What constitutes a "Spam Can" aircraft?

Question

Okay humorous question coming. LOL

So I hear planes called spam cans a lot, this usually points to metal skinned aircraft such as the Piper Cherokee or Cessna trainer series... or in Europe, the Rallye for example.

What separates a spam can from other aluminum skinned aircraft?


Howcome they call a Cherokee a spam can but not a, say, RV, which is technically made of the same spam can material? (I realize any RV even during an engine failure can outperform the best Cherokee... but it's still aluminum skinned hence I ask.)

Or is the term spam can only applicable to certified aircraft, any experimentals being saved from the title?

Is a high performance certified single such as a Bonanza or Mooney still a spam can? What can a poor little aluminum skinned aircraft do to shake the spam can title? Is there a certain speed it must be capable of? Weight? Handling characteristics?

Answer 1

It's generic. Any small, metalized aircraft with a tricycle style landing gear is a "spam can" in my book.

Answer 2

Generally it means any all metal tricycle gear aircraft and often in disdain by pilots of 'real' tube and fabric aircraft with tail wheels.



Most commonly it refers to the PA-28 series of aircraft which--other than the Commanche and Apache/Aztec--were radically different than the rag wing Cubs, Vagabonds, Cruisers, and Pacers they replaced.

Answer 3

Originally it was "Wichita spam can". There were a lot of general aviation planes made in Wichita in the early days.

Answer 4

All it takes is one person to make up a name. and they stick. C-5 Fred. 'Effing Radical Engineering Disaster', A-7 Sluf, 'Slow Little Ugly 'Effer' , etc.

Answer 5

The size that a Dipshit Drone is reduced to when it meets the leading edge of a jumbo jet.