How many tandem Taylorcraft are still in service?

[Bigdog]

I was recently in a briefing on the new VARMA program and asked whether the wheel/brake upgrade i want to do for my Rearwin would be a candidate. They said it's a bit outside the replacement part bounds unless it was a kit. If you've got a kit designed to replace the Shinn maybe you could try using VARMA. Mine is not so the FAA guy asked for my FSDO and then offered to put me in touch with a friendly inspector there. You might want to go FSDO shopping.

Regards,
Greg Young
1950 Navion N5221K
2021 RV-6 N6GY - AWC 2/9/2021
1940 Rearwin Cloudster project next
4 L-2 projects on deck (YO-57, TG-6 conv, L-2A, L-2B)
Former Owner 1946 BC-12D's N43109 & N96282
www.bentwing.com

[Bob turner]

Took some time to look through your history. In 2004, Forrest Barber counted apparently 279, as of 1995. I wonder how many of those survived the last three decades?
By the way, I got my license from a guy named Talmadge Barber - in Decatur, Ala.

[Bob turner]

Near as I can figure there were maybe just under 2000 built. That is a lot of airplanes! I rarely see these things at any airport.

Just a guess will do - how many do you think are actually flying today? I am trying for a field approval, and the PMI keeps saying "get an STC." My answer is that there are not enough of these things in existence to support the cost. Not only that, but of the few still flying, how many owners would invest five grand in a wheel/brake upgrade?

We are rolling around on one year since submission, which is kinda normal for a wheel/brake conversion approval. I am actually expecting approval, since I have really formalized the application process.