The Spartan Aircraft Company was an American aircraft manufacturing company, headquartered on Sheridan Avenue near the Tulsa Municipal Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma . Previously known as Mid-Continent Aircraft Company, the company had been reorganized under the Spartan name in 1928 by oil baron William G. Skelly —and operated until 1961, manufacturing aircraft, aircraft components, and recreational vehicle trailers . The company was known for the luxurious Spartan Executive aircraft produced in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
61-577: J. Paul Getty acquired the company from Skelly in 1935. After World War II, Getty ended aircraft production and converted the company to manufacturing trailers under the Spartan Manor brand—subsequently ending all production in 1961. Successful oilman William G. Skelly purchased the struggling Mid-Continent Aircraft Manufacturing Company of Tulsa in January, 1928. He renamed the company Spartan Aircraft Company , reorganized it financially and began
122-508: A fifth-wheel is like a bigger caravan that mounts into the bed of a truck rather then a trailer hitch. A caravan fits in the range of vehicles in that has more fixed structures then a camper trailer, but lack an engine like a campervan or motorhome. In the United States and Canada, most caravans would be called an RV of the subtype, travel trailer. In Europe , the origins of travel trailers and caravanning can be traced back to
183-562: A "gentleman's caravan". It was an 18-foot (5.5 m) design, based upon their Bible Wagons, used by travelling preachers in America's Wild West. Stables named it Wanderer . He travelled around the British countryside in it and later wrote a book documenting his travels in 1885 called The Gentleman Gypsy . This moved the Duke of Newcastle to commission his own caravan, The Bohemian . By
244-976: A British Refresher School. In 1943, the school reorganized into a College of Aeronautical Engineering, School of Flight, School of Mechanics, School of Meteorology, School of Communications, and School of Instruments. In November 1943, the school was selected by the Department of State and the Civil Aeronautics Administration as a training facility for the Inter-American Aviation Mechanic Training program. The first class under this program included 67 students from 12 Latin American countries. Spartan Aircraft Company reorganized after World War II, renaming itself as Spartan Aero Repair in 1946. It ceased to produce aircraft, though it continued to operate
305-518: A Tulsa oilman and owner of Spartan Aircraft Company, founded the Spartan School in 1928. Initially, the purpose of the school was to promote sales of aircraft manufactured by the company. The school was located initially across Apache Street from Tulsa International Airport . During the early 1930s, Skelly pledged his share of Spartan Aircraft Company as collateral for a loan from J. Paul Getty , but Skelly's finances became overextended during
366-441: A caravan (RV home) but usually allows other types such as motorhomes or campervans. Australian English calls both RV parks and trailer parks, caravan parks. Tiny homes that are mobile can have much in common with a caravan; however, going RVing and the tiny home movement are different trends. One is more about living mobile and/or vacationing, and the other is more about living in a small house mostly in one location. In North America
427-516: A detachment at each school to supervise training. Flying training was performed with Fairchild PT-19s as the primary trainer. The Air Force also supplied several PT-17 Stearmans and a few P-40 Warhawks . Spartan furnished instructors, training sites and facilities, aircraft maintenance, quarters, and mess halls. Students from the Royal Air Force entered the school on June 7, 1941. The U. S. Army Air Forces officially designated Spartan as
488-503: A large car or small truck depending upon its towing capacity . Lightweight pop-up trailers weighing less than 700 pounds (320 kg), such as the Combi-camper and Kamparoo can be towed even by small economy cars. Some exceptionally-light travel trailers can be pulled by a motorcycle or even bicycle. Fiberglass body construction entered the U.S. scene in 1971 with the introduction of the first U.S.-produced mini travel trailer, called
549-525: A maximum tow-weight of 15,500 pounds (7,000 kg). Multiple televisions and air conditioners are common in units of this size. Slide-out rooms and screen porches add to livability . By law, travel trailers are limited to 400 square feet (37 m ) of living area, and many models offer exactly that plus any optional slide-outs. With all of the disincentives inherent in local government zoning regulations and building codes to affordable, ecological (off-grid) and compact housing solutions, travel-trailers offer
