building flaps on bc-12d wings

[sibbeston]

I am starting a rebuild on a 46 bc-12d experimental and wonder if putting flaps on is worthwhile. I have two sets of wings and imagine its a matter of extending the cove all the way in and using the extra aileron as flaps. I have had a hard time finding any info on the t-craft with flaps so any help here would be appreciated. I would install a 85hp engine and use on floats.

[Dick Smith]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

Here is a link to an Arctic Tern variant from Alaska. The "Privateer" is a 4-place experimental based on the "Arctic Tern". The Tern, as developed by Bill Diehl is based on the old 2-place tandem "Interstate". It is a certified design. The design has been on hold for a while as the company owner who followed Diehl, was killed in an industrial accident. I believe it is under new ownership. The Tern and the Taylorcraft have the same airfoil according to my research. This link has several pix of a "Privateer", which like the Tern, has flaps. Scroll down till you find it. http://www.de-aircraft.com/customers.html#::=
I've flown an F-19 experimental with flaps, which used Tern flap ribs, covered with aluminum, similar to a Cessna. The flaps were mounted using Maule trailing arms. The plane had 150 hp. and a cuff modification. The flaps made a lot of improvement evident on floats . Especially coupled with the increased power.
You might talk to D&E Aircraft for some ideas also. Dick

[Ragwing nut]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

that is exactly how the F-22 was done with flaps, fairly simple deal

[astjp2]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

The Alsworths have done lots of mods on T-crafts, they got a 180 Lyc approved, adjustable seats, flaps, etc. They make a T-craft out perform 180 supercub. Tim

[Robert Lees]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

Flaps? May I ask why you would want flaps on a BC12D?

My experience of flying the F22 is that the flaps reduce stall speed by a few knots, compared with the BC12D and the BC12D-85 and the Model 19.

They add weight, complexity. The flap lever (F22) does provide a useful elbow rest, however!)

If you want flaps, buy an Auster.

[sibbeston]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

Well i decided to go with new metal spars as there affordable.
I have found no real info on auster junkers flaps so not interested in trying this without good pictures at least. But still cosidering standard flaps if i can be convinced they would be worth the complexity and weight. My goals are to land slower and shorter with better forward vis. I understand the no flap argument but i think it may be fun to do as long as some real performance improvment is there for bush operations.
So i now wonder if the aileron bellcrank is used for the flaps or if a piper system would be better. Also wonder about cable clearance and flap handle options. I was thinking an overhead lever for simplicity. Im told bigger tail helps a lot as well.
PS looking for patterns for the door wood. (also want to install seaplane doors)
Thanks for any comments.

[astjp2]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

there is not a lot of room in the trailing edge of the wings for bracketry, I would consider what maule used for bell crank with a johnson bar similar to what a cub uses between the seats. Cub parts are common in your area so see what you can find already built and intergrate that into your build. Tim

[sibbeston]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

I have a fellow in alaska scrounging up flap hinges and bellcrank from a j5 wing. I hope it will work out.
I must admit to skulking around on supercub.org and looking at the mods disscusion to much for my own good.
Im wondering if there are other simple things to do to improve stol such as slanting the nose ribs down a few degrees. Im sure it may cut down cruise but im ok with a little compromise in speed.
I have a few weeks to get my new spars in so will think things over until then.

[astjp2]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

J-5's dont have flaps, must be a supercub or pacer. Tim

[Acroeric]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

I have a few flap brackets for an F-22. I will never use them. They are yours if you want them. Me personally- I would just keep it simple and get good at slipping.

[jim cooper]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

YES! by all means, become more familiar with the T-Craft! Practice landing it, slipping it alot. Not only fun but you can grow very proficient in spot landings. JC

[astjp2]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

Flaps + VG's = 250' landing
slip/no flaps = 600' with stock brakes....Tim

[sibbeston]

Re: building flaps on bc-12d wings

I like to see those shorter numbers for flaps. I understand why some say keep it stock, but my goal is to get the best stol machine i can without trying to be a cub. I have a 150 hp champ with flaps and had a pacer before that and its hard to go back in capability. So hoping to get a good short field bush machine on a budget. I find im not flying the champ as much burning 8gph.
A 200 ft landing is a big advantage over 600, and it realy does count with the type of flying we do.
Thanks for all input.