Spartan College to graduate first class of FAA approved hybrid maintenance program

Spartan College graduates first class of FAA approved hybrid maintenance program(DALLAS) - Officials at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology announced the school graduated its first class of students from a hybrid aviation maintenance program, which combines distance learning with traditional class. As the first program of its kind approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, this coursework allows a student to take classes via distance learning for the first part of the program and thereby reduce more than half the time required on campus in traditional classes. Upon completion of the full program, Aviation Maintenance Technology graduates are prepared for the Airframe and Powerplant certification exam by the FAA."This hybrid training program is a great example of preparing for today's demand for 'new collar jobs' and provides students with more flexible access to quality training," said Dr. Dan Peterson, Spartan Education Group president and CEO. "Spartan seeks to alleviate the constraints students face with relocating to another city to begin a comprehensive training program."In its 89-year-history, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has trained more than 90,000 technicians and pilots. In recent years, the college has increased its available training locations to six campuses located in Los Angeles, Denver and Tulsa, Okla. Dr. Peterson says this customized program reinforces Spartan's commitment to keep pace with modern technology and ahead of the growing global demand for aviation technicians."According to Boeing's 2017-2036 Pilot and Technician Outlook Forecast, there will be an unprecedented demand for new technicians," said Dr. Peterson. "In the next 20 years, maintaining and flying the world fleet will require more than 648,000 people. It is paramount that we provide programs that are innovative and flexible to keep up with the demands of our industry."As part of the effort to expand "new collar job" opportunities for its students, Spartan College recently entered into a formal partnership with Delta Air Lines to establish a pipeline of trained aviation maintenance technicians. Spartan College is the only Delta-approved partner in Los Angeles, Denver, and Tulsa, Okla.Delta found that each of Spartan College's campuses offering AMT or Airframe and Powerplant programs met its high standards of operation. Spartan graduates could be eligible for hire by Delta, or one of its subsidiary companies, upon completion of training and degree. Additionally, Spartan College has a similar partnership with Envoy's Cadet Program to recruit and train pilots eligible for hire upon degree and training completion.Spartan College worked with Computerized Training Systems to develop the e-learning platform on which the distance education portion of the program is delivered through complex e-learning and simulation programs for aviation training. Students enrolled in the program receive a fully-loaded Surface tablet with the course materials, which allow he or she to complete the curriculum online. Spartan's campus-based instructors are involved with the online courses, but the students complete the assignments on his or her own time, allowing the student to complete a large part of the coursework remotely.The ceremony is Friday, Dec. 15 at 6 pm at the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa, Okla.###About Spartan College of Aeronautics and TechnologySince 1928, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has provided training to more than 90,000 pilots and technicians throughout the United States and 62 foreign countries. Spartan is an aviation technology college offering students diploma, associates programs in the areas of Aviation Flight, Aviation Maintenance (Airframe and Powerplant), Aviation Electronics Technology, Nondestructive Testing, and Quality Control as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree completion program in Aviation Technology Management. Spartan Tulsa, Okla. is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and has Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for both the Flight and Aviation Maintenance programs. Spartan Education Group, LLC is the parent company of Spartan College with six campuses among Denver, Los Angeles and Tulsa, Okla. About Dr. Dan Peterson, CEO, Spartan Education GroupDr. Dan Peterson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (I believe he is technically the CEO of the parent group and the President of the school group, but that recently changed, so I would verify that), a multi-state aerospace and pilot training school. He has extensive experience in aviation training, military service and education management. Dr. Peterson often speaks on the topic of preparing students to enter "new collar jobs" critical in today's economy and the national shortage of pilots impacting travel in the U.S.Dr. Peterson retired from the US Air Force/UTANG in 2008 with 23 years of service. Seventeen of those years were enlisted in the Communications Flight, and Aerospace Ground Equipment Flight of the 151st AREFG. He was later selected as Executive Officer of the Maintenance Group of the 151st AREF Wing, Officer of the 101st Information Warfare Flight, and Commander of the 151st Communications Flight where he retired. He received several commendations and awards for service, excellence, commitment and dedication to the mission.Dr. Peterson holds a Ph.D. from Utah State University with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction, an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Business Administration from Utah State University. In addition to serving as CEO, Dr. Peterson serves as a board member for Spartan Education Group, LLC.