The information collection contain in this section has been contributed through email communication between Taylorcraft enthusiasts. The information is divided into the following areas: General Information, History, Maintenance and Rebuilding.
�
The Taylorcraft Foundation (TF) and The Taylorcraft Owners
Club (TOC) do not project or accept any responsibility for participation by
anyone at any fly-in functions, forums, or events that may be publicized in the
newsletters, this document, or web site.�
All material herein of a technical nature is for reference only and is
not necessarily recommended or approved.�
It is up to the individual reader and their Certified Aircraft Mechanic to determine the legality and veracity of anything technical appearing within this document or TF or TOC web pages, which are produced only as a medium of communications amongst owners/aficionados of Taylorcraft aircraft and history.
Use at your own risk.� Comments are welcome, email them to Forrest Barber: www.fbarber@alliancelink.com. Last Edited 4/30/2002
General
Taylorcraft Information
What is the Taylorcraft Foundation?
�To preserve the history and technical information of the Taylorcraft airplanes�
The Foundation is in addition to the Taylorcraft Owner�s Club; funded separately for audit purpose since we are now a 501� ( c ) ( 3), non-profit, tax exempt organization. The Director�s of the Foundation are Forrest Barber, Bruce Bixler, Doug Taylor, Duke Iden, Bob Ollerton, and Tom Pittman with Dorothy Feris as a Director Emeritus.�
Taylorcraft Foundation, Inc., 13820 Union Ave. NE, Alliance, Ohio 44601
330 823-1168; fax 330 823-1138.� Web site www.taylorcraft.org;� e-mail: tcraft@taylorcraft.org; Or
e-mail: fbarber@alliancelink.com
���
Membership Dues only $10.00 per year application on the
website
What is the Taylorcraft Owners Club?
The Taylorcraft Owners Club
publishes a newsletter 4 times a year that contains news, history, and support
information relative to owning and flying Taylorcraft Airplanes.� The Taylorcraft Foundation inserts a page or
two into each issue.
Just $12.00 usd a year. Write and enclose a check to:
Bruce Bixler II, TOC
President - tocprez@yahoo.com
12809 Green Bower
N.E. Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: 330-823-9748
What is the history of the Taylorcraft aircraft?
Where were Taylorcraft airplanes built?
The prototype was built in Butler, Pa.� The company then moved to Alliance, Ohio
where plane production peaked just after WWII.�
The company over built for the market and went bankrupt, and
reincorporated in Conway, Pa.�
Production was minimal after that, and the company was relocated to
several owners and towns: Connellsville, Pa., Denver, Co., Hinsdale, Ill. Back
to Alliance, Oh, Lock Haven, Pa., a brief stint in N. Carolina and is currently
in Georgetown, Del.��
What happened to the Taylor Cub?
The Taylor Cub was designed when Taylor and Piper
were partners.� Taylor left the
partnership and Piper developed the Piper Cub from the original Taylor Cub
design.
Are Taylorcraft parts still sold?
Some new certified parts are still sold by Univair
(www.univair.com).� Used parts are also
available by checking with the Taylorcraft Foundation list service and the
Taylorcraft Owner�s Club.
The
FAA Type Certificate #696 contains good information.� A copy of the F-19 parts & price list from the Foundation is
a good source.� A write up on the BC12-D
can be found at�� www.airbum.com/pireps/ClassiccompTCraft.html.
Who
holds the FAA Type Certificate for the Taylorcraft model BC12-D?
FAA records
indicated the following holder:
Taylorcraft
2000,LLC, 4 Baltimore Avenue, Georgetown, De 19947.
Record
of ownership: from Lock Haven Pa.,
transferred to Syncrom Inc., on Oct 19, 1994. transferred from them to Airborne
Marketing, Inc., on Jan 8, 1997. Airborne Marketing, Inc., to Lee F. Booth on
April 26, 1999.� Lee F. Booth dba
Taylorcraft Aerospace, transferred to Harvey & Vera Patrick Foundation on
May 10, 2000. Harvey & Vera Patrick Foundation transferred ownership to
Taylorcraft 2000, LLC on Aug 8, 2000.�
Where is the factory serial number
located on the airframe?
