Chicago, Illinois (April 7, 2026)) — Spartan Education Group (SEG)’s Chief Executive Officer Rob Polston was recently featured as a guest on the widely followed Aviation Careers Podcast, where he shared insights on the aviation workforce landscape and instructor job projections for 2026. 

During the episode, titled “2026 Instructor Job Projections with Spartan CEO Rob Polston,” Polston joined host Carl Valeri to discuss the aviation training pipeline, the evolving demand for flight instructors, and the critical role aviation schools play in training the next generation of pilots. The episode explores workforce projections from an aviation training perspective and highlights how flight training institutions are adapting to meet industry demand.  

Polston also discussed how aspiring pilots typically build flight hours as Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) before advancing to airline careers. “Flight instructors are a vital part of the aviation ecosystem,” said Rob Polston, CEO of Spartan Education Group. “As the aviation industry continues to grow and airlines seek qualified pilots, the role of the instructor becomes even more important in developing the skills and professionalism that future aviators need.” 

The conversation also highlighted how aviation training organizations like Spartan Education Group are helping strengthen the talent pipeline through expanded training opportunities, partnerships with airlines, and pathways that guide students from their first flight through professional aviation careers. 

The Aviation Careers Podcast is a long-running aviation career development podcast focused on helping aspiring aviators navigate training, hiring trends, and industry pathways.  

Listeners can hear the full episode here: 
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp447-2026-instructor-job-projections-with-spartan-ceo-rob-polston/ 

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, owns and operates several aviation training schools and flight training locations across the United States. SEG includes Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, a system of three accredited schools with four campus locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Inglewood, California; and Riverside, California. Spartan College offers aviation and technology diploma and degree programs. With more than 97 years of history, Spartan College has trained more than 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians. Accreditation, program offerings, credential levels, scheduling options, and licensing vary by campus and are subject to change. 

SEG also owns several independent flight training operations, including McAir Aviation, an FAA Part 141 flight school based in Broomfield, Colorado with a second training location in Watkins, Colorado; Illinois Aviation Academy, an FAA Part 141 flight school located in West Chicago, Illinois; and Spartan Flight Academy, an FAA Part 61 flight training operation located in Grand Prairie, Texas. 

These flight training operations offer non-Title IV, non-accredited FAA Part 61 or Part 141 flight training that is not eligible for federal student aid and operate independently from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology.  

Completion of training does not guarantee certification or employment. SEG’s mission is to provide aviation training that combines hands-on experience, industry partnerships, and a strong focus on student achievement while supporting pathways for aspiring pilots and technicians. 

About Spartan Education Group   

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG) owns and operates Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, an accredited system of schools with campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Inglewood, California; and Riverside, California. Spartan College has more than 97 years of history and has trained more than 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians. 

SEG also owns several independent flight training operations, including McAir Aviation (FAA Part 141), Illinois Aviation Academy (FAA Part 141), and Spartan Flight Academy (FAA Part 61). These flight schools provide non-Title IV flight training and operate independently from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Federal student aid is not available for these flight training programs, and completion of training does not guarantee certification or employment.