Tulsa is taking a significant step toward becoming a national leader in drone technology with the launch of the Thunderbird Drone Festival. As the state’s first and only drone film and industry event, the festival aims to celebrate aerospace, innovation, and STEM education. Hundreds are expected to attend the event, which features drone soccer, flight simulators, tech panels, a drone light show, and an international film and photo awards ceremony.
Organizers emphasize the festival’s educational aspect, highlighting drones as a “gateway drug” to spark interest in STEM and aerospace—fields critical to Oklahoma’s future. Aerospace is the state’s second-largest industry, yet there is a growing shortage of engineers and technicians. Jamey Jacob, executive director of OAIRE, said, “We think of the importance of aerospace to the Oklahoma economy, just right behind oil and gas and other, you know, energy, such as wind energy. This is the next stage in the evolution of aerospace technology, and we have to be able to prepare, be prepared, to be able to support that. So it’s really critical that we prepare the next generation of the skills.”
The festival is part of Oklahoma State University’s larger workforce development strategy, supported by the Launchpad Center for Advanced Air Mobility. Tulsa is already making strides to become the drone capital of the country, and involving students now is crucial to realizing that future. Rachel Reyes, a student, expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s something that will make an impact on the world, and something I would want to be a part of. Like, I’m a business student. I never thought that I’d get into aerospace engineering, but you still can make a difference with business.”…