A Message from the Chief Executive Officer

Welcome to Spartan Iraq!

We’re proud that the United States Government and the Government of Iraq have identified us as the sole source provider for a historic aviation training program.

Spartan Iraq, LLC, was formed in 2014 to support the establishment of an air academy in Iraq. We’re thrilled to bring a fresh mix of commercial- and military-style aviation training to a valued partner of the United States.

Spartan Iraq traces its origins to the early days of aviation through its affiliation with Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, a network of aviation training campuses across the United States. The rich history of Spartan College reaches back to its founding in 1928. Now, 90 years later, Spartan College continues to lead the aviation training industry.

We welcome you to learn more about Spartan Iraq and our exciting programs. Contact us if you would like to learn more about how to contribute to our efforts.

Rod Zastrow
Chief Executive Officer

Iraq Air Academy Programs

The launch of the Iraq Air Academy was held at Balad Air Base February 21, 2018. It was attended by senior officials from the US Government, Government of Iraq, and Spartan Air Academy Iraq, LLC. 

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The Spartan Legacy

Spartan Iraq, LLC, celebrates a proud legacy from its roots in Spartan College.

Spartan College was founded in 1928 by W.G. Skelly in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Operating continuously since then, the college has provided training to more than 130,000 students from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

Notable graduates include Lieutenant Colonel Leon Vance, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient and namesake of Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma; Brigadier General Robin Olds, the USAF’s only flying ace across both World War II and Vietnam; and Ben Hogan, golfing legend.

Our Affiliates

Spartan Iraq, LLC, is an affiliate of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, which has campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield (Denver), Colorado; Los Angeles, California; and Riverside, California.

Support from these affiliated Spartan organizations allow Spartan Iraq to help establish an air academy with access to top flight curriculum and training expertise.

Spartan College’s flight campus in Tulsa has provided training since 2007 as part of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team (CAFTT) and Air Advisor Program (AAP). This program includes pilot and maintenance technician training for Cessna 172 and Cessna 208 aircraft, similar to the fleet of Cessna 172, Cessna 208 and Beechcraft T-6A aircraft expected to be used for training at the academy in Iraq.

Leadership

The leadership team at Spartan Iraq, LLC, has the global business and military experience necessary to lead students to success.

Rod Zastrow, President and Chief Executive Officer

After a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Colonel Rod Zastrow (U.S. Air Force-Retired) joined Spartan in 2011 with a focus on international and U.S. military business development. His efforts led to multiple international and U.S. training contracts for Spartan. As president of Spartan Iraq, LLC since 2017, Zastrow now uses his experience as a USAF F-15 fighter pilot to help students succeed.

Zastrow spent half his career in international posts, including the Royal Saudi Air Force, SFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina, NATO air forces, Japan, the U.K., Germany and the 2000 Group of Eight summit. Zastrow also served as a policy advisor on staff for former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

An active pilot, Zastrow earned his USAF commission through AFROTC and his aerospace engineering degree from the University of Arizona. He later earned his MBA in aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Arts from the USAF Air War College.