Before Spartan College, the "Spartan Aircraft Company" manufactured aircraft in the late 1930s. William G. Skelly, was an avid promoter of aviation and wanted a sleek, comfortable aircraft for his business trips. Originally designed for luxury travel, the Spartan Executive stands out as a cabin monoplane aircraft. With its all-metal fuselage, retractable undercarriage, and propelled by a Pratt & Whitney engine, it emerged as the popular choice for personal transportation, in a time that predates the use of private jets. This aircraft was popular with affluent buyers worldwide.

We had the rare opportunity capture its sliver exterior while at the Oshkosh Airshow! We spoke with Ben Templeton, the pilot of the 'Spirit of Triple Tree' from @tripletreeaero, about its unique history and what it's like to fly such a legendary aircraft.