Spartan College adds three new planes to its pilot training program.
Its parent company spent $4 million on two Piper Seminole multiengine planes and a Cessna Grand Caravan EX.
"This program has been very successful, and with the addition of this new aircraft — the only 208 EX used in flight training — expands our capabilities as a college to meet the ever-growing and changing requirements of the United States Air Force," said Spartan College President Ryan Goertzen.
Congressman Jim Bridenstine was on hand to christen the planes with a spray of champagne. He said the new planes reflect Spartan's dedication to Tulsa's aerospace industry.
"I'm ecstatic about this investment, and yes, it is an investment into Tulsa," Bridenstine said. "It's an investment here in the first district. It's an investment into the future aerospace industry right here in Tulsa, Okla."
Bridenstine also piloted the Cessna on its first flight, a short loop from Jones Riverside Airport.
