New to the Forum

[MNBenny]

Hi Everyone!

MNBenny up here in Central Minnesota. How are we all doing? I joined the forum because I'm looking at a 1940 Taylorcraft BC-65 that's for sale here in Minnesota.

Here's my question what does the airplane fly like? What are your thoughts about the aircraft? Are they hard or costly to maintain? Is there a difference between the BC-12 and the BC-65? how much room is in the cockpit?

just curious!

take care,

MNBenny

[fearofpavement]

Re: New to the Forum

Welcome to the forum. The Taylorcraft is a pleasure to fly. Fast for the horsepower and inexpensive to maintain. Plus the price of entry is way lower than some other models. I'll let others answer your other questions.

[MNBenny]

Re: New to the Forum

Hi fearofpavement! How much does it cost to maintain that airplane? Does the 65hp engine burn alot of fuel? Is it possible to put a more powerful engine in it like a 100hp? Also can someone stick 27" tires on it? Sorry for all the question....

MNBenny

[cvavon]

Re: New to the Forum

they are reasonable to maintain about 4 gl to the hr and yes,yes see photo 85 hp starter 26in bush wheels and disk brakes and a lot more.

[astjp2]

Re: New to the Forum

One thing to consider is that the first annual you have is usually the most expensive, especially if it is going to a different mechanic. Find a mechanic that is familiar with them and you wont have the, "you need to move the gascolator because its not like a Cessna" problems that others have faced...I did an annual on one that the old owner unscrewed the propeller from the wall and bolted in on the airplane...and the screws were sank into the prop hub...so he bought a prop, carb overhaul and mags that year. Now its safe and I trust it enough to sign off the annual. Before, it would not start right, always had a miss and was just not a nice airplane, and unairworthy. Tim

[Robert Lees]

Re: New to the Forum

MNBenny: as others say, welcome!

Tim in his post above ^^^^^ is right in saying that the first annual on your "new purchase" can be painful, but only because your personal standards (and those of your IA) are probably higher than those of the previous owner.

No slight upon previous owners intended!

The saving grace is that after the first annual, when you have built a relationship with your mechanic / IA, it gets a lot easier on the mind an upon the pocket.

Rob
p.s Thanks for using double paragraph spacing; it makes easy reading! (Tim: hint hint )

[astjp2]

Re: New to the Forum

That does not follow APA guidelines.....and you forgot the date from your citation.....(

[labe0202]

Re: New to the Forum

Welcome to the forum. Where are you at in MN? Is the plane you're interested in being sold out of Maple Lake?

Edit: I see you're in St. Joe. I fly a BC-12D out of a strip in Annandale, real close to Maple Lake. If you'd like to check mine out to get an idea, let me know.

[MNBenny]

Re: New to the Forum

I live in St. Joseph, MN. Annandale is about 40min. away from me! The taylorcraft I was looking at is in Aitkin! What day would work be for you for me to come see one up close? Maybe even get a ride? I haven't been in a taildragger yet. let alone something like a taylorcraft. I did get a chance to see a taylorcraft up little falls, MN that was for sale. I think he might be asking to much. Just my opinion on that.

[MNBenny]

Re: New to the Forum

Here's another question has anyone stuck 31" tires on a taylorcraft? Also what's the largest engine anyone has stuck in their taylorcraft. Also are there STC's out there to lengthen the baggage area?

[astjp2]

Re: New to the Forum

You can search on here but the Alsworth's in Alaska put in an o-320 and an O-360 back in the 70's. You can put a bigger baggage, and 31" tires need better brakes, most do the 8.50's and 26" Goodyear tires. If you want to treat it like a cub, you don't have the same support so it will be much harder for approvals for engines. O-200 is the easiest and most common big upgrade. Some do an 85, but in my mind its the same money to overhaul/buy and 85 and it limits you to a 72" prop where the o-200 is 15 more horsepower and the 74" prop is already certified.

[labe0202]

Re: New to the Forum

I live in St. Joseph, MN. Annandale is about 40min. away from me! The taylorcraft I was looking at is in Aitkin! What day would work be for you for me to come see one up close? Maybe even get a ride? I haven't been in a taildragger yet. let alone something like a taylorcraft. I did get a chance to see a taylorcraft up little falls, MN that was for sale. I think he might be asking to much. Just my opinion on that.

Sent you a PM.