Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

[water007]

I am a new BC12-D - 65 owner and was wanting input on the particular flying characteristics of this model (i.e., Xwind, stall, loaded vs light, etc.). I am a low-time pvt w/ 150 +/- hours, so any input is appreciated.
tks and looking forward to the fellowship!
Water007

[Marv]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

The best advice i could give you, is get a experienced instructor that is also an acrobatic pilot. If you are actualy used to a taylorcraft and know their every quirk, they are a great flying airplane. If you afre not used to one and stall trying to climb too steep, it will invert and dive you into the ground. Get online and check on taylorcraft crashes.

[water007]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

Marv,
Thanks for the comment - and I hear you! But, that is true for any plane. As best as I can tell, airspeed is vital with this make, much like the Sundowner I used to own. If you came in slow in it, it would turn into a "porpoise" as the previous owners found out while the prop was pounding the pavement!
Frank

[Marv]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

I have never had a Taylorcraft porpoise with power on. If you are paying attention it will give you plenty of warning but when you are staring at trees and pulling back on the controls sometimes you get numb until its too late.

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

Taylorcrafts are sweet flying planes. Like a Mooney they are speed sensitive in the landing mode (ie don't land too fast or you'll cruise all the way down the runway 3 feet off of the ground.) Go up high do some stalls. Remember the stall attitude picture and #'s and multiply by 1.3. Thats your approach speed. Of course add more for gusty conditions etc..... Lead with the rudder in turns. Fly the wing. It is a little more demanding of stick and rudder skills than most spam cans, but the rewards are plentiful. Watch the time between touching down and rolling out. That's where a small gust can catch you unaware. Be ready to add power and get out of Dodge if you are not comfortable with the landing. Just fly the plane till you are tied down and you will be fine, and a better pilot! h

[cvavon]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

First thing welcome to Tcraft ownership and the tribe now one thing that has not been said is SLOW FLIGHT get up 3000 ft or so and slow it down to the edge of a stall and fly it there for a long time.Get use to how it feels and the site picture and make turns this in its self will help you to gain confidence when maneuvering at slow speeds and help you shorten your landings.I never had one porpoise either but if you mean bounce more then once when landing that I have done. Cross winds are some what of a pain 12/14 mph is all I want and not gusting.Loading a Tcraft is not that big a issue they will hall a lot more then what there gross weight will allow. Chuck

[Bravo 6]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

Great commentary/advice about flying the Taylorcraft. They are amazing airplanes! Proper speed/energy control on landing is paramount. I have found the BC12-D to be very adept and comfortable in slips so I utilize that technique when necessary (usually when I have misjudged my power reductions/pattern height/size!). It can be a challenge but this also bodes well for crosswind landing capabilities of the Taylorcraft as well. The airplane is extremely capable but the person flying needs to be familiar and practiced to meet this challenge as well. For anyone learning to fly a Taylorcraft, definitely well served to get familiar and COMFORTABLE with the slow flight/landing speed regime. The airplane is extremely honest and will talk to you if you are getting close the edge of the envelope. The few Taylorcraft's I have flown have all had a little hum and/or vibration that sings through the airframe as you are transitioning through that approach to 3-point touchdown phase. Has anyone else noticed or experienced that?

For what its worth,,,? Happy flying!!

[water007]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

The Sundowner has a real narrow CG envelope that can cause problems when flying solo if your approach speeds got close to Vso. That's why I usually carried 50-75 lbs of sand in the baggage compartment. The porpoising was before touchdown, sort of like Flipper chasing Porter Rick and Sandy in the patrol boat! It sounds like TC's just need to be nurtured all the way till tiedown. Looking forward to getting proficient with it.
Thanks for the advice and recommendations!!
Frank

[3Dreaming]

Re: Flying Characteristics of the '46 BC12-D-C65

I find the Taylorcraft to be a fairly honest airplane. I have never seen any problems with stalls. I have landed a Taylorcraft at any where from stall to 100 mph, if you are trying to 3 point the airplane will float with too much speed. Wheel landings speed doesn't make much difference. Landing twith a cross wind will depend on pilot skill, just because someone else can do it at 15 doesn't mean that you can. After landing the crosswind will depend somewhat on how good your tailwheel is. If it won't stay locked to hold your tail in place you will have problems. If you can find a nice grass strip somewhere and go out and practice as much as you can to get up to speed. Tom