BL-65 information

[clayton]

I recently purchased a 1939 BL-65. I know the "L" means the orginal engine was a lycoming, but does anyone have any information on what other engines can be installed? What is required to install the Cont. 85 hp engine?

[Ragwing nut]

Re: BL-65 information

Harer STC for the 85 installation

Mike

[clayton]

Re: BL-65 information

do you have a contact number for the STC?

[VictorBravo]

Re: BL-65 information

If you do install the Harer STC, my advice is that you consider some of the STC upgrades to be optional whether they appear to be optional or not.

DO the spar bushing increase to 11/16"
DO the spar fitting thickness increase to .090"
DO the strut fitting welded reinforcement plates
DO the increase in fuel line size to -6 size

In my opinion based on having dealt with the Harer STC recently, I personally recommend you DO NOT move the wing tank shutoff valves from the wing root to down under the instrument panel for safety reasons. You want to be able to shut off the fuel from the wing tank(s) as close to the tank as possible, so if the supply line cracks you don't have raw fuel leaking in the cockpit. I'll be glad to discuss that matter with Jack Gilberti (the original designer of the upgrade) if he'd just get a one day pass from Orville and Wilbur to come back down and discuss it with the group

In my personal opinion it is up to the individual owner of he wants to install one or both wing tanks, or the more rare fuselage aux tank. One extra 6 gallon tank is enough in my opinion, and the wing tanks are a big pain in the ass to install. The Harer STC shows what it would take to upgrade to a Model 19 (24 gallons) which you may not need or want.

The installation of the rear windows should be considered optional, although the STC does not say it is optional. If you do the rear windows, you might consider making the frames out of .025 aluminum instead of forty seven pieces of hardware store white pine as per the STC.

Unless you are in specific need of the increased gross weight, use the "BC-12 D 85" version of the STC and leave out the big baggage compartment and the electrical system... this permanently takes the airplane out of the Sport Pilot class which is not desirable. If you are planning to hunt moose in Alaska and can justify the large baggage then fine.

If you do decide on the Harer STC, send me a private message via e-mail and I will send you a large amount of freebie information related to this STC that you may want to look through. One or two really interesting discrepancies will be discussed in lurid detail.

Bill

[prospector]

Re: BL-65 information

Any specifics on the rear 6 gal tank ? I have been flying with a 5 gal metal can in my baggage sling ( the owner's manual states an aux tank was an extra). My local A&P had some concearns about having fuel in the cabin area. Thanks

[cvavon]

Re: BL-65 information

Not trying to be smart alleck but were is the main fuel tank ?

[N96337]

Re: BL-65 information

That was the first thought through my mind too, Chuck.......
JH

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: BL-65 information

Yea, I used to have my plane at an airport where they didn't allow fuel in the hangar. Kind of made me wonder if I had to leave the nose sticking out the door. I thought my comment was funny,..... they DID NOT! They said they would absolutely NOT allow ANY fuel in the hangar....PERIOD! Tried to get them to explain what we should do about the fuel in the planes tanks and they felt that was OK since the tanks were "sealed" (written rule still said NO FUEL IN THE HANGAR). Uh, OK, well, not really. My plane (as well as EVERY OTHER PLANE ON THE FIELD) has VENTED tanks. The only fuel "sealed" in containers was in the plastic cans guys were storing fuel in.
They spent a ridiculous amount of time arguing in circles about how a vented aircraft tank is "safe" since no fumes could get out and a sealed can was "dangerous" because the fumes could explode. They also said (at first) that if there was lightning in the area you had to pull your plane out to the ramp to refuel with a ladder and you couldn't refuel in the hangar. I wanted to know WHY ANYONE would be refueling in a thunderstorm! They didn't care, as long as when you were struck by lightning it didn't burn down their hangar.
There is just something about airports with non-aviation people making the rules that makes me crazy. If you want an airport that is run by AIRPLANE PEOPLE in south east Virginia, come to Suffolk VA (SFQ). I gave up and moved there to get away from the idiots at my old field.
Hank

OK, SFQ isn't PERFECT. The airport manager flies a Chief. But I am working on him, and it is a REALLY nice Chief.

[astjp2]

Re: BL-65 information

You can install the continental 65 IAW the letter issued by Dorothy, its on the tech ref. section. Tim

http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/letter%20for%20engine%20changes.pdf