For
the pre-war B, and some ships in 1945 the serial number is stamped on the right
or left side top door hinge tab that is welded to the fuselage frame, also
sometimes on the door hinge itself.�
Later
on in 1946 it was stamped into the backside of the throttle plate assembly,
quite often upside down. Sometimes it may appear on a triangular gusset under
the co pilot seat.
The
first BC-12D started with ser #6400. The pre-war B models started with #1000
and on up through the 3,000's.
The
Model D (tandems) serial number is stamped on the top of the rear
throttle.� You may have to pull the
throttle out slightly to see the number.�
On the L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M the data plate is mounted on the right side
of the desk in the rear (according to the drawings) Ideally you should have a
military (if a military ship) and civilian data plates for your DCO.�
What are the Taylorcraft
aircraft models?
The
Taylorcraft models from: "The Pilot's Guide to Affordable
Classics".
A����������� 606����������� 59?����������� 25-630
BC/BL/BF��������������� 2401����������� 542����������� 1000-3400
DC/DL/DF����������� 200������ ����������� 4000-4199����������� note #1
Model D L-series����������� 2119���� ����������� 4200
� 6318����������� note #2
Experimental������������� 29������� ����������� 6319 � 6347����������� note #3�����
BC-12D����������� 4191����������� 2025����������� 6400-10590
BC-12D-1�� �� 22������� ����������� 10779-10800����������� note #4
BC-12D-85� �� 41����������� 50����������� 12000-12038
����������� ����������� ����������� &
12500-12501
BC12D, 19,15A� �� 60������� ����������� 13000 � 13059����������� note #5
18������� ���� 1��������� ����������� 13099
15A, 19 ��� 10������� ����������� 13100 � 13109
15A, 19 ��� 21������� ����������� 14101 � 14121
All-metal 16?������ ���� 1��������� ����������� 15101
20������� ��� 38������� ����������� 20-001 � 20-038����������� note #6
F-19���� 153������ ����������� F001-F153
or 154����������� note #7
F-21���� �� 22������� ����������� F1001 � F1022
F-21A�� ���� 6��������� ����������� F1501 � F1506
F-21B�� �� 15������� ����������� F1507� - F1521
F-22���� ���� 1���������
����������� F2201
F-22���� ���� 3��������� ����������� 2202 � 2204����������� note #8
F-22, F22A��� �� 13������� ����������� 2205 � 2217
F-22B
F-22C
Notes:
1.
Civilian Model D and
0-57�s s/n 4008 to 4011 and 4045 to 4066 also exp 4183
2.
Prefixes �0� for 0-57
and �L� for L-2.� includes 251 TG-6
gliders
3.
Wartime experimental
ships given ser #�s and sometimes NX numbers
4.
Built in Alliance after
47 Bankruptcy and reorganization
5.
Built in Conway, Pa.,
by Ben Mauro (Taylorcraft Inc.)
6.
Ranch wagon, Topper,
Seabird, Zephyr 400; all Fiberglas models built in Conway, Pa.
7.
Charles & Dorothy
Feris production in Alliance #13 & #113 not built
8.
The F-22 dropped the F
in ser# after the move to Lock Haven, Pa. There are some duplications F-22�s
have the same S/n�s as 1940 Model BC�s in some cases.
What
are the differences between Taylorcraft Models?
Pre WWII:
BC-50� The
BC-50 is powered by a Continental 50 HP open cowl, up exhaust engine.
BC-65.
The BC-65 is powered by Continental 65-hp engine
BF-60.
This model is powered by Franklin 60-hp engine
BL-65.
The BL-65 is powered by Lycoming 65-hp engine
BC-12.
The BC-12 is powered by Continental 65-hp engine 1200 lb gross wt immediately
prewar.� See Type Certificates 696, 699
& 700.
