Throughout aviation history, the most prominent names have found success due to their focus, attention to detail and tireless work ethic. We’re proud to have become an important part of the industry, having trained tens of thousands of aviation students over the years. Here’s a look at aviation history, both at Spartan and throughout the world.

First Flight

Orville and Wilbur Wright fly the first successful self-propelled airplane. By 1910, Orville Wright would open the first commercial flight school in Montgomery, Ala.

Charles Lindbergh makes the first solo, nonstop trans-Atlantic flight, flying from Long Island, New York, to Paris, France, in the single-seat, single-engine Spirit of St. Louis.

Charles Lindburg
Spartan Founded

Spartan School of Aeronautics is founded by W.G. Skelly, president of Skelly Oil Company. Skelly also established Spartan Aircraft Company and formed the corporation that built Tulsa Municipal Airport (now known as Tulsa International Airport).

Amelia Earhart becomes the first female pilot to cross theAtlantic Ocean.

Amelia Earhart

During World War II, 16,000 young men of the United States and Allied Nations received flight training at the Tulsa Municipal Airport and subsidiary fields. Of these, 14,000 were trained by Spartan School of Aeronautics and 2,000 by the United States Army.

Spartan during World War II.
J. Paul Getty acquires Spartan.

Spartan is acquired by J. Paul Getty, who spurred much of the school’s growth during World War II and the Korean War, during which thousands of pilots and mechanics trained for the armed forces.

Sputnik in space!

The Soviet Union launches the first man-made earth satellite, Sputnik 1.

Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space. Later that year, Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space.

Yuri Gagarin

In 1968, Spartan is purchased by Automation Industries Inc. In 1969, Spartan expands their services and builds its south campus on Pine Street.

Moon Landing

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the moon.

Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager become the first people to circumnavigate the world, nonstop, without refueling their plane, the Voyager.

Rutan Voyager

Northrop Grumman introduces the B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber. This American strategic bomber features low observable stealth technology designed for penetrating dense anti-aircraft defenses.

Stealth Bomber Introduced

Breitling Orbiter 3 was the first balloon to fly around the world nonstop, piloted by Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones. Designed and built by Cameron Balloons of Bristol, England, Breitling Orbiter 3 stood 180 feet tall when fully inflated.

Breitling Orbiter
Spartan College Logo

Spartan School of Aeronautics changes its name to Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. The name change is aimed at better describing the school’s diverse programs that can train students in disciplines other than aviation.



Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology.
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8820 East Pine Street

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8911 Aviation Boulevard
4130 Mennes Ave

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