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

  Group A Group B
9:00 AM Career Fair Display Aircraft
10:00 AM Display Aircraft Career Fair
11:00 AM Exhibit Hall Speaker Classroom Speaker
12:00 PM Lunch – Classroom Planetarium Show
12:45 PM Museum/Beyond Bounderies Lunch – Classroom
1:30 PM Conference Room Speaker Planetarium Speaker
2:30 PM Planetarium Show Museum/Beyond Bounderies
     
  Group C Group D
9:00 AM Museum/Beyond Bounderies Planetarium Show
10:00 AM Planetarium Show Museum/Beyond Bounderies
11:00 AM Conference Room Speaker Planetarium Speaker
12:00 PM Lunch – Museum Career Fair
12:45 PM Career Fair Lunch – Museum
1:30 PM Exhibit Hall Speaker Classroom Speaker
2:30 PM Display Aircraft 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.

James Lewis

James Lewis

James L. Lewis - NASA’s Johnson Space Center

James Lewis was raised in Tulsa and has built a distinguished career in
aerospace engineering spanning more than 34 years at NASA’s Johnson
Space Center. He currently serves as the Associate Chief of the Structural
Engineering Division and as NASA’s Docking Technical Discipline Lead, where
he provides agency-level leadership in structural systems and international
docking standards

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

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    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.