Top U.S Aviation Colleges: An Interview with Spartan College
It can be tough to choose the perfect place to study to become a pilot in the USA. We interviewed Greg Temnick, Director of Marketing at Spartan College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and asked all about the organization’s courses, history, alumni, and more. Read on to help you make an informed decision about your future studies.
An interview with Greg Temnick, Director of Marketing at Spartan College
ACS: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Greg! First off, what courses does Spartan College offer aviation and aeronautics students?
SC:Spartan College offers three programs: Aviation Flight, Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT or A&P) and Aviation Electronics Technology (AET or Avionics)
ACS: What makes Spartan College courses for aviation and aeronautics unique?
SC:Our programs are different to those being offered at a traditional community or four-year college. Our courses have a strong technical focus, with a blend of both lectures and hands-on lab work.
ACS: How long has Spartan College been in operation?
SC:The Tulsa, Oklahoma campus opened in 1928. The college has expanded its operations in recent years beyond Tulsa to Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; and Inland Empire, California.
ACS: How many students do you take on each year?
SC:The Spartan College system enrolls 1,400 to 1,500 students each year.
ACS: How long is each of the courses?
SC:Spartan’s Aviation Flight program can be completed in about 17 months, the AMT program in about 15-18 months, and the AET program in about 13-15 months. Course offerings and lengths vary by location.
ACS: As one of the top colleges for aviation and aeronautics, we’re guessing there are many aircraft lovers at Spartan College. Care to let us in on your favorite aircraft?
SC:There are two aircraft that we would classify as favorites: first is the venerable Piper Cub – an aircraft that has provided flight training as well as just fun flying for many decades – and second is our one and only Spartan Executive.
ACS: What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of aviation?
SC:We are most excited about the wide range of opportunities for Spartan graduates, from major and regional airlines, business aircraft, repair stations, defense contractors, and general aviation. The employment outlook in aviation for the foreseeable future is strong.
ACS: How is Spartan College preparing its students for the future of the industry?
SC:The Aviation Flight program meets 14CFR Part 141 requirements and is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The curriculum prepares the student entering with no experience to achieve the following certificates and ratings: Private Pilot Airplane Certificate, Instrument Airplane Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate Airplane Single and Multiengine Land as well as Flight Instructor Airplane and Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate. These prepare the student to enter the aviation workforce as a Flight Instructor while building time toward employment as a First Officer in an airline or other commercial flying career.
The AMT program at each of the four Spartan campuses meets 14CFR Part 147 requirements and each program is certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Each curriculum prepares graduates to complete their FAA Knowledge and Oral & Practical exams upon graduation to earn the coveted A&P Certification. The curriculums combine in-depth lectures on how components or systems work coupled with hands-on practical projects focusing on troubleshooting, resulting in a thorough understanding of class lessons.
The AET programs also combine in-depth lectures on electronic theory and system operation coupled with hands-on practical work that, just like the AMT program, focus on troubleshooting and a thorough understanding of class lectures.
ACS: Do you offer any bursaries, scholarships or special entrance options?
SC:Spartan has a number of industry-supported scholarship programs for the aviation industry. We also assist students with reducing costs by providing matches on employer tuition reimbursement programs.
ACS: Do you have any partnerships with notable companies in the industry? If so, can you give us a quick summary?
SC:Spartan College has established partnerships with United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, AAR, Endeavor Air, Delta Airlines, Air Wisconsin, and Envoy. These partnerships provide tuition grants for employees and their family members to help support the next generation of aviation professionals.
ACS: If there was one piece of advice you could give to prospective aviation and aeronautics students, what would it be?
SC:The primary focus of the FAA and all businesses involved in either aviation or aeronautics is safety. Prospective students need to know they are entering an industry that is very procedurally-driven, with detailed checklists, work-cards, or processes that must be followed to ensure an aircraft or aerospace vehicle is safe.Flight students obtain the skill to conduct flight activities in the commercial aviation industry as a safe and professional pilot.
ACS: For Spartan College alumni, what’s the most common career path? Private aviation, commercial aviation, military and civil, or a combination of all?
SC:In recent years, the career path is a combination of all. Some graduates are employed by the major airlines, some by the regional air carriers, some go into general aviation, some with defense contractors, and some go with companies in related industries, where their technical skills can be applied. Many flight graduates enter as a flight instructor while building skills and flight time to advance to a commercial flying career
ACS: Lastly, how should students go about applying to Spartan College aviation school? Any tips for up-and-coming students?
SC:The first step to find out more about Spartan College is to go to www.spartan.edu and fill out the Apply Now form on the right-side of the page. Prospective students can also contact Spartan Admissions by calling 866-667-6804. An Admissions Representative will contact the prospective student and get the ball rolling! The best tip we can give an up-and-coming student is to find out what opportunities are available in aviation and aerospace, and why Spartan College is the place to go to receive their training.
Are you looking to start a career in aeronautics or aviation? Get in touch with us about applying for a course and we’ll do our best to help and guide you on the right path. ACS also provides aviation and flying scholarships for many of the best aviation institutions in the U.S. and around the world. Find out more about our Aviation Scholarships and Student Grants.