Imperial Mansions
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma by W.G. Skelly, president of Skelly Oil Company, on September 27, 1928. He established Spartan Aircraft Company and formed the corporation which built Tulsa Municipal Airport.
During World War II and the Korean War, Spartan trained pilots and mechanics for our armed forces and allied forces, including the British Royal Air Force, while continuing expansion in the civil aviation field. Much of the credit for this period of expansion goes to oilman J. Paul Getty, who acquired Spartan School of Aeronautics from Skelly in 1942.
In 1944, Mr. Getty formed Spartan Airlines, Inc. In 1945, Spartan trained TWA pilots in instrument training as well as U.S. Air Force mechanics. The aircraft company was involved in Cold War production. After the Korean war, there was a downturn in the need for military aircraft, and to keep the company operating, it converted to building camping trailers during the 50s. These trailers now have a cult following and hold gatherings around the U.S. This event was held at the original Spartan plant location in Tulsa. The ownership of Spartan School was maintained by Getty until 1968, and has trained more than 100,000 technicians and pilots since 1928.
Last edited by Geodude; 01-29-2022 at 08:52 AM.