Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology’s Inland Empire campus in Riverside County, California, held an “AERO Day” event last Saturday, attracting many families with children to participate.
Established in 1928 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Spartan College has trained over 100,000 pilots and technicians from the United States and more than 40 countries worldwide. The college was acquired by the Spartan Education Group, LLC in 2012 and currently has four campuses in Oklahoma, Colorado, and California, all hosting the “AERO Day” event simultaneously.
The Inland Empire campus, located in Riverside County, is one of the two campuses in California, with the other in Inglewood, Los Angeles County. On “AERO Day,” faculty members guided the public to explore various components of aircraft, from airplanes and airships to the elements that make them soar in the sky, including turbojets, propellers, wings, hydraulic systems, aviation electronics, landing gears, rudders, and maintenance tools. They also shared insights into the aerospace industry, how to apply for admission, obtain an aircraft maintenance diploma, and apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Inside the classrooms, teachers explained the principles of turbojet engines and offered visitors the opportunity to attend other courses. There are four main types of turbojet engines – turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft engines. All turbojet engines must have a decompression and exhaust device.
Inside the hangar, small airplanes and various engine models were displayed for visitors to examine up close. The wheels of a small plane are about half the size of regular car wheels.
“Many people fly small airplanes, not as a profession, but out of passion,” stated teacher David Coen. He explained that small airplanes are light, with hollow tails, making them easy to lift or press down; the cockpit can accommodate two normal-sized individuals or one larger person.
Observing the intricate engines, Coen remarked, “It’s straightforward. I break it down into pieces for inspection and maintenance, and I never find it challenging.” He recalled his childhood visits to the airport with his grandfather, where he realized that working with airplanes was his calling.
Coen, who has piloted helicopters in the military and ventured into other jobs, shared, “I don’t mind being a mechanic. The job may be ordinary, but I genuinely enjoy it.”
Small airplanes are relatively simple compared to large aircraft, with more backup systems, greater precision in manufacturing, and higher safety parameters. Coen explained that a Boeing 747 has four engine-driven pumps, the main pumps of the aircraft; there are also demand pumps on the suspension, including two pneumatic pumps and two electric pumps, serving as backup hydraulic systems if the engines encounter issues.
The Inland Empire branch of Spartan College offers a 15-month maintenance professional program consisting of 20 courses. Instructor Rob Robb stated that he teaches early courses, covering subjects such as mathematics, physics, electronics, and aerodynamics. After about three months of study, students dive into engine knowledge – dismantling and reassembling – followed by learning about the airframe, completing other mandatory courses, and preparing for federal exams to obtain certification.
According to the school, individuals aged 18 and above with a high school diploma, whether aspiring to fly in the air or work on the tarmac, can enroll in aviation training, with the option to choose daytime or evening classes.
Coen shared, “The most nerve-wracking part is assisting students in their certificate exams. Students can progress in stages, starting with airframe tests before moving on to the Operator Maintenance Program (OMP) exam.” He added that another route is to first pass the General Powerplant exam before obtaining the General Powerplant OMP. Most employers require only one certificate.
He emphasized that the maintenance standards for general aviation aircraft are high, with hourly checks needed on planes annually, and mechanics must be licensed to operate aircraft. Entry-level positions typically offer an hourly wage of $30-35, which can increase to $60-70 with experience, along with overtime pay.
After completing the program and obtaining certification, students can pursue careers in manufacturing companies, airlines, government agencies, or banks, starting with maintenance roles. With a few years of experience, they can advance to positions such as customer service representatives, project managers, or supervisors.
Upon completion of studies at the Inland Empire campus, students receive a Council on Occupational Education (COE) certificate recognized by the Department of Education. At the main campus of Spartan College, aerospace electronics technicians are trained, and a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management is offered. ◇