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Take the first step toward Training For your pilot Journey

Located at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Spartan Flight Academy, previously operating as Aviator Air Flight School, operates as a Fixed Based Operator providing professional pilot training under FAA Part 61. As part of Spartan Education Group (SEG), our flight location continues a nearly century-long legacy of aviation training and technical capability that has defined the Spartan name since 1928.
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FLIGHT TRAINING

FINANCING OPTIONS

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

FLIGHT TRAINING

Where you train, how you train, and what you train on matters. At our Dallas-Fort Worth area location, training takes place within an active aviation environment designed to prepare pilots for real-world operations. Our award-winning instruction is supported by a fleet of Cessna aircraft, including glass-cockpit models, and a Redbird FMX flight simulator that allows pilots in training to refine maneuvers, procedures, and decision-making before taking to the skies.
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FINANCING OPTIONS

We know that finding a way to pay for flight training is one of the biggest hurdles we hear from aspiring pilots. Our team is here to help you explore financing options through a network of lenders and partners. Together, we’ll review what you may qualify for, answer your questions, and help you determine what works best for your training goals.
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ADDITIONAL SERVICES

As part of a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM), Spartan Flight Academy maintains on-site access to fueling, maintenance, and flight planning resources. The facility includes professional aircraft maintenance support, ensuring that routine inspections and servicing can be managed efficiently within the same location.
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Why Train at Spartan Flight Academy – KGPM?

Deciding where to begin your pilot training matters. Spartan Flight Academy combines professional instruction, an air-traffic–controlled environment, and the legacy of Spartan Education Group to create an ideal training ground for aspiring pilots.

  • Diverse Airspace Access: Offers both controlled and nearby non-controlled airspace for varied training opportunities.
  • Towered Airport Environment: Provides real-world communication experience and exposure to active air traffic operations.
  • Fixed-Base Operator (FBO): Flight services on location offer added convenience, professional exposure, and access to essential resources such as fueling, maintenance, and flight planning.
  • Award-Winning Instruction: Recognized by AOPA, CV Magazine, and Corporate Vision for quality flight training.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

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OUR LOCATION

Train in the heart of one of the nation’s most well-known aviation regions. Spartan Flight Academy is based at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM), situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. This location provides access to both controlled and non-controlled airspace, allowing exposure to a range of flight conditions and environments.

The airport’s position within the Dallas–Fort Worth area supports operations to multiple nearby airports and provides favorable flying conditions throughout much of the year. Our facility at KGPM includes classroom and briefing areas, flight planning resources, and direct access to the flight line to support efficient flight training in accordance with FAA Part 61 requirements.

Our Pathways and Partnerships

allegiant air logo
allegiant plane
The Altitude Pilot Pathway is more than training for certificates and ratings. With specially-designed educational experiences, and leadership training for CFI's, we've built a custom path that prepares aspiring pilots for a career flying at Allegiant.*

Altitude cadets will meet senior Allegiant executives and get to know the airline, home bases, and culture, both in-person and through an exclusive online community. Additionally, cadets will have priority opportunities to become an Altitude CFI and build their required flight hours.
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atlas air logo
atlas air plane in flight
The Atlas Cadet Academy is more than training for certificates and ratings. With leadership training and specially-designed educational experiences, we've built a custom path that prepares aspiring pilots for possible opportunities flying at Atlas Air for those that qualify.

Atlas cadets will meet senior Atlas Air executives and get to know the airline, home bases, and culture, both in-person and through an exclusive online community. Additionally, cadets will have priority opportunities to become an Atlas CFI and build their required flight hours.
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OUR TRAINING OPTIONS

Spartan Flight Academy trains students to complete the necessary knowledge training and minimum flight hours needed to earn the following FAA certifications and ratings:
Private Pilot Certificate (PPC)

Under the FAA Part 61, the required time to train for a Private Pilot Certificate (also known as Private Pilot License) is 40 hours which consists of at least:

  • Dual: 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation that includes:
    • 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single engine airplane;
    • 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least-
      • 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nm. total distance; and
      • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.
    • 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and
    • 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.
  • Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that includes:
    • 5 hours of solo cross-country flying;
    • 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm. between takeoff and landings; and
    • 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.

