Any NORCAL T-Craft Owners??

[audiododd]

Hello all,

I'm new to the board and not a T-Craft owner (yet), but I have the opportunity to pick-up a BC-12D in good shape for cheap. However, I'm 6'3" (long legs, but fairly thin), and don't know if I'll fit in the thing. Does anybody have, or know someone that has, a BC model Taylorcraft in the SF Bay/Sacramento area that I could take a look at/try to wedge myself into?

Here's some background: I'm a student pilot with about 100 hours (yeah, I know...but life got in the way of training and I had a few "restarts") and am currently working on my checkride prep. I'm no stranger to taildraggers however, having logged about 50 hours (about 30 solo) during training in a C120. My "dream" plane (within some semblance of reality) is a Cessna Cardinal. My wife is disabled and those big, low doors would make getting in/out a dream for her. I doubt she'd fit too well in a T-craft, but I could always rent a 172 or something for any trips with her if it's too hard to get in.

That being said, I don't have the $50-60K for a Cardinal right now, but if I'm willing to fly it (or get it flown/transported) across the country (SC to CA), I can get this BC-12D for a song. There's no electrical system, so I'd be using handheld comms and flying around/under class Bs and Cs. I'd eventually like to get my instrument rating, but I've got to build some time first anyway.

What are your thoughts on building time (especially X-C time) in a T-Craft and do you think I'd fit?

Thanks!

Dodd

[Marv]

Re: Any NORCAL T-Craft Owners??

Dodd you could use a Taylorcraft for cross country flying. I did and all i had was a compass,Airspeed, and ball & bank. However you will have to take a hour course in getting in and out of the Taylorcraft. LOL Maarv

[cvavon]

Re: Any NORCAL T-Craft Owners??

Dodd first welcome to the tribe now as far as cross country with a tcraft it is very doable and cheep at 4 to 4.5 gl to the hr. As for fit I am 6'1" 290 and not so thin as Marv said getting in to one is the hard part, the leg room can be fixed with the cushions on the seat back.and we have some taller people on the site that fit fine.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Any NORCAL T-Craft Owners??

Dodd,
I was 6'3" and 200# when I bought my first "T" and fit fine ( I am an inch shorter now but have been as heavy as 225#, back and knee problems). Getting in is a learning process. Once you break the code it is actually easy, before, impossible. Once in it is actually very comfortable, you just need to figure out how to bend and slide for the easiest entry for you. DON'T let people who like to tease watch your first attempts!
The same actually probably applies to your wife. Depending on your wife's disability she may or may not have problems. It is mostly about how long your legs are from hip to knee in my experience. I have lifted people in if they are light enough and I am strong enough. If they go feet first it is really easy. REALLY good way to get small kids in, if they don't just scramble in head first. ;-)
If you find a plane close the owner will probably have experience with helping folks learn how to get in. If your wife likes to fly at all she will love the "T" once she breaks the entry code.

Hank

Don't worry about the 100 hr student pilot thing. There are a lot more out here most don't know about. ;-)

[TimHicks]

Re: Any NORCAL T-Craft Owners??

I'm a touch over 6' 4" and 225#.
I've flown a '46 BC-12D for 18 years.
See attached picture with me and Andy Duke (a more normal-sized person) in front of his TCraft.

[flyguy]

Re: Any NORCAL T-Craft Owners??

Dodd,

I have a BC-12 85 that is at the airport in Los Banos if you want to come and check out how it fits on you. I have sent you a a private message with some details.
DC

[audiododd]

Re: Any NORCAL T-Craft Owners??

Thanks for the info guys. I'm up to my ears in check-ride prep (ASEL) and am having surgery in a couple of weeks. Based on my work schedule and fall/winter weather, I probably won't be able to get it until next year so I've got time. DC - thanks for the offer. Once I have some free time, I'd love to fly/drive down and take a look at your plane.

Dodd