610-481: A pastime ... to improve and supply suitable vans and other appliances ... and to arrange camping grounds". Caravanning gained popularity in North America in the 1920s. Modern travel trailers come in a range of sizes, from very small two-berth trailers with no toilet and only basic kitchen facilities, to large, triple-axle, six-berth types. Caravans, particularly the vardo , have served both as
671-509: A permanent site, where they are anchored to the ground), is now worth over £1bn (€1.5bn/ US$ 1.7bn) to the British economy alone, with the manufacture of caravans worth in excess of £650m (€975m/ US$ 1.1bn). The growth in popularity of caravanning has been enhanced by improvements in caravan quality and caravan site facilities, making caravan holidays possible at any time of the year. There are two main organisations that many caravanners join in
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#1732781066054732-419: A pop-up and a hard-sided trailer. In its camping configuration, one or more bunks fold down from the side with canvas tent covers. When travelling, the bunks fold up, leaving four hard sides. Larger models allow the hybrid travel trailer to be used while "turtled" – meaning with the sides up. The primary advantage of a hybrid travel trailer is it offers a greater space-to-weight ratio. A disadvantage
793-465: A possibility for those considering an ecological full-time home or seasonal cottage. Travel-trailers are often acceptable on flood-plains, areas outside of urban growth limits, et cetera, where regular buildings are not allowed. Among the virtues of a trailer park are its light infrastructure, low ecological footprint , minimal land disturbance, abundant permeable surfaces (for stormwater drainage), and ease of site restoration. Some specialized brands of
854-601: A powerful Pratt & Whitney Wasp 600 h.p. engine. The last aircraft to be developed by the Spartan Aircraft Company was the Spartan NP-1 biplane. The NP-1 was a throwback to earlier aircraft in appearance, though the technology used in the aircraft's construction was certainly more advanced than the wire and fabric used in Spartan's early biplane designs. Built as a United States Navy trainer,
915-465: A private water closet, shower, and the ability to sleep six. Its ultramodern aerodynamic styling and domed skylight by the modernist industrial designer Toshihiko Sakow made it an instant hit. It was short-lived, however (1971–1973), as the first Arab Oil Embargo and the ensuing major slow-down of RV sales caused it to cease operations. The Boler travel trailer was developed in Canada in 1968, soon joining
976-471: A range of over 1,000 nautical miles (2,000 km) and a 25,000 ft (7,600 m) service ceiling . Thirty four 7W aircraft were produced. Based directly on the high-performance design of the civilian Spartan 7W, a version of the aircraft was developed to meet military needs for high-performance reconnaissance and training aircraft. The re-designed model was named the Spartan Zeus 8W and featured
1037-487: A significant cultural icon and symbol of the nomadic Romani people . Until the early 19th century, Romani caravans served primarily as a means of transport and not as a domicile. At the beginning of the 19th century, more Romani people began to live in their caravans instead of sleeping in tents. The caravan offered greater protection from weather conditions and could be outfitted with modern amenities such as wood-burning stoves. Often, caravans were commissioned to be built at
1098-421: A subsidiary of Harcourt General Corporation. In 2004, Spartan School of Aeronautics changed its name to Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology to represent its current offering of college degree programs and technology diversity. Spartan Aviation Industries, Inc. was formed in 2005 by Spartan's management team and was purchased from Harcourt General Corporation. In 2013, Spartan Education Industries Inc,
1159-506: A tent on wheels to those containing several rooms with all the furniture and furnishings and equipment of a home. Construction of the solid-wall trailers can be made of metal or fiberglass. Travel trailers are used principally in North America , Europe , Australia and New Zealand . The word caravan is regional to Great Britain, while in North America they are called travel trailers or camper trailer ; different parts of
1220-633: A total of five locations. Tulsa Technology Location Located near the Tulsa International Airport. The location focuses on Aviation Maintenance Technology, Quality Control Management, Hybrid Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aviation Electronics Technology, Nondestructive Testing Technology, as well as the Bachelor of Science in Technology Management degree completion program. Tulsa Flight Location Located on