D. The D model is set up in tandem seating with stick controls instead of side by side and was accepted into military service as the O-57.� Later the designation was changed to L-2.� Several models of the L-2 were used by the military.� The L-2 (with no letter designation) was the� basically the same as the civilian D model.� The L-2A and B had "glass" or windows all around the cockpit including behind and had the cylinders sticking out the cowling side of the nose like the Piper J-3.� The L-2M had spoiler on the wings and a completely cowled engine like the BC12D.
E.
���� L-2C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and L
military models were all civilian B models that the military used in some
capacity and were not related to the D model.
Post WWII:
BC-12D. The BC-12D model was the postwar
version of the BC-12.
After the war plenty of factory parts existed for the D model (L-2) model. The model D tail was added to the B model (along with other refinements) and the post war BC12D was born.� The most notable difference between the pre war B and D tail group is a two hinge rudder verses the three hinge pre war rudder as well as being slightly different in shape.
BC-12D-85.
This model is a BC-12D powered by a Continental 85-hp engine.
BC-12D-4-85.
The BC-12D-4-85 is a BC-12D-85 with additional rear side windows. The engine
was placed 4 inches ahead to allow the starter & generator clearance.
Model
15; TC 775.� 4
place; Franklin 150HP; 38gal, Flaps
Model 15A; TC 3A3.�
4 Place; Cont. O-300 145HP
Model
20; TC 343.� 4 Place; Cont. O470 225HP
The Model 19 (see Type Certificate #1A9) was a BC-12D-4-85 with a Continental C-85-12 engine
& gross weight of 1500lbs.�� All
models to follow are TC # 1A9.
F-19. The F-19 was a model 19 with a
Continental O-200 engine. Built in Alliance by Charles & Dorothy Feris 1972
thru 1986.
F-21. The model F-21 was an F-19 with a
Lycoming O-235-118-hp engine and hydraulic brakes still 1500 lb. Gross Wt.
F-21A. The A version was an F-21 with (2) 21
gal fuel tanks in the wings, the nose tank removed. still 1500 lb. Gross Wt.
F-21B. The B version was an F-21A with 42
gallons of fuel in the wings and a metal belly skin and increased gross weight
to 1750 lbs. And 200 lb. Baggage allowance.
F-22. With flaps, wider doors, revised fuselage
fore & aft adjustable seats and a 118-hp engine, the F-21B became F-22.
F-22A. The F-22A is tri-gear version of the
F-22.
F-22B. This model is the 180-hp version of the
F-22. Fuel lines are � in.
F-22C. The F-22C is a tri-gear version of the
F-22B.
TAYA����������������� Model:
A
TAYB����������������� Models:
BC, BC12-D,BF,BL,Ace,Sportsman,Traveller
TAYD����������������� Models:
DC, DCO, DF, DL (O-57, L-2)�
TA15����������������� Models:
15 Tourist, Foursome
TA20����������������� Models:
20 Ranch wagon, Topper, Seabird, Zephyr 400
TF19����������������� Models:
19, F-19 Sportsman
TF21����������������� Model:� F-21
TF22����������������� F-22
Classic, Tri-Classic, Ranger, Trooper, Tracker
Also see the web page:
http://www.faa.gov/ats/afss/aooafss/plane/plane.htm
Carl E. Carson has original copies of the Instructional Manual for B & B12 models (about 40 pages) and an original illustrated parts and price list (about 22 pages), both from the Taylorcraft Aviation Corp. Contact Carl if you want copies of this (You pay copy and postage charges); Carl E. Carson (oldtcraft@yahoo.com)
Also
try:� http://www.esscoaircraft.com/taylorcraft.html
for manual reprints.
The
Taylorcraft uses the NACA 23012 airfoil, it is a semi-symmetrical airfoil.� The Taylor Cub wing had a flat bottom
surface, which continued to be used by Piper for the J-3.
The
University of Michigan Engineering Library has an extensive collection of NACA
and NASA information on airfoils, and stall/spin research on microfilm. An
example of this information is that a particular J3 that had its motor mount
angled downward a few degrees to change the thrust line and it's elevator up
travel limited. You could still do a 3-point landing, but stalls were no longer
possible. No matter what the test pilot did, he could not force that particular
J3 into a spin nor could he even get it to stall.� No stall - no spin.