NOTE: Where 61.109(a), For an airplane single-engine rating Source

Instrument Rating (IR)

Flying in instrument meteorological conditions (low visibility and clouds) requires additional training. Pilots will have the opportunity to develop their flying skills by training how to: fly using aircraft instruments, advanced communications, and merging into the air traffic control system.

Under the FAA Part 61, the time required to train for an Instrument Rating is at least 50 hours of cross-country flying as a Pilot in Command (PIC), of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes for an Instrument Airplane rating; and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the Instrument areas of operation, that includes at least:

Dual:

  • 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor in the aircraft category, that includes at least:
  • 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test; and 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. in the instrument-aircraft rating sought.

NOTE: Per 61.65(a)(1), must Hold at least a current private pilot certificate with an airplane rating to the instrument rating sought; Source

Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPC)

This is the opportunity for a pilot to learn advanced maneuvers, professional rules and regulations and work with an “advanced aircraft"*.

Under the FAA Part 61, the required time for a Commercial Pilot with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:

  • 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
  • 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least
    • 50 hours in airplanes; and
    • 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.
  • 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in 61.127(b)(1) of this part that includes at least
    • Ten hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device including attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems. Five hours of the 10 hours required for instrument training must be in a single engine airplane;
    • 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a technically advanced airplane (TAA)* that meets the requirements of paragraph (j) of this section, or any combination thereof. The airplane must be appropriate to land or sea for the rating sought;
    • One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;
    • One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
    • Three hours in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
  • 10 hours of solo flight time in a single engine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a single engine airplane with an authorized instructor on board (either of which may be credited towards the flight time requirement under paragraph (a)(2) of this section), on the areas of operation listed under 61.127(b)(1) that include
    • One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point. However, if this requirement is being met in Hawaii, the longest segment need only have a straight-line distance of at least 150 nautical miles; and
    • 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

 

NOTE: Per 61.129(a), For an airplane single-engine rating; Source

* Definition of TAA - https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-61/section-61.129#p-61.129(j)

Multi-Engine Rating (MEL)

The multi-engine land rating is an add-on to an existing single-engine land private, commercial, or ATP certificate. For this rating, both VFR and IFR operations will be emphasized. There are no minimum time requirements for the multi-engine land rating; however, you will need an instructor endorsement for flight and ground training prior to taking the check ride.

Under the FAA Part 61, the required time for a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and multi-engine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in 61.107(b)(2) of this part, and the training must include at least

  • 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a multi-engine airplane;
  • Except as provided in 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a multi-engine airplane that includes
    • One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
    • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
  • 3 hours of flight training in a multi-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;
  • 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a multi-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and
  • 10 hours of solo flight time in an airplane consisting of at least
    • 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
    • One solo cross-country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
    • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

NOTE: Per 61.109(b), For an airplane multi-engine rating; Source

Certified Flight Instructor Rating (CFI)

Under FAA Part 61, requirements for the issuance of flight instructor certificates and ratings consist of at least:

  • Hold either a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate with:
    • An aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought; and
    • An instrument rating, or privileges on that person’s pilot certificate that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought, if applying for
      • A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating;
      • A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and multiengine class rating;
      • A flight instructor certificate with a powered-lift rating; or
      • A flight instructor certificate with an instrument rating.:

NOTE: Per 61.183(c), To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate or rating a person must; Source

About Spartan Education Group

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago, IL, owns and operates several aviation training operations. McAir Aviation, in Broomfield, CO, and Illinois Aviation Academy, in West Chicago, IL, are FAA-approved Part 141 flight schools. Spartan Flight Academy is an FAA Part 61 operation in Grand Prairie, Texas. Separately, SEG owns Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, a system of three schools with four locations in the Tulsa, Denver, Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas. Programs, credential levels, technology, scheduling options, accreditation, and licensing vary by college campus and are subject to change. Third-party certifications and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.
Take the controls with Spartan Flight Academy.  Call us: 972-988-8609

Spartan Flight Academy does not guarantee third-party certifications/ratings or employment. Estimated time required assumes a full-time flying schedule, varies by individual, and is not guaranteed. Additional flight hours and certifications are required to be eligible to apply for more advanced opportunities, such as airline pilot positions.

Contact Us

Call Us: (972) 988-8609

Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM)
3122 S Great SW Pkwy
Grand Prairie, TX 75052

support@spartanflightacademy.com

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