1281-457: A traditional travel trailer because the hitch weight sits directly over the pickup truck's rear axle or tires. Since part of a fifth wheel sits in the bed of the pickup, it reduces the overall length of the vehicle-and-trailer combination while allowing the same room as a comparable-length travel trailer. Additionally, the hitch's location in the pickup's bed reduces the risk of jackknifing and allows for more maneuverability when backing. Because of
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#17327810660541342-638: Is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools (OBPVS). The Denver Campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed and approved to operate by Colorado Department of Higher Education Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS). The LA (Inglewood, CA) Campus
1403-616: Is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the Inland Empire Location is a branch of the Los Angeles Campus. 36°10′35″N 95°52′44″W / 36.17639°N 95.87889°W / 36.17639; -95.87889 Travel trailer A caravan , travel trailer , camper , tourer or camper trailer is a trailer towed behind a road vehicle to provide a place to sleep which
1464-411: Is an RV, and going RVing would be caravanning. Most caravan designs would probably be called a travel trailer, or in some cases a fifth wheel or camper trailer. Caravans can go to RV parks or some camp sites— not trailer parks, which usually communities of semi-permanent structures called mobile homes . However, sometimes they can be actual collections of trailers with wheels that are very mobile. In
1525-448: Is more comfortable and protected than a tent (although there are fold-down trailer tents ). It provides the means for people to have their own home on a journey or a vacation , without relying on a motel or hotel , and enables them to stay in places where none is available. However, in some countries campers are restricted to designated sites for which fees are payable. Caravans vary from basic models which may be little more than
1586-472: Is the tent ends are not insulated and are subject to heat loss and condensation. In the United States, it is generally illegal for passengers to ride in a travel trailer, while in motion, unlike horse-drawn trailers and coaches. Triple towing (towing two trailers) is not allowed in some U.S. states, such as California , Alabama , Florida , or New York ; however, triple towing is permitted in Texas if
1647-629: The Spartan School of Aeronautics . Skelly continued to support the venture during the early years of the Great Depression, while it began producing a line of airplanes. The economic depression strained Skelly's personal finances, and in 1935, J. Paul Getty purchased a controlling interest in the company from Skelly. At the beginning of World War II, Getty assumed direct control of the company operations. He expanded manufacturing by making sub-assemblies for warplanes and opened branches of
1708-502: The anglosphere may use further variations on either of these. This has led to further variations, such as in New Zealand a motor caravan is typically called a motorhome in North America. In North America, caravans are included under the umbrella term recreational vehicle , or RV for short - though they do not have to be for recreation, and the term includes travel trailers and many other types. Types of travel trailers in
1769-512: The recreational vehicle (RV) industry and mobile home industry. Travel trailers are classified as a type of RV along with motorhomes , fifth-wheel trailers, pop-up trailers , and truck campers . Smaller travel trailers and pop-ups are still made with touring in mind. These generally are less than 18 feet (5.5 m) long and contain simple amenities. By design, they are lightweight and quick to set up or prepare for travel. Most weigh less than 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) and can be towed with
1830-579: The Great Depression. As a result, Getty obtained control of Spartan Aircraft, including the Spartan School in 1935. In 1942, Getty personally took over management of Spartan Aircraft and its school. The Spartan School was activated as a U. S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) facility on August 1, 1939, as an advanced civilian pilot training school to supplement the Air Corps' few flying training schools. The Air Corps supplied students with training aircraft, flying clothes, textbooks, and equipment. The Air Corps also put
1891-595: The Playpac in the U.S. fiberglass light-weight class. The Hunter and Amerigo travel trailers were also available at that time. As moulded fiberglass technology advanced, more companies entered into the market. Key moulded fiberglass innovations made the travel trailers more durable but also lighter which allowed for more luxury amenities. Mid-range travel trailers are 18 to 25 feet (5.5 to 7.6 m) long, can weigh 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) or more, and are generally towed with compact pickup trucks and SUVs. They have most of