From
the pre-WWII Taylorcraft archives: "Speed-O-Laq" aircraft finishes
out of St Paul Minn. were used.� These
were all nitrate based and the 9340 "Taylorcraft Red" was the same as
the Aeronca Red or Stearman Vermillion. The shade is between International Orange
and Tennessee Red, being a lot closer to Inter Orange.� This paint was used on all the Model As and
probably some B models.�
"Taylorcraft Poly" is blue and there were two shades of
"Olive drab" listed.� There
was also "Super Flite" paint by Cooper Industries, Inc.�� These to my knowledge are the Randolph
color chips of yesteryear.� We find the
true Diana Cream, Fairchild Blue which is also Taylorcraft Blue and Piper Blue,
The Taylorcraft Red shows up there too.�
It matches the Speed-O-Laq chip.�
More will be done on this section ASAP.
The
Taylorbird was the last design of C.G. Taylor.�
Kits were available from Robert Taylor of Taylor Aero Engineering.� This design had no compound curves that the
builder had to form.� The design used a
Subaru engine, was two place tandem, and claimed to cruise at 120 mph. This
plane was featured at the annual EAA fly-ins at Oshkosh back in the 1970's.� Forrest Barber, the Executive Director of the Taylorcraft
Foundation here in Alliance, Ohio used to own one.
The
first Taylorcraft model A was built, designed and flown here in the States in
1936. A total of 356 planes were built here in 1937.� The British connection started back when the Leicestershire
Flying Club which operated from Rearsby Aerodrome imported a 40 HP
Taylorcraft Model A. They also had three earlier 40HP Taylor
"Cubs". Arthur Taylor, father of C.G. Taylor was born in
England in 1870 in Nottingham then moved to Sheffield then to Canada in 1883
then on to Rochester, NY.� This is
documented by Chet Peek in the "The Taylorcraft Story".�
The following information was
recently communicated to us by John Gates from the other side of the great
pond:� <Note that Forrest Barber,
Executive Director of the Taylorcraft Foundation responded back to John Gates
& checked with the Taylor family here and determined that this is a great
family tale sent to us from England; however it could not be authenticated for
many reasons. <It is being presented here for comments to the Foundation
through Forrest Barber.>
���� History
has it that Charles Gilbert Taylor and his brother Gordon designed and built
aircraft in the USA in the late 1920's. After Gordon's death in a flying accident,
C.G.Taylor formed a company with William Piper. The relationship was not a
happy one and eventually William Piper took over control of the company with
C.G.T as chairman. In 1936 the partnership became intolerable and C.G.T left
the company.
���� The
company became renamed as the Piper Aircraft Company.� C.G.T formed a new company and designed the aircraft known as the
Taylorcraft model (A) manufactured by the
Taylor-Young Airplane Co. Ohio. One such aircraft was bought to England where
it was spotted by Lance Wilkes of the Leicestershire Flying Club. He acquired a
license and in 1939 commenced building the aircraft at Thurmaston near
Leicester. The British army purchased a number of the aircraft and the company
went on to become the Auster Aircraft Company in 1945. This company eventually
ceased trading in 1969.� My wife is the
granddaughter of a Peter Richard Taylor, also sometime known as Peter Harold
Taylor according to his army discharge papers. P.R.T was killed on the 7th
January 1937 while testing a plane he had designed and built, and we have a
number of newspaper cuttings announcing his death together with photographs of
the aircraft. The cuttings refer to the aircraft having been built by
"Taylorcraft, the company which he owned in Leicester", yet this was
probably before C.G.T could have designed the aircraft, and a full two years
before Lance Wilkes commenced building the aircraft in the UK.� We have photographs of P.R.T with his
aircraft in various stages of design and build, and standing beside a finished
unit which looks remarkably like the model "A".� Family folklore has it that the model
"A" was originally designed and built in Leicester by P.R.T,
and not by C.G.T in the states. Some say that the designs were sold to C.G.T;
others say that he stole the design after the fatal crash of P.R.T. who could
not defend his copyright. I have tried to fathom the true story by writing to a
number of sources including Taylorcraft in the USA but have not received any
satisfying replies. Perhaps you can shed some light on this curious matter or
suggest any organization, which could help. It would be nice to lay the ghost
of P.R.T and his Taylorcraft model "A" before the remaining ageing
relatives with fading memories depart this world.
