Overview

At RCS, our vision is to spiritually develop our students to impact the community and the world for Christ. We want our students to go into every man’s world (Mark 16:15). With the Aerospace/Defense industry being the second largest sector in Oklahoma, part of our vision is also to prepare them academically so they are prepared to go into whatever field God has called them! 

RCS Aviation provides a foundation in aeronautics with historical perspectives, from the early flying machines to modern space exploration.  Students learn how aircraft and drones are constructed, operated, and maintained.

As part of the curriculum, students participate in pilot ground school classes covering weather, flight controls, fuel systems, powerplants, instrumentation, FAA rules, flight theory and aircraft performance.

Students are ultimately certified as FAA drone pilots with the ability to pass the FAA private pilot knowledge exam.  During the school year, students engage in flight labs applying skills learned in the classroom to real world flight simulations where students can transfer their knowledge to flight training and pilot certification.

Where can this Lead?

Rejoice’s program prepares students who pursue aviation careers, but it’s also available for those who enjoy aircraft/aviation and want to learn more.  Any student will benefit from a science and technology perspective and those who want to become pilots will need further aircraft training outside of RCS.  “The best safety device in an aircraft is a well trained pilot” and as such, our curriculum lays the foundation to better prepare students for the future in aviation and other related careers they will pursue.

Who is James Cox?

James Cox joins the RCS team from Owasso High School, teaching both science and aviation. As a graduate from OSU’s aviation program, Mr. Cox flew various aircraft and has been certified as a flight instructor since 1996.  During his flying career, James logged over 11,000 flight hours in piston, turbo-prop, and jet aircraft, mostly as pilot-in-command.  James started Aces Alley, a small business introducing flight simulation to the public using simulators he designed and built.  That business ultimately was sold to an air and space museum near White Sands, NM. The museum uses the simulators to further their summer camp educational programs.  With your help and God’s blessing, James hopes to set RCS apart by creating the best high school aviation program in the nation.

Why is Aviation Curriculum Important?

Although this course emphasizes aviation from a pilot perspective, most if not all subject material will be necessary for any student pursuing aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, avionics, or any aeronautical specific career such as engineering.  An important and overlooked fact is that aviation in Oklahoma is the second largest industry.  It is very likely many will have a career in this field, even if it isn’t pursued.  

A huge bonus specific to our curriculum is that it sets our students apart by certifying them as drone pilots.  Once certified, students have a commercial license to work as drone pilots.  Not every student has the ability to add this kind of experience to a resume.  Firefighting, law enforcement, and real estate are just a few examples of industries that use drones.  Our curriculum transfers to other industries.