• History
• History Overview
• Spartan Timeline
• Aircraft Production
• Remembering J. Paul Getty
• Spartan’s Contributions
  During World War II
• Morning Mission (1941-1945)
• Eagle Squadrons
• British Cadets
• Female Pilots
• Spartan Travel Trailers

History of Spartan College

Our Tulsa aviation school is rich in history

Knowledge and Skill Overcome Superstition and Luck

More than 80 years ago, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology began as a place for individuals to learn how to take their passion for aviation and turn it into a career they loved. In 1928, founder W.G. Skelly was convinced that air transportation would come of age and bring with it a need for skilled aircraft technicians and pilots. He was right, and as a result, the Spartan aviation and flight school with its learn-by-doing teaching philosophy quickly became a leader in aviation education, standing out from other aviation colleges and programs.

Our Tulsa, Oklahoma, flight school’s motto, “Knowledge and Skill Overcome Superstition and Luck,” is exemplified by the Spartan Black Cat and the number 13. This insignia dates back to 1929 and the beginning of the Dawn Patrol. The Dawn Patrol name came about as a result of Spartan flight schedules that began at the crack of dawn. It was during these early morning flights that members of the aviation programs performed precision formation flying. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, flight school’s students knew that relying on superstition and luck was not an option and that the skill and knowledge gained at Spartan was paramount to their success. For more information on the Black Cat and the history of the Dawn Patrol, click here.

Since 1928, our Tulsa, Oklahoma, aviation school has graduated more than 90,000 aviation technicians and pilots from its aviation programs. Through the performance of these graduates, Spartan College of Aeronautics has had a significant influence on world aviation.

Not only can a Spartan College of Aeronautics graduate have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in their chosen field of study, they have a respected worldwide reputation, a rich history that has helped shape the field of aviation and the success of thousands of our Tulsa, Oklahoma, flight school alumni who came before them. As the torch is passed on, it is the alumni of our college of aeronautics who can continue to influence the aviation industry and aviation colleges and help contribute to the success of Spartan’s future graduates. There is only one Spartan and its history truly lives on in the success of its alumni.