside John Aaron, he sketched the critical power-up timeline when the Apollo 13 spacecraft suffered a systems failure — helping pave the way for the crew’s safe return. 

Bill Peters

Bill Peters

Lead TELMU Engineer, Apollo 13

Bill Peters served as the Lead TELMU (Telemetry, Electrical & EVA Mobility Unit) engineer during the Apollo 13 mission. His oversight of the lunar module’s electrical and life-support systems was essential when the LM became a lifeboat after the service module explosion. Peters’ discipline under pressure and technical acumen were key elements in the mission’s ultimate success.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith

Director of Flight Systems, Blue Origin

Steve Smith serves as the Director of Flight Systems at Blue Origin, where he leads efforts in developing next-generation launch systems and flight technologies. A key figure in commercial spaceflight innovation, Smith’s leadership helps drive Blue Origin’s mission to expand humanity’s access to space.

Before your visit...

WAIVERS
Every student that comes on a trip to TASM needs to have a signed liability waiver on file. This waiver includes a section on our photography policy.  Waivers will be part of the registration packet you will receive following the submission of the Event Sign Up Request Form.

LUNCH
Unfortunately, TASM does not have any food service options available on site to purchase a meal.  You will need to bring a lunch.  Coolers will be available if needed.

SUPERVISION
Students must remain under the supervision of a chaperoning adult at all times. TASM staff is available to help facilitate your visit, but we cannot provide supervision for you.

ARRIVAL + CHECK-IN
Group Leaders – Please arrive between 8am and 8:30am to check in and receive your event site map.  You will turn in the waivers for all students at that time.

important information

  1. Limited Availability
  2. Registration Packets  will be processed in the order received.   (You  must complete all forms to reserve spot)
  3. No cost to students and school staff /parents
  4. Bring sack lunches
  5. Additional adults that are not school staff or parents must pay full admission price. 

Event Sign up Request Form

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
    Privacy Policy and
    Terms of Service apply.

    Vendor Application

    Click the button below to download the 2026 High School Aviation Day Vendor Application. Once downloaded, please complete the form and submit it via email to education@tulsamuseum.org.

    Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a vendor space. All applications are reviewed by the Tulsa Air & Space Museum education team, and placement is only confirmed once your application has been officially accepted and you receive confirmation.

    Vendor applications are limited to aviation and aerospace companies and educational organizations.

    If you have any questions, please contact us at education@tulsamuseum.org or call (918) 834-9900.