-John
Gates
What
is a McDowell engine starter?
There is no electrical
system or electrical starter on the C65 and earlier engines.� The McDowell starter was a handle on the
left side along the boot cowl with a cable. That pulled a ratchet that engaged
a gear behind the prop. It would only pull the engine over top dead center,
hence you needed to properly prime the engine and set the prop before climbing
into cockpit. This system required at least one impulse magneto.
The
front spruce spar measures � inch thick by 5-11/16
inches tall
The
rear spruce spar is 5/8 inch thick and 4-3/8 inches tall.
For
wood specifications Grain, knots and moisture content refer to following FAA
website
To
look in the Advisory Circular 43.13 found at:
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCirc
ular.nsf/0/CCFE0D58D41D2C8086256A55006C6B67?OpenDocument&Highlight=wood
Aircraft Technical Support, Inc.
Jim & Dondi Miller; Poly-Fiber &
Ceconite Distributors.
(Toll Free) (877) 877-3334; www.aircrafttechsupport.com
Gibson
Aviation at 1.800.992.4880�
gibsonavaition@msn.com.
Can the 85HP Continental (C-85-12-F)
be used in my BC12-D Taylorcraft?
The
C-85 is approved for use provided all changes are made to upgrade to the
BC12D-4-85.� Other engines such as the
0-200 will need field approvals.
This
STC can be used to properly convert a T-craft into a BC12D85, a BC12D-4-85 or a
configuration �equivalent� Model 19 (Type Certificate 1A9).� The STC is approved by Harer for individual
airplanes only.� The STC states the
Model number, Serial number and the year built.� After rebuilding, the STC must stay with the airplane and
airplane documentation.� This allows an
increase in gross weight to 1500lbs.� It
also allows the addition of an electrical system with starter, generator,
battery, and if desired a Transponder and Mode C.� This STC allows for a larger baggage compartment, rear windows,
and an additional fuel vent system that ties the two wing tanks and the main
tank together with the vent being placed in the wing fairing. Contact Bob Harer
at 570-398-1364.
No, the L-2 or D model wires are the same as the BC12D wires (hence the D in BC12D).� New wires can be purchased at times from Univair (888) 433-5433.
�
Where
can one buy the long castle nuts for the Taylorcraft wheels?
These
castle nuts that accommodate the AN4 bolt that holds the hubcaps on can
be purchased from Skybound located in Georgia. Phone # 770-446-6797. They also
carry some Shinn brake parts.
Reprints
of the F-19 & F-21 Parts Catalogue:�
The part numbers and pictures in this publication are very valuable for rebuild reference. These first generation copy are available from Barber Aircraft Inc. 13820 Union Ave NE, Alliance, Oh 44601�� 330 823-1168������� $12.50 includes two day S&H check, Visa or MC
What rib stitching was used
on the original Taylorcraft wing?
If you follow the FCC AC 41.13 guidelines, rather
than the Taylorcraft factory methods, you will have a LOT of rib stitching to
do. As determined from control surfaces with original factory fabric on
them, the factory only used one stitch per rib on the ailerons with a diamond
patch over it. The vertical stabilizer has only two stitches in the top
rib only, also with the diamond patch. Many people mistakenly stitch the
lower rib and it really puckers the fabric and isn't necessary at all. I
know some of the earlier Taylorcrafts were stitched on the second rib, but not
the 46's. The rudder, elevator, and horizontal stabs had up to three
stitches on the longer ribs, two on the medium length ribs and only one on the
shorter ribs. These stitches were covered with 1" straight cut tape
(not pinked). I was surprised by this but that is what one of the original
elevators had on it from the factory. If you meet the standards of the
factory the FAA will be satisfied. Also, I found the factory used a small
(1") patch where the drain grommets go and all they did was burn a small
hole in them. No plastic grommets on the originals.
