"Ahead of its time" is almost an understatement. Fully enclosed, all aluminium, stressed skin, cantilever monoplane with fully retractable landing gear. In 1936. This airplane must have been absolutely mind blowing when it was new.
you are spot on. The Electra 12 of the same era was most likely the closest "cousin" to the Executive per use of advanced material throughout and design. However there were many times over more 12s produced and by a significantly larger specialized aircraft manufacturer than Spartan was.
It's simply amazing the spartan company could make such a sophisticated airplane with performance capabilities that even today are very respectable and then transform to making tag-along travel trailers and then be out of business. Of course the Packard car company is no longer today as well as many others. Thank for your interest.
I'm a graduate of Spartan School of Aeronautics, and while I was there in the 80s, several of the Spartan aircraft were brought in for (if I remember correctly) the anniversary of Spartan. They even bought in a few of the travel trailers built at Spartan. It was a truly amazing aircraft, especially in the time it was made.
Our pleasure! we appreciate your interest! The Spartan was also in attendance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh '24 last month with a team of 4 young aviators all of which had a combined age less than that of the Spartan executive. Check the story out at Triple Tree online.
"Ahead of its time" is almost an understatement.
Fully enclosed, all aluminium, stressed skin, cantilever monoplane with fully retractable landing gear. In 1936. This airplane must have been absolutely mind blowing when it was new.
you are spot on. The Electra 12 of the same era was most likely the closest "cousin" to the Executive per use of advanced material throughout and design. However there were many times over more 12s produced and by a significantly larger specialized aircraft manufacturer than Spartan was.
Stunning plane! Very lucky to be able to see one of these in the flesh!
We agree, honored to have had the opportunity to visit with the Spartan Executive! We've got some more rare planes on the books to review and fly.
@@classicperformance I look forward to it, this is one of my favourites and would love the chance to fly it!
Thank you for your interest. Come see us at SC00 for a fly in at some point and check out the Spartan!
Great video. That's a lovely looking aeroplane.
Thank you, James!! We appreciate your interest.
Outstanding plane even today ,
It's simply amazing the spartan company could make such a sophisticated airplane with performance capabilities that even today are very respectable and then transform to making tag-along travel trailers and then be out of business. Of course the Packard car company is no longer today as well as many others. Thank for your interest.
I'm a graduate of Spartan School of Aeronautics, and while I was there in the 80s, several of the Spartan aircraft were brought in for (if I remember correctly) the anniversary of Spartan.
They even bought in a few of the travel trailers built at Spartan.
It was a truly amazing aircraft, especially in the time it was made.
Cool!!! They really were very advanced and even ahead of their time. Thanks for the interest and sharing.
🤩 so cool!!!
Thanks for your interest!!!
what a beautiful bird ! pure history, congrats to owner team and thanks for sharing !
Our pleasure! we appreciate your interest! The Spartan was also in attendance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh '24 last month with a team of 4 young aviators all of which had a combined age less than that of the Spartan executive. Check the story out at Triple Tree online.
Why did they go with fabric in the tail control surfaces. Weight savings?
weight and makes the manually controlled surfaces lighter on the controls for the pilot. Thanks for your interest!