Woodward High School’s New Drone Program: Soaring to New Heights with UAS Training

Buckle up, drone enthusiasts! Woodward High School in Oklahoma is launching a game-changing aviation program that’s got our rotors spinning with excitement. Starting this school year, students can dive into a four-year aviation curriculum, choosing between a pilot pathway or a UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems, aka drones) pathway, thanks to a slick partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). This isn’t just another high school elective—it’s a full-throttle leap into the future of aviation, and we’re here to break down why this is a big deal for drone fans, especially you DJI-loving, tech-savvy folks out there. Let’s unpack the program, the local scene, and what it means for the next generation of drone pilots.

A New Frontier for High School Drone Education

Woodward High School, nestled in the heart of Western Oklahoma, is rolling out a bold new curriculum that’s turning heads faster than a Avata 2 doing a barrel roll. The AOPA partnership brings a structured, four-year aviation program to the table, giving students a chance to earn college credits while still dodging cafeteria food fights. The drone pathway, in particular, is stealing the show. It’s designed to teach kids the ins and outs of UAS operations, from flight basics to advanced applications like aerial mapping and inspections. Think less “paper airplane” and more “DJI Mini 4 Pro with a mission.”

The program isn’t just about flying drones for fun (though, let’s be honest, that’s a blast). It’s built to prep students for real-world careers in a booming industry. Drones are everywhere—construction, agriculture, filmmaking, you name it—and Woodward’s program aims to give students a head start. According to the Woodward News, the UAS pathway covers everything from FAA regulations to hands-on flight training, ensuring kids graduate with skills that can land them jobs or set them up for advanced drone certifications like the Part 107 license.

Why does this matter? Because drone jobs are projected to grow like weeds in a backyard. The FAA estimates the commercial drone market will triple by 2030, and schools like Woodward are jumping on the opportunity to train the next wave of operators. For students, it’s a chance to skip the boring algebra homework (okay, maybe not skip it) and dive into something practical and, frankly, way cooler.

Woodward’s Aviation Scene: More Than Just a Runway

Woodward’s not just some sleepy town—it’s got an aviation pulse that makes this program a perfect fit. The local West Woodward Airport (KWWR) is a key player, serving as a hub for general aviation and a testing ground for the school’s new courses. The airport’s got a 5,500-foot runway, a full-service FBO, and enough open sky to make any drone pilot drool. It’s not JFK, but it’s got the infrastructure to support hands-on training for both piloted aircraft and drones. Plus, the airport’s proximity to the school means students can go from classroom to cockpit (or controller) without a long haul.

The AOPA curriculum is no slouch either. For the UAS pathway, students will likely get their hands on simulators and real drones, learning to navigate everything from basic flight maneuvers to complex tasks like thermal imaging or LiDAR scanning. While the exact drone models aren’t specified, we’re betting on industry-standard gear—think DJI Mavic or Phantom series—for training. These are the same drones used by pros for everything from crop monitoring to search-and-rescue missions. The program also emphasizes FAA compliance, which is a big deal for anyone looking to fly commercially without getting a nasty letter from the feds.

Woodward’s aviation roots run deep. The town’s history includes a strong connection to agriculture and oil, industries where drones are already making waves. Local farmers are using UAS for crop health checks, and oil companies are deploying them for pipeline inspections. By tying the curriculum to these regional needs, Woodward High School is setting students up to stay local and make bank or take their skills anywhere drones are flying.

Beyond Drones: A Holistic Aviation Education

The aviation program isn’t just about drones—there’s a pilot pathway too, for those dreaming of manned flight. But let’s keep it real: the UAS track is where the action’s at for us drone nerds. Still, the dual pathways show Woodward’s commitment to covering all bases. Students in either track get exposure to aviation history, aerodynamics, and career options, with the AOPA’s You Can Fly curriculum providing a solid foundation. The program’s hands-on focus means kids aren’t just reading textbooks—they’re out there flying, troubleshooting, and maybe even crashing a drone or two (don’t worry, it’s part of the learning curve).

The school’s also beefing up its workforce readiness and arts programs, but the aviation track is the star of the show. It’s part of a broader push at Woodward Public Schools to churn out “cooperative, productive, and responsible lifelong learners with a pioneer spirit,” as their website proudly states. Pair that with the Technical Application Program (TAP), which just got a new sophomore building, and you’ve got a school that’s all about practical, future-ready skills. TAP focuses on career and technical education, and the drone pathway fits right in, teaching students how to apply tech in real-world scenarios.

For the drone-curious, the program’s structure is a win. It’s not just a one-off class but a four-year journey that builds skills progressively. Freshmen might start with basic flight safety and regulations, while seniors could be designing drone missions or analyzing data from a LiDAR-equipped UAS. The goal? Graduate with a portfolio of skills that colleges, employers, or even the military will drool over.

Why This Matters for Drone Enthusiasts

Alright, let’s talk to you, the grizzled DJI pilot reading this with a Mavic 3 on your desk and a Part 107 license in your wallet. Woodward’s program is a sign of the times—drones aren’t just a hobby anymore; they’re a career path. Programs like this are popping up nationwide (shoutout to Tyrone Area High School in Pennsylvania, which also added an AOPA aviation class this year), but Woodward’s focus on UAS in a rural, industry-heavy area makes it stand out.

For the older crowd, this is a reminder that the drone world is evolving fast. The kids coming out of these programs will be your competition—or your employees—in a few years. They’ll know their way around a DJI controller, understand airspace restrictions, and maybe even outfly you in a race (don’t take it personally). Plus, with drones becoming critical in industries like agriculture, construction, and public safety, these students are learning skills that translate directly to jobs. Ever tried counting cattle with a thermal drone? These kids might be doing it before they’re old enough to vote.

The program’s also a nod to the growing acceptance of drones in education. Schools are realizing that UAS training isn’t just cool—it’s practical. From mapping wind farms to inspecting bridges, drones are saving time and money, and Woodward’s students will be ready to jump into those roles. For you hobbyists, it’s a chance to get involved—maybe volunteer to guest-speak at the school or show off your DJI Inspire 2 to inspire the next generation. Just don’t let them crash it.

The Bigger Picture: Drones Taking Flight in Education

Woodward’s program is part of a larger trend. Schools across the U.S. are adding drone courses as the industry explodes. The FAA’s loosened restrictions and the rise of affordable, high-tech drones (looking at you, DJI) have made UAS education more accessible. But Woodward’s rural setting gives it an edge. With wide-open spaces and industries that already rely on drones, it’s a natural fit. Compare that to urban schools where airspace is tighter than a New York parking spot, and you see why Woodward’s got an advantage.

The AOPA partnership is the cherry on top. Their curriculum is battle-tested, used in over 600 schools nationwide, and comes with resources like simulators, lesson plans, and even scholarship opportunities. For students, it’s a chance to earn credentials that make them stand out, whether they’re applying to college or a drone startup. And for the community, it’s a boost to local pride—Woodward High School’s aviation program is putting the town on the map as a hub for future tech.

So, what’s the takeaway? Woodward High School’s new UAS program is a big win for drone fans everywhere. It’s training the next generation to fly smarter, safer, and with purpose. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a pro, or just someone who loves watching drones buzz around, this is the kind of news that gets you excited about the future. Keep an eye on these kids—they might just be the ones programming your next drone delivery or mapping your ranch from 400 feet up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to daydream about a DJI Matrice 400 with a LiDAR payload. Hasta luego!

Photographs courtesy of Woodward High School