History Takes Flight

With a collection of more than 200 historic aircraft, the EAA Aviation Museum is a year-round destination, combining aviation's past with the promise of its exciting future.

1937 Spartan 7W Executive - NC13993

Location: Pioneer Airport

The Spartan 7W Executive is a five-place all metal monoplane that features retractable landing gear and a luxurious interior. The Executive was designed to be fast and comfortable with extensive insulation to lower cabin noise levels. Executives were used for business and personal transportation, and set a new standard for speed and style.

The overall level of technology and performance was comparable to the best fighter airplanes of the day, and this was reflected in a high cost – a factory-new Executive cost $23,500 in 1937.

NC13993 is the second production aircraft of just 34 built, and is the only example with a field installed control stick instead of a control wheel. It was used extensively for factory flight-testing. George Mennen used to spray aftershave into the exhaust when he flew, to help advertise his products.

Donated by George S. Mennen of Morristown, New Jersey.

Length

26 ft. 10 in.

Height

8 ft. 0 in.

Empty Weight

3,400 lbs.

Gross Weight

4,400 lbs.

Oil Capacity

7 gal.

Fuel Capacity

109 gal.

Wingspan

39 ft. 0 in.

Total Wing Area

250 sq. ft.

Cruising Range

900 miles

Cruising Speed

215 mph

Maximum Speed

257 mph

Service Ceiling

24,000 ft.

Serial Number

2

Price at Factory

$23,500.

Engine

450 hp., Pratt and Whitney R-985-AN3, 985 cubic inch, 9-cylinder radial

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