On June 2, 2025, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology's Los Angeles area campus proudly received a delivery of a very special piece of aviation equipment—a Westinghouse J34 turbojet engine with an incredible backstory. More than a movie prop of the silver screen, this engine now serves a new purpose—as hands-on training equipment for the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians at Spartan College.

The Westinghouse J34 continues to be an industry relevant training tool that Spartan College students study and disassemble as part of their hands-on training projects. Now, with this recent acquisition, they're enhancing that experience by integrating the engine into a startup sequence training project. Students will train, under the supervision of an instructor, to safely execute startup procedures in a controlled environment.

What makes this particular J34 remarkable is its Hollywood past. Spartan acquired the engine from Steve Bolan, a professional stuntman and aviation coordinator known for flying Japanese Zeros in Empire of the Sun. Beyond the cockpit, Bolan repurposed the engine for use in creating special effects in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. The J34 was used to generate fog and wind effects in Forrest Gump, The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions, The Aviator, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. You can explore Steve Bolan’s full filmography on IMDb.

This acquisition underscores Spartan’s commitment to providing students with hands-on training opportunities. Their upcoming revamp of engine startup sequence training will incorporate the engine, as it is still used today in commercial and private aviation (Part 91 and Part 135). Whether it’s in the classroom, on the ramp, or in a hangar, Spartan students have the opportunity to learn with purpose—and now, with a bit of movie magic!

Interested in training to work with engines like this one? Learn more about Spartan’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program and how Spartan College helps prepare students for entry-level aviation maintenance roles.

Spartan’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program Details:

Airframe & Powerplant (Diploma) · 18 Months

Associate of Occupational Studies Aviation Maintenance Technology (Degree) · 22 months

The Airframe & Powerplant and Aviation Maintenance Technology programs are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and meet the requirements established in Title 14, Part 147. The programs are designed to teach students entry-level technical skills in airframe and powerplant.

Successful completion qualifies graduates to take the written, oral and practical tests with the Federal Aviation Administration for the Mechanic’s Certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant Ratings. Third-party certifications are not guaranteed. The skills and information taught are not only relevant in the aviation industry but may be applicable to other maintenance industries. The general education courses in the associate degree program provide students with foundational information of diverse subject matter, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

During the program, Spartan students train hands-on in repairing and assembling aircraft turbines, sheet metal fabrication and repair, painting and finishing, as well as training in aviation science and theories, electrical and fire protection systems, warning systems, pressurization systems, and ignition and electrical systems.

For more information about graduation rates, certification disclosure, and other important information, visit www.spartan.edu/consumerinformation.

About Spartan College

Established in 1928, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is a system of three schools with four locations and has trained over 100,000 pilots and technicians. Campuses are located in the following areas: Tulsa, OK; Los Angeles, CA; Inland Empire, CA; and Denver, CO. Spartan students have come from across the United States and over 40 countries. To learn more and for consumer information, location of training, school licensing and accreditation visit www.Spartan.edu. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by campus and are subject to change. Third-party certifications and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. Financing options are available for those who apply and qualify. Administrative office: Spartan Education Group, LLC, 1 N. Franklin St., Suite 2125, Chicago, IL 60606

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250815990799/en/

Spartan acquired the engine from Steve Bolan, a professional stuntman and aviation coordinator known for flying Japanese Zeros in Empire of the Sun. Beyond the cockpit, Bolan repurposed the engine for use in creating special effects for films you may know.