Longtime Taylorcraft admirer of BDC-12 have two questions

[james womble]

What is the useful load of the 65 HP version and talking about the same model can it really in fly at 95 mph at 2150 power? Used to own Peek's book but I wore it out. Bought a mint copy on Ebay and cost me about $115.

[Guest]

What is the useful load of the 65 HP version and talking about the same model can it really in fly at 95 mph at 2150 power? Used to own Peek's book but I wore it out. Bought a mint copy on Ebay and cost me about $115.

Mine (65hp) did 99 mph at 2300 rpm with a metal prop 70" diameter 49" pitch.

Empty weight was 828 lbs, I also had a mod that boosted the GW to 1280, not likely you will find one with the 1280 mod.

Dave

[Scott]

There are many variables. Many will "see" 95mph but if the aircraft is truly stock and operating under gross at 2150 real rpm, true airspeed will be more around 90mph.

There are loading and rigging "tricks" that will gain 1 or 2 more mph but may be inconsistent with the available manuals.

A big variable to reported speeds is the absence of a static port. Some BC12Ds have static line into the left wing, some have nothing. Either way indicated airspeed will vary quite dramatically depending on the static pressure in the cabin or wing.

There's also no way to know what power setting you're at. 2150 rpm a sea level preasure and temp is obviously much higher power than the same rpm at 2000' on a warm day. There is no engine operating data published however beyond the 2150rpm cruise setting. Many operate above 2150 as the engine internals have changed since this limitation was specified.

One thing I think is clear, BC12D is faster than most if not all production aircraft burning under 4.5gph

[Guest]

Amen to Scott's post.

Taylorcrafts are faster than most for sure if not all.

When I would fly to a fly in with a friend that had an 85 hp Champ I had to throttle way back and slow down so as not to loose him.

Dave R

[Robert Lees]

Hello James Womble and welcome to the Forum!

The basic 65hp BC-12D has a gross weight of 1200lb (hence the "12"). So as others have said, the useful load depends upon the empty weight. Your aircraft documentation should show the last date of weighing, and the weight. Those showing less than 800lbs empty weight for a post-1946 model are essentially lying!

Speed-wise, 95mph at 2250 or 2300 is more realistic. But if you're in a hurry, go commercial.

I had occasion to fly a C-85 powered Aeronca Chief a few years ago for 45 hours in formation with two 65hp Taylorcraft; the two Taylorcraft out-performed the Aeronca in every respect*

Hope that helps.
Rob

* But I would have owned that Chief if I could bring it home; it was a delight to fly.

[james womble]

I live near Richmond VA. Anybody know of a Taylorcraft hangered near Richmond I could at least sit in or better yet go for demo flight - would be glad to cover the expenses of the flight.

[Hank Jarrett]

I am at KSFQ with a 41 in annual and a 45 in restoration. GLAD to have you down and you can see what the structure looks like so you will know what is hidden from view. Also have a huge pile of parts and lots of damaged stuff from past plane repairs so you can see what common failures look like for your pre buy (I kind of have a reputation for NEVER throwing anything away!)
KSFQ is just south of Suffolk VA. Not a bad drive.

Hank Jarrett

[Mark Bowden]

+1 to comments above and add a comparison.
My buddy has a clipped wing cub with fuel injected C-85, metal prop. Can't keep up. Can't haul anything. The only thing I can think of that is good competitor in our class is a Luscomb which is running 90 hp.
If you plot speed vs. horsepower or range of production aircraft of commercial significance the Taylorcraft is near top of the list.

It is one of the few small aircraft designs you can actually go somewhere in with some measure of practicality/utility. BC-12D-85 or F-19 is arguably best of the breed.

[james womble]

Hank would like to come see your airplane. When would be a good day and time. Also would need the hangar number. Thanks.

[Hank Jarrett]

I am in D-3 and D-9 (they let me take a piece of the wall down between them). As for the day, tomorrow morning is tied up but maybe in the afternoon. Haven't checked with the home "PIC" about Sunday but will be tied up Tuesday pretty much all day. After that I haven't set much schedule.

Hank

[astjp2]

Well with an O-200 you can cruise 106kgs at 2650 with a 74” prop. Reducing the pitch allowed my engine to get to redline, before it just lugged.