The
BC12-D uses unshielded plugs and wires.�
To improve radio reception it is desirable to replace these with
shielded wires and plugs.� Modern
shielded plugs and wires are significantly taller than the original, and for
the top plugs require a bump outs rework to the original engine cowling.� One idea is to use shielded plugs and wires
only on the bottom set, and switch the magneto to this set during radio
conversations.� Another suggested alternative
is to use Ercoupe Cups available form Fresno Airparts (559-237-4863) for $16.50
each.� You have to turn the threads down
to fit the standard shielded plug harness end.
Both Champion and Unison - Autolite have a short, extended tip plug.� REM37BY is the Champion part, Unison is UREM37BY.� They are about 3/8" shorter. You could double check with Harry Fenton harry@unisonindustries.com
What is the proper FAA processes
for modifying a Taylorcraft?
Private pilot aircraft owners are permitted to perform preventative maintenance on their certified aircraft.� These permitted tasks such as changing oil, or spark plugs are outlined in FAA 43.xx.� Adding or removing equipment is not part of this rule, and must be signed off by an A&P or I.A.
An A&P will not arbitrarily modify a certified aircraft without following some precedent.� These rules are in place to maximize safety and minimize litigation exposure.� If you want to experiment, re-designate your aircraft as �EXPERIMENTAL�.� To keep your production aircraft�s value, the most important thing is to document everything properly.� Keeping a certified aircraft records properly signed off also protects the aircraft owner from legal action even after the aircraft has been sold.
Major modifications to a certified airplane require FAA form 337 to be completed. This form is simply a description of the work filed by the A&P that is kept with the aircraft registration files with the FAA.� An example might be the recovering of the aircraft.� Aircraft owners normally keep excellent maintenance records and pass these on to the new owner, however, in cases where the owner records are lost, at least the major 337s for that registered aircraft are on file with the FAA in Oklahoma.
An
FAA �Field Approval� (one time STC) is where the A&P puts his career on the
line, stating that a modification does not compromise safety.� Needless to say, these types of approvals
will be very conservative. �When an A&P fixes something he is responsible for
everything that was done to it up to that time.� Don't think you are being smart if you have modified
something and it gets by the IA on the annual inspection. It will be
discovered when you crash and the unknowing IA may be held responsible.
When it is desirable to modify a
certified aircraft from the original Type Certificate the STC process may be
used.� This process involves expensive
testing and paperwork.� An example is an
STC to use auto gas in an engine that was originally approved for aviation
fuel.� A company or organization that
works to obtain an STC will generally charge an individual for the right to
apply this STC to their airplane.�
Another example of an STC is the modification necessary to upgrade an
early model aircraft to �the equivalent� of a later model.� <Updated 3-30-02�� Forrest A Barber>
Can
anyone fabricate aircraft parts for the Taylorcraft?
Certified
aircraft requires FAA approved aircraft parts.�
According to the FAA there are 11 ways that approved parts can be
produced. (Source: FAA Aviation News July/Aug 2001):
1.
Produced
in accordance with a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)
2.
Produced
in accordance with a Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA)
3.
Produced
during the Type Certificate (TC) or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
4.
Produced
under a TC and an Approved Production Inspection Systems (APIS)
5.
Produced
under a Production Certificate (PC).
6.
Produced
in a foreign country and accepted by the FAA in accordance with a bilateral
agreement.
7.
Approved in any other manner by the FAA.
8.
Standard
parts that conform to established industry or US specifications
9.
Owner/operator
produced parts (section 21.303(b)(2) and section 65.81)
10.
Parts
manufactured by a repair station or other authorized person during alteration
in accordance with an STC or Field Approval.
11.
Fabricated by a qualified person in the course of repair for the purpose of
returning a TC product to service.
Given
these regulations, the Taylorcraft owner can fabricate parts to maintain their
own aircraft, and is not permitted to manufacture these parts for sale to
other Type Certificate aircraft.
