Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

[M Towsley]

In response to a question in another thread I shot a short video today showing how I get into my BC-12D. I hope it helps.

It also helps to keep in mind these aircraft were around when the majority of people averaged 5'08" and weighed about 150 lbs, (about 173 centimeters and about 68 kilograms for you folks across the pond). Obviously a lot of us exceed these dimensions and our joints aren't as limber as they used to be. The gentleman who showed me this technique was much older and heavier than I and it worked well for him. For dimension purposes I am about 5'11" and 180 lbs, (and will be 51 next month).

Here is the Youtube link for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTQD_yPybok

[TimHicks]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

That's how i do it, too. I'm 6' 4" 215#

[crispy critter]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

me too, I'm 6'4" and about 220lbs....great job on the video Marty.

[dejh22]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

Thanks Marty! I'm also 6' 4" and wanted to know how the hec I would ever get in mine. My Taylorcraft is a project and when I got it home tried to get in it. I'm sure my wife would like to have a video of it! It was not pretty. I will try your method when it gets back together!

N5059M
Dale

[M Towsley]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

Thanks guys for the comments. Even though it is a simple video, I know when I bought my first Taylorcraft I would have been trying to figure out how to get my foot on the step, head in the door, other foot in, etc., etc., if someone had not shown me this backing-in technique.

Now, the L-2 is a different story. That one you do climb into more conventionally.

I suddenly feel like the midget Taylorcraft owner after seeing how tall all of you are. Must be something in the water where you all live!

[M Jones]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

Nicely done Marty, great job! When I said maybe we should make videos of different techniques to climb in our Taylorcrafts, I think I envisioned "bloopers", but yours is really pro.

[M Towsley]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

And in only six takes, Mike!

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

THAT was very pro ; you have my vote for poster of the year. Of course we have shown this type entry at many times over the years; Air Venture, SNF, the Alliance Fly-In . My father showed me as he was shown by C.G. Taylor himself.

If you check out my F-22 fuselage, you will see the "bar" is gone. We still have the modifications ready to "improve" the great airplane from the "think tank" back in Lock Haven right after Mrs. Feris sold the company . We had plans for the 150 hp Lyc engine ; improved cowling, windshield , outside access door to baggage & battery area. Wider cabin by 4 " deeper by 2" ; adjustable seats giving another 2". Carbon fiber landing gear . more foot room for toe brakes, Simple mods BUT required all new tooling. IT COULD BE done today . Remember we had inquiries from United States manufactuers in 2010 & 11 to do just that ; build her here again. The owners jumped onto the Mexican deal and it was over.

Again thank you Marty ....... We will have another fly-in this year. July 5, 6, 7 & 8..... IF the Chesapeake Energy Deep
Shale Well is here by then we will have a heck of a party.

[barnstmr]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

Nice Job Marty... I have the same technique, but not as graceful as I am 5'6 and 250+... legs not as flexible as they once were.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

Amen to the flexible , I am 250 and 6-2 1/2 . Getting my head to clear going through the door area is my problem . ( my tummy is too big) WE ALL need weight reduction. The Grand-Kids all snicker at old Grand Pa struggling in to go with a Student ..... but I can still fly good!! starting newsletter tomorrow.

[freightpilot27]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

excellent video Marty!
that is also how i do it- 6'6" and 257lb

[wingwalkers]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

Marty, that was a good video. I am restoring a 46 BC 12-D and am now working on the fus. I noticed in your video that the door windows look like the way I have planned to do mine. But I couldn't be sure. Maybe you could call me sometime to talk about it. My phone is 217-345-3839. I live South of Charleston in the country and could maybe drive over and see you plane sometime.
Keith Walker

[Flynlow]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

I agree with the rest Marty, thank you. I will be at the airport trying this method this weekend!

[M Towsley]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

Keith, check your PM's for a messsage.

Jack, glad I could help. Good luck!

[senior]

Re: Getting into a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D Video

I can't get in that way
I stand beside the plane, put my right foot in all the way, bend enough to slide my head & body in, grasp a overhead windshield bar & pull the remaining parts in, dragging my left leg in last. I have to use the middle of the seat to land on in order to drag my left leg thru that tiny little door opening.
Same on exit, slide my butt away from door so I can get my left leg out & bend my head under till left leg is on ground & hop or fall out the rest of the way.