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1952-418: The Playpac. Since then, moulded fiberglass trailers have gained more popularity due to many factors including durability, lightweight design, modern features and a modern nod to retro chic design. The Playpac, invented by Steven Whysel, was the answer to the needs of the growing horde of VW "Bug" and other small-car owners who wanted a hard-shelled camper, light enough to be pulled by a small car. It came with
2013-1236: The R.L. Jones Riverside Airport in south Tulsa. This location offers Spartan's Aviation Flight program as well as contract and military training programs. Inland Empire Location Located on the historic Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. This campus focuses on Aviation Maintenance Technology as well as Airframe & Powerplant programs. Los Angeles Location Located approximately two miles from Los Angeles International Airport. The location offers programs in Airframe & Powerplant and Aviation Maintenance Technology. Denver Location Located in Broomfield, Colorado. The location offers programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Electronics Technology. Spartan College offers diplomas, associate of applied science degrees, associate of occupational studies degree, and Bachelor of Science degree completion program in Technology Management. It also offers aviation training, certifications, and ratings. The Tulsa Campus
2074-490: The Spartan Executive 7W, the company produced its first all-metal travel trailer . The company followed previous design strategies, offering lavish and full-featured trailers. Through the 1940s and 1950s, Spartan produced what some referred to as the " Cadillac " of trailers, commanding prices higher than $ 4000. Spartan produced over 40,000 trailer homes before ending production in 1961. Given an average home cost in
2135-482: The Spartan NP-1 featured a lightweight open-cockpit construction with a Lycoming R-680-B4C 225 h.p. engine. After the ebb of personal aviation and the increased competition in the aircraft business following World War II , owner J. Paul Getty and Spartan upper-management redirected production to focus on the demand for housing and leisure. Using the same internally braced and space-saving monocoque design of
2196-562: The Spartan School of Aeronautics in Miami , Muskogee and Ponca City, Oklahoma . The first aircraft produced by the Spartan Aircraft Company was the Spartan C3 open- cockpit biplane . Built in 1926 (first flight 25 October 1926), the C3-1 was the first of a series of variants of the design for flight schools , sportsman aviators , and Fixed-Base Operators (FBO) . The Spartan C3-225 was
2257-448: The US include teardrop trailer , fifth-wheel, hybrid, and pop-up . To further clarify, in North America mobile home and trailer parks are generally not caravans or caravan park, those are actually pre-contructed homes fixed in place, though sometimes they can be. In general, a caravan park there is more like an RV park , which might have temporary hookups for sewage, power, and/water for
2318-620: The United Kingdom: the Caravan and Motorhome Club , established in 1907, and the Camping and Caravanning Club , established in 1901. Both clubs offer a range of services, including exclusive club sites, preferential rates, advice, insurance, and community activities including regional and national rallies. In the UK, caravan insurance is not a compulsory requirement, but is recommended due to
2379-411: The United States and Canada, the history of travel trailers can be traced back to the early 1920s, when those who enjoyed their use were often referred to as 'tin can tourists'. As time progressed, trailers became more liveable and earned a new name in the 1930s and 1940s, which was the house trailer. In the 1950s and 1960s, the industry seemed to split, creating the two types that are seen today, that of
2440-411: The United States at the time of $ 8000, Spartan trailers were a discretionary purchase for the wealthy. After 33 years of manufacturing aircraft and trailers, the Spartan Aircraft Company closed its manufacturing facilities and entered the insurance and financial business under the name Minnehoma Insurance Co. The Spartan name was sold to the Spartan School of Aeronautics , which operates today under
2501-495: The amenities of the larger travel trailers, but sleep fewer people. Larger travel trailers are made with seasonal or full-time users in mind. These generally range from 25 to 40 feet (7.6 to 12.2 m) long and contain all the comforts of a luxury condominium. These amenity-laden models can reach 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) or more, requiring a purpose-built tow vehicle, highway tractor or large truck or SUV . While trailers may weigh in even above that, most long-bed pickups have
