Piper Aircraft and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (“Spartan”) announced an order for its first tranche of 22 factory-new training aircraft. To date, Spartan has taken delivery of 10 Piper Archers and 2 Piper Seminoles, with 10 additional Piper Archers expected to be delivered in Q4 2020.
According to Beau Schrader, Spartan’s Chief Pilot Officer, “Spartan’s Flight location at Richard Lloyd Jones Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma has been re-energized by the brand new, technologically advanced fleet of training aircraft.” The new 180 HP, G1000 NXi equipped Piper Archers and Seminoles began delivery in late-2019, as Spartan continues its multi-year enhancement of its training fleet.
“Established in 1928, nationally accredited and FAA approved Spartan has been committed to training the world’s aviators and is proud to have trained over 100,000 pilots and aircraft technicians. As we advance our legacy of providing advanced aviation training, we are pleased to expand our fleet with the addition of 22 new Piper training aircraft,” said Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Chief Executive Officer Rob Polston. “As demand for civil aviation pilots grow, we continue to invest in new technology which enhances the educational experience of our students. Our team will use the new aircraft, in addition to our existing fleet, to train future professional pilots at our campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma, carrying on a proud tradition of training aspiring aviation professionals for more than 90 years. We are excited to have the opportunity to help support the growing aviation industry, which is facing a need for 804,000 new civil aviation pilots over the next 20 years, according to a 2019 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook.”
“As Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology continues to expand their aviation programs, Piper Aircraft is proud to provide new aircraft which enhance the training experience of their students. As a legacy pilot training provider, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and to their students by providing multiple aviation programs and opportunities for their students. We look forward to their continued success and to providing more Piper trainers in support of their commitment to aviation education,” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott.
