Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

[mikeg]

I have been away for awhile. What is the latest on the Taylorcraft factory and parts availability?
Mike

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Everything will be back on and parts available ANY SECOND NOW!!!!

Or in real terms, nothing has changed for the last ten years and doesn't look like it will.

Sorry, wish it was better news. ;-)

Hank

[Guest]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Has anyone attempted to get the FAA to release drawings for repair/maintenance based on the type certificate being inactive?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Short answer, yes. It has also been in work for some time, but that is a totally different problem than the factory.

Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Hank, you have a "SHORT ANSWER?" you must be really enjoying retirement! lol

[Guest]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Short answer, yes. It has also been in work for some time, but that is a totally different problem than the factory.

Hank

Hi Hank,

Can you tell me about that status of that effort?

Even on a different new thread if that makes better sense.

Thanks, Dave.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Just that a group from here has been working with the FAA to get SOMETHING working to support Taylorcraft owners. The process was really close for a while but I think FAA budget problems have pulled our contact off the project. Not dead, but sure seems to be sleeping soundly. So long as the TC holder keeps "claiming" they are on the verge of producing parts it is difficult. It looks like the FAA is getting tired of their BS. Just need to keep as few hands in the mix as we can. The more people who they have to respond to, the slower they move forward.

Hank

I am NOT the contact with the FAA, but am in contact with the person who is. If it works it will be great for all of us, but has been a couple of years longer than planned already.

[mikeg]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Thanks for the info Hank.
Later,
Mike

[astjp2]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Why not just get an STC for replacement parts and reverse engineer them? Using similar aircraft for the manufacturing process, its not that difficult, just more money. Getting forrest to get the original drawings digitized would help but not necessary either. Tim

[Guest]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Why not just get an STC for replacement parts and reverse engineer them? Using similar aircraft for the manufacturing process, its not that difficult, just more money. Getting forrest to get the original drawings digitized would help but not necessary either. Tim

That is very expensive though isn't it? Simply using a factory drawing would be much more convenient I think.

What was involved with your fuel valve STC? How many years to get final approval? Engineering costs? If that had to be repeated over a dozen or two parts would it be bearable or catastrophe? Your thoughts?

Dave

[N74DV]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

Why not just get an STC for replacement parts and reverse engineer them? Using similar aircraft for the manufacturing process, its not that difficult, just more money. Getting forrest to get the original drawings digitized would help but not necessary either. Tim

I'm in the process of getting an STC to mount a virtual reality camera in a Cessna 206 and I can tell you the cost and time is ridiculous. We will likely be over 1 year to get it done at a cost of $250,000 if things go smoothly. Up to $500k if we need extensive analysis and testing. Getting an STC is not a 'quick, cheap fix' to lack of factory parts support.

[M Towsley]

Re: Taylorcraft "Factory" Status

I recently tried e-mailing a couple of contacts I had at the factory. No response as of yet and I doubt I will get one.