Does the airplane owner have to manufacture the part themselves in order to meet the intent of the FAA Owner/operator produced parts rule?
No,
however, the owner must considered the producer of the part by participating in
controlling the design, manufacture or quality of the part such as:
1.
Provide
the manufacturer with the design or performance data from which to make the
part, or
2.
Provide
the manufacturer with the materials to make the part, or
3.
Provide
the manufacturer with the fabrication processes or assembly methods to make the
part, or
4.
Provide
the quality control procedures to make the part, or
5.
Personally
supervise the manufacturing of the part.
Can
the airplane owner contract out for the manufacture of the part and still have
the part that is considered �owner-produced�?
Yes,
as long as the owner participated in one of the five functions above.� The manufacture does not have to be
certified.
If an A&P mechanic manufactures parts for an owner as an owner-produced part, is he/she considered in violation of section 21.303(b)(2)?
The
answer would be no, if it was found that the owner
participated in controlling the design, manufacturer, or quality of the
part.� The mechanic would be considered
the producer and would not be in violation of section 21.303(a).
When
making parts, what should your A&P do to avoid the appearance of violating
section 21.303(b)(2)?
They
must ensure that the owner-produced part meets form, fit and function and,
within reasonable limits, ensure that the part does meet its approved type
design (e.g. like looking at the approved data used to make the part).� The A&P should NOT make a logbook
or maintenance entry that he or she made a part under their certificate
number.� However, the mechanic can say
on the work order that they helped manufacture an owner-produced part
under section 21.303(b)(2).� Second, the
owner or operator should make a logbook entry that is similar to section 3.9
maintenance entry that states: The part is identified as an owner produced part
under section 21.303(b)(2).� The part
was manufactured in accordance with approved data.� The owner/operator�s participation in the manufacturer of the
part is identified, such as quality control.�
The owner must declare that the part is airworthy and sign and date the
entry.� The mechanic then installs the
part on the aircraft, makes
How does the owner or operator get the approved data to make a part if the manufacturer or other sources are no longer in business?
For
that aircraft that the manufacturer is no longer supporting the continuing
airworthiness of, the owner or operator can petition the FAA Aircraft
Certification Directorate under the Freedom of
Information Act for the data on how the part was made.� Or the owner or operator can reverse
engineer the part and have the data approved under a FAA field approval or, if
it is a really complicated part, have the data approved by a FAA engineer or
FAA Designated Engineering Representative.
What happens to the owner-produced part on the aircraft if the original owner sells the aircraft?
Unless
the part is no longer air-worthy, the original owner produced part stays on the
aircraft.
What is involved to convert my 1938 BL-50 model Lycoming (50HP) engine to a 65HP� Lycoming (BL-65) engine?
Check the serial number on
the airframe.� Compare the serial
numbers listed in the FAA Type Certificate A-700.� If the engine combination is eligible under item 308, it may be a
simple matter to instaiing it specjust bolting it on (with the help of your
A&P).
�
What is the proper torque
specification for a wooden propeller?
For Wood props view www.sensenichprop.com� go to installation, operation etc.�� Also get a copy of SB# WSB-1 dated 7-13-99
on loss of prop torque.
When is it time to replace
the landing gear shock cords?
Rock the airplane from the
wing tip and watch the gear. If there is much movement (Forrest: I prefer none,
my opinion only) it may be time for shock cords.� One method that is used is to pick the best of the old cords and
add one old one to each side over the new cords. It is stiff but does handle
good. An alternate solution some people like is to use one F19 cord and one
BC12D cord
on
each side.� Another idea is to use wax
paper under the cords to let them move better on the mounts, It has been
suggested that bees wax works as well.
The
early B models use the 9090 cord. Later BC12D, 19 & the F-19 uses 9010,
9010HD, 9010HDX. Beyond that the 1110 cord was used for the 1750 Gross airplanes.
Forrest states that he has used one 1110 combined with one 9010 HD on the
BC12D, 19, & F-19 for a stiffer system and it seems to work real well.
How
do you remove wheel-bearing races?
