The Rans S-20 Raven

John Spratt brings his exceptional Rans S-20 Raven to Placerville where he and Mark go over the plane and take it once around the patch.
This plane was featured on the cover of Kitplanes. Our first supermodel!

[@JLC-1975]

S20 is my favorite Rans aircraft and I even like the color

[@brucer81]

What a remarkable pilot. I would certainly trust his skill and aeronautical knowledge.

[@furball5553]

mark that was epic john beautiful plane enjoyed every minute thanks Skywagon university 👍

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tedk2814]

Mr. Spratt seems like a great guy and really knows his stuff. Thanks Mark for having him on the channel, there is just something about military pilots. I can't put my finger on it but all the ones I've met convey a sense of confidence and attention to detail.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

He was the perfect owner/builder.

[@markbattista6857]

Mark , your correct a fantastic aircraft and a very good pilot , Thanks

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

What a great airplane. Never seen such a perfect Rans on the ramp. Nice guy. Good review of this outstanding Rans S20. 🙏☀️👍

[@timlahr6572]

That is an excellent plane !!! That is a perfect example of what experimental aviation is all about !!!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Very true.

[@ben3989]

I really like it! That couple should be proud of their accomplishment.

[@philsal17]

I have always wanted to learn about a Rans aircraft. Thanks very much, Mark, for sharing,

[@GordonFreeman.]

Love the “builder’s note” right under the passenger warning @17:30. Perfect

[@mindysdad3110]

Great airplane and owner; nicely done, Mark!

[@johannviljoen64]

Nice plane!! Imagine the Wright brothers way back when they flew for the first time if one told them that one day people will build planes that speak, at home!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I know. I think about that too. Imagine showing them the big airbus.

[@chriskiwi2601]

I often say that, what would the Wright brothers think. If only they knew!!

[@DragerPilot]

Very impressive airplane, built and flown by its exceptionally impressive owner and pilot.

[@dicel87]

Like the rounded tail option on this rather that the usual squared one.

[@dulcevendetta]

This guy sounds like my type of guy and an excellent builder 👌👍

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Excellent attention to detail.

[@SVSky]

Beautiful bird.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

You should see it in person. It really stands out!

[@chriskiwi2601]

Wow. Nice aeroplane. Brilliant presentation.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FlyingNDriving]

I loved it, good info and good little subtle QOL fixes to the kit

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ChuckMahon]

Love the center side stick... beautiful design.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like it!

[@pablogonzalez8884]

Excellent video!!! Your final words about understand the machine and systems makes a better pilot are so true!!! Great work, I really enjoyed. Greetings from Argentina!!!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@chriso847]

Mark, I like all the reviews you do, but most especially experimental. Great job!

[@foesfly3047]

Ditto

[@gregorylubbers8533]

What a nice plane! Loved this video, thanks!

[@whiskybravoflight]

Great footage

[@ted1728]

Great review!!

[@av8bvma513]

21:30 "...that's Bitchin' Betty talkin' to us..." Priceless!

[@foesfly3047]

John and I share many design preferences. I recently installed the same type of battery switch and 2 EarthX batteries. IMO it’s an awesome configuration for any installation with batteries aft of the firewall. Mine are under the aft cargo bay. I too prefer a center control stick and dual throttles. I also prefer Dynon avionics. Thanks for introducing us to John and to his well thought out plane.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

He is a very talented builder.

[@danielsmith2447]

I had the same question as the interviewer, when he mentioned he made his own wingtips I thought, 'you know a lot more about aerodynamics than I do'

[@flysport_tedder]

love the electric prop feather. hopefully FAA MOSAIC makes that 'legal' for LSA!

[@Globalflyr]

Mark, great review of a beautifully crafted airplane. Please pass on to John from a fellow Herc Pilot that the manufacturer of his battery switch has a recall out for certain models of those switches. I had 3 of them on my boat, and learned of the recall when one of the switches failed internally. The manufacturer stood behind the product and sent me a newer model of the switch gratis. Hopefully, John’s switch is of the newer design.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

We have passed the information along. Thank you!

[@johnspratt8329]

BlueSea Systems is the manufacturer of the 9001e-Series Selector Battery Switch in N68CJ. No service bulletins on it per email from them. This one has 1360 hours on it now and a previous one in a Searey had over 1400 hours with no issues. Thanks for the heads up on the possibilities. (50th TAS)

[@Globalflyr]

@@johnspratt8329 Glad to hear. Mine were vintage 2002, on an Edgewater. Failed internally, and would not stay in the on or off position. 914TAG, AFRES, and USCG after that. A,B,E,H,&HC models, Loved the plane. Best, Larry.

[@plantpower3048]

Nice!! experimentals are exciting! Try to review the Superstol XL and a Bearhawk next time ;)

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I'd need one of each here to do that, but yes.

[@justincase1575]

Sweet!

[@SaltyPirate71]

Great video! What brand is the prop/governor system he has?

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G,day Mark from Sydney Australia. The constant speed variable pitch prop system: could you have guess of price: Panel instrument, computer and hub? $.............. 🦉🌀

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I'm not sure what the price is but that prop is made in New Zealand.

[@parkburrets4054]

Is this a geared engine; RPMs seem really high

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes it is a Rotax that turns at 5200 RPM but gears the prop down to 2400 RPM.