History of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 3, 2025

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a private, for-profit institution specializing in aviation education. Founded to support the Spartan Aircraft Company, the college has surpassed its parent company and continues to train pilots and aviation technicians. Its primary campus is situated next to Tulsa International Airport, while flight training takes place at Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport. Spartan College plays a vital role in supplying skilled professionals to the aviation industry.

1928: Spartan School founded

In 1928, William G. Skelly founded the Spartan School to promote sales of aircraft manufactured by Spartan Aircraft Company.

1930: The Crimson Technical College founded

In 1930, The Crimson Technical College was founded as The California Flyers Inc.

1935: Getty obtained control of Spartan Aircraft

In 1935, J. Paul Getty obtained control of Spartan Aircraft, including the Spartan School, after Skelly's finances became overextended during the Great Depression.

August 1, 1939: Spartan School activated as a USAAC facility

On August 1, 1939, the Spartan School was activated as a U. S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) facility as an advanced civilian pilot training school.

June 7, 1941: Royal Air Force students entered the school

On June 7, 1941, students from the Royal Air Force entered the school and the U. S. Army Air Forces officially designated Spartan as a British Refresher School.

1942: Getty took over management of Spartan Aircraft

In 1942, Getty personally took over management of Spartan Aircraft and its school.

November 1943: School selected for Inter-American Aviation Mechanic Training program

In November 1943, the school was selected as a training facility for the Inter-American Aviation Mechanic Training program with the first class including 67 students from 12 Latin American countries.

1946: Spartan Aircraft Company reorganized as Spartan Aero Repair

In 1946, Spartan Aircraft Company reorganized after World War II, renaming itself as Spartan Aero Repair and ceased to produce aircraft but continued to operate the school.

1961: Tulsa manufacturing plant closed

In 1961, the parent company closed the Tulsa manufacturing plant and renamed Minnehoma Insurance Company. The Spartan tradename was sold to the Spartan School.

1967: Former Spartan interests bought by Automation Industries, Inc.

In 1967, the former Spartan interests were bought by Automation Industries, Inc., who sold them to National Education Corporation.

1972: Automation Industries, Inc. sold to National Education Corporation

In 1972, Automation Industries, Inc. sold Spartan to National Education Corporation, the parent company of National Education Center, Inc.

1997: National Education Corporation became a subsidiary

In 1997, National Education Corporation became a subsidiary of Harcourt General Corporation.

2004: Name change to Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

In 2004, Spartan School of Aeronautics changed its name to Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology to represent its current offering of college degree programs and technology diversity.

2005: Spartan Aviation Industries, Inc. formed

In 2005, Spartan Aviation Industries, Inc. was formed by Spartan's management team and was purchased from Harcourt General Corporation.

2013: Spartan Education Industries Inc formed

In 2013, Spartan Education Industries Inc, was formed and acquired the college from Spartan Aviation Industries, Inc.

2014: Spartan acquired Crimson Technical College

In 2014, Spartan acquired Crimson Technical College located in Inglewood, California.

March 31, 2015: Crimson Technical College takes on the Spartan College name

On March 31, 2015, the Crimson Technical College campus took on the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology name and added a branch located in Riverside, CA.