Aero Exploration Day

March 25, 2026

Aero Exploration Day, hosted by the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences, gives student teams the chance to demonstrate their skills through challenges based on AOPA curriculum. The highest-performing teams will move on to a Case Study Challenge, where they will analyze, present and solve real-world aviation scenarios. Participants will also tour OSU’s advanced aviation facilities, connect with current aviation students, and have the opportunity to earn scholarships, awards and the distinguished State Champion Team title.

NEW FOR 2026: First-Year Competition
The Aero Exploration Day First-Year Competition is an individual event designed to test students’ knowledge of aviation signs, markings, and career pathways. This competition is open only to students in their first year of AOPA instruction. Students who compete in the First-Year Competition are not eligible for the Team Competition. Each school may enter up to two students.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Aviation Knowledge Competition?

  It’s a team-based challenge using AOPA curriculum. Teams of four compete, and top performers advance to a Case Study Challenge focused on real-world aviation problems.

• How many students can each school bring?

  For the Team Competition, each instructor may bring up to two four-person teams. Schools with multiple AOPA instructors may bring a maximum of four teams. For the First-Year Competition, each school is limited to two students.

• Can students compete in the First-Year and Team Competition?
  No, due to contest timing, students may not compete in both the First-Year and Team Competition.
• What is the Case Study Challenge?

  Advancing teams will analyze a real aviation problem and present their solution, demonstrating problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

• Are there awards or recognitions?

  Yes! Outstanding teams and individuals will be recognized, including the State Champion Team title.

• Are scholarships available?

  Yes! The top three individual Knowledge Exam scores in the Team competition will receive a $500 scholarship upon enrollment in the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences.

• Will food be provided?

  A free lunch will be available for all participants.