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2562-534: The bed but this takes a lot more time and effort than the unhitch operation. Off-road travel trailers, also called 4x4 trailers, tentrax, and jeep trailers, are built specifically for exploring the extreme backcountry without having the restriction of paved highways or gravel roads. These travel trailers are designed to handle rough terrain. Many off-road travel trailers are equipped with tents, beds, skid plates, large tires and long stroke independent suspensions , lift kits , and articulation systems. Innovation in
2623-628: The combined length does not exceed 65 feet (20 m). A fifth-wheel is a travel trailer supported by a hitch in the centre of the bed of a pickup truck instead of a hitch at the back of a vehicle. The special hitch used for fifth-wheels is a smaller version of the one used on 18-wheeler trucks and can be connected by simply driving (backing) the tow vehicle under the trailer. Fifth-wheel trailers are popular with full-time recreational vehicle enthusiasts, who often live in them for several months in one place, using their pickup truck tow vehicle for local errands. A fifth-wheel trailer tows more securely than
2684-529: The following features: Travel trailers (especially North American ones) may also contain the following: Due to the 50 mph (80 km/h) maximum speed limit on single carriageways for caravans on the United Kingdom's crowded and often narrow roads, caravans are seen as a nuisance by some motorists. The motoring journalist and presenter Jeremy Clarkson is well known for his gleeful hatred of caravans, and has physically destroyed several of them on
2745-460: The greater room available on the roads in North America, these vehicles are more popular in the United States and Canada than in Europe or other parts of the world. For uneven terrain, a gooseneck hitch is an option for fifth-wheel trailers. The downside is that the hitch takes up room in the pickup truck's cargo bed regardless of whether the trailer is hitched or not. The hitch can be unbolted from
2806-429: The high value of touring caravans. Under tax regulations, caravans are considered wasting chattel and are exempt from capital gains tax . In Australia, camper trailers are common alongside the traditional caravan. Camper trailers differentiate themselves from similar products due to their ability to go off-road. They feature large water holding tanks, batteries for electricity and off-road suspension. In New Zealand
2867-544: The last early biplane design produced by the company. At least 160 C-3 aircraft were built, using various engines. 1930 saw the production of Spartan's first monoplane design, the Spartan C2-60 . Designed for the sportsman flier, the C2-60 was a lightweight design with a small 60 h.p. engine . Using many of C2-60's characteristics, Spartan produced the heavier, more powerful C2-165 low-wing monoplane. Unpopular with
2928-461: The military due to the view-obstructing low-wing design, the C2-165 was primarily used for civilian training purposes. Improvements in Spartan's manufacturing and technology was evident in the 1930 Spartan C4 . The C4 was a high-wing monoplane designed for low-maintenance and high-comfort. The Spartan C4 was designed to accommodate large engines of 230 h.p. and more. The Spartan Executive Model 7W
2989-490: The name Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. However, Pratt and Whitney R2000 aircraft engines continued to be overhauled under the nominated company the Spartan Aircraft Company as late as 1970 according to Department of Defense appropriations listings Spartan School of Aeronautics Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology ( Spartan ) is a private for-profit aviation college in Tulsa, Oklahoma . It
3050-473: The request of newlywed couples and their families. The small-scale, pre-industrial methods of the builders and the labour-intensive nature of the building process meant that a family's caravan could take up to a year to build. Trailer caravan is defined in ISO Standard 3833:1977, Road vehicles – Types – Terms and definitions, term No 3.2.1.3. In North America, the term caravan is obscure. A caravan
3111-540: The school. For the next 15 years the parent company made Spartan Trailers instead of aircraft. It closed the Tulsa manufacturing plant in 1961 and renamed Minnehoma Insurance Company. The Spartan tradename was sold to the Spartan School. In 1967, the former Spartan interests were bought by Automation Industries, Inc., who sold them to National Education Corporation , the parent company of National Education Center, Inc. in 1972. In 1997, National Education Corporation became
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#17327810660543172-473: The term caravan is used, but campervans or motorhomes may be called motor caravans. New Zealand has hundreds of free camping sites and campervans and motorhomes are popular ways to access the sites. However, at the end of 2023 they enacted tighter regulations – especially in regards to the toilet facilities. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association notes RVs must have certain minimum standards for certification. A mid-range, modern travel trailer may contain
3233-440: The trailer is only as high as a regular trailer, but when set up it increases in height to two full levels. They are often used in motion picture production as portable dressing rooms. The National Caravan Council estimates that the caravan industry, which includes motorhomes , touring caravans (caravans designed to be hitched to a car and towed to a site), and static caravans and mobile homes (caravans designed to be transported to
3294-409: The trailer, such as the hi-lo trailer, have an upper half (slightly larger than the lower half) that can be folded down over the lower half to a total height of about five feet for reduced wind resistance during travel; these otherwise contain everything other travel trailers have (except for a full-height closet). Innovation in travel trailers is the hybrid travel trailer, combining the features of
3355-404: The travel trailer types is the "toy hauler" or "toy box". Half living area and a half garage , these trailers allow other, smaller vehicles to be brought to the countryside. A folding rear ramp gives access for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , personal watercraft or racecars. A generator provides power for the equipment. A double-decker trailer is a two-level travel trailer. When travelling
3416-520: The travelling Romani people , and showmen who spent most of their lives in horse-drawn caravans . Samuel White Baker purchased an actual Gypsy caravan in Britain and shipped it to Cyprus for his tour in 1879. The world's first leisure trailer was built by the Bristol Wagon & Carriage Works in 1880 for William Gordon Stables , a popular author of teenage adventure fiction, who ordered
3477-521: The turn of the century, caravanning for leisure had become an increasingly popular activity. In 1901, the first dedicated caravanning club was established. The Camping and Caravanning Club (originally the Association of Cycle Campers) was founded by Thomas Hiram Holding , the father of modern camping. The Caravan Club was founded in 1907 with Stables as its vice president. Its stated aim was to "... bring together those interested in van life as
3538-485: Was a result of founder William Skelly's vision for an aircraft designed to accommodate the luxury and performance expected by wealthy people. Powered by a 450 h.p. Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr. engine, the Executive was Spartan's first attempt at an all-metal aircraft design using monocoque technology. The large engine and aerodynamic airframe allowed for a then-remarkable 200-mile (320 km) an hour cruise speed,
3599-808: Was formed and acquired the college from Spartan Aviation Industries, Inc. In 2014, Spartan acquired the Crimson Technical Institute, an Airframe & Powerplant focused college located in Inglewood, California. The Crimson Technical College was founded in 1930 as The California Flyers Inc. and eventually became Northrop University and then Northrop Rice Aviation Institute of Technology (NRAIT). On March 31, 2015, Crimson Technical College became an additional campus location of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. In April 2016, Spartan College acquired Redstone College in Broomfield, Colorado. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has
3660-668: Was founded in 1930, originally called The California Flyers, Inc. and eventually became the Northrop University . On March 31, 2015, this campus took on the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology name and added a branch located in Riverside, CA. In April 2016, Spartan also acquired Redstone College in Broomfield, Colorado . Redstone College took the Spartan College name in March 2017. William G. Skelly ,
3721-538: Was originally established to provide pilot and technicians for Spartan Aircraft Company but outlived its parent company and continues to train pilots and mechanics into the 21st Century. The main campus is adjacent to Tulsa International Airport , with another campus used for flight training at Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport . In May, 2014 Spartan acquired the Crimson Technical College located in Inglewood, California. Crimson Technical College
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