Photos by Jan Morgan
Collection Gift Guide: First-Class Retro Flight Plan
December 2, 2003
The big Pratt lights up after a few blades and settles down to that
satisfying sort of rumble that only big, round engines have at idle. Taxiing the
tail-wheel aircraft requires S-turning to ensure forward visibility over the
large engine cowling. Pushing the throttle lever forward gives about 36 inches
of manifold pressure and a surprising amount of acceleration, the tail lifting
off in a couple of hundred feet. With the landing gear retracted, an initial
climb of over 1,000 feet per minute is achieved, but this is brought back to 500
feet per minute at about 150 mph for good visibility over the nose.
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Perfectly restored, this Spartan Executive was the 10th example built and
one of the few still flying. (Click image to enlarge)Once at altitude and indicating an effortless 170 mph, the big Spartan displays excellent handling characteristics. Control can be handled with two fingers on the large yoke, and little rudder pedal pressure is needed to control yaw. The aircraft trims easily with its electric control. The large plan area of the wing gives a fine ride, and the entire aircraft affords a feeling of immense strength and structural integrity. Pilots with visions of Clark Gable or Spencer Tracy, with cigar and silk scarf and wrestling a big single-engine aircraft, will be amazed at the light, responsive controls and rudder coordination not unlike that of a Beech Bonanza, but perhaps a little better. The large split-flap system and center dive brake make speed control during approach easy for this 4,400-pound gross weight aircraft, and the wide-based landing gear helps to reduce the anxiety of landing.
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Over the last few years, Spartan Executive
NC17605 has undergone an extensive overhaul and now carries modern Cleveland
wheels and brakes, along with improved cabin ventilation. Surprisingly, little
of the aircraft needed modernization. Today, the Spartan commands attention at
any airfield or air show that it might attend, especially with its polished
aluminum finish. Its reliability, speed, and fine flight characteristics make it
an excellent show aircraft, suitable for those long spring and summer
cross-country flights from California to the “Sun ’n Fun” in Florida or to the
annual EAA show in Oshkosh. The care and attention lavished upon it will ensure
a rewarding experience for the owner/pilot and bring delight to all who see
it. It is available for $365,000 from Screaming Eagle Aviation in Santa Paula,
Calif., that small field famous as a hotbed of vintage aircraft operations and
restoration. (Click image to enlarge)
Screaming Eagle Aviation
805.525.7121,
www.aso.com/seller/171/main.htm
Page:
1
|
2
advertisement
advertisement
