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Hello all, A&P / Private