When
replacing the wheel bearings on a BC12-D (Shinn wheels) its difficult to remove
the inboard race.� The race does not
protrude inside the axel hole enough to punch it through from the out board
side.
A
solution is to take a common slot screwdriver and heat it at the tip end, put
it in a vise and bend about 1/4" from the tip, let cool slowly at room
temp.� Now put the flat tip between the
race and the wheel, tap it and when it gives a little, move 180 degrees to the
other side of the race and repeat, then turn 90 degrees and do the same thing.
When you get a bit of a space in between the wheel and the race, turn it down
on the workbench, put the screwdriver in the space and tap down on the handle,
moving back and forth 180 degrees and then 90 degrees.� This will work pretty well if you take your
time.� It�s a good idea to up this tool
and keep it in your toolbox for just this sort of situation.
A
more drastic solution: If you are talking about the Timken cup and you are not
trying to reuse it there is a way. It will destroy the cup but this works on
Timken cups or on outer ball bearing races that are inside a housing. If you
are proficient with an arc welder (if not hire someone you trust) weld a bead
about 1/3 the way around the cup. Let it cool and it will fall out. This
procedure shrinks the cup or race as the weld bead cools.
How
do you adjust Shinn brakes?
My
mechanic told me to tighten up the two nuts on the back of the wheel.� I know there is also a
Possibility
that the brake cables may need tightening.
FIRST
adjust the adjusters so there is no excessive movement & NO drag. Tighten
up the upper and lower adjuster bolts a bit.�
It can make an amazing difference.�
But be careful that you don't get them so tight that they drag.� It's best to jack the plane up so you can
spin the wheel and feel for drag as you adjust the brake.� How much to tighten the upper vs. the
lower?� Try by putting a couple of turns
on each one, spin the wheel, then put another turn on each, recheck for drag,
etc.� These adjusters will sometimes
stick and by jiggling it, the�
"V" adjuster will return to a true position relative to the
brake shoes.� Pretty soon you will find
that the top or bottom will begin to cause wheel drag.� Back that one off a turn and continue to
tighten the other until you get drag.�
Then back both bolts one to two turns.�
General experience has been to start with the linings slightly loose and
adjust them tighter as they seat over a period of 2 or 3 weeks to get it
perfect.
When
everything is right, you should be able to just about run the engine at full
throttle before the brakes begin to creep.�
If they run way out then you need linings.�
Then
pull the cables up so there is no play, there are "bugs" just aft of
the pedals to do this part.� Check the
pulleys and lube the system so the pulleys roll freely.� If you ever replace the brake cables do it
with 1/8� diameter cable if it has not been done already.
If
you still have problems, consider replacing the linings.� The grease seal for the wheel bearing is
pretty poor, and you will eventually get grease on the old linings.� Generally you will find that you seldom wear
the linings out; but rather just change them when they begin to get impregnated
with grease.
What
should the propeller pitch be for the BC12-D?
My
logs indicate that in 1973 at Flightcraft, Inc of Portland, OR the prop was
re-pitched to 45".�� I believe the
45" pitch would be considered a normal prop for the BC12-D.� A 43" pitch for better climb
performance, and a 47" pitch for cruise.�
Your prop may have been re-pitched from one of these other numbers. �My personal belief is that a
"cruise" prop really gives a false perception of increased
performance.� You lose a significant
amount of take off and climb performance to pick
up
a small amount of cruise speed but in reality you are running your engine at a
much higher manifold pressure to get the same RPM, thereby getting the extra
speed.� I am running a 74" x
43" metal McCauley prop on my A-65 and it performs at 90mph at 2100rpm.� I get pretty good take off and climb
performance and if I want to run the engine a little harder I get about 10mph
indicated increase for each additional 100rpm.�
Jim Zangger.
<Note from Forrest:� I use the 72-42 Wood and the 74-45 Metal on
mine.� I cruise at 2200 rpm and get
97-98 mph on a BC12D, A-65 N43533>
What
is the least expensive way to add a transponder to my non-Electric Taylorcraft?
We
have run across several people who install a small gel cell battery and charge
it with a solar panel on top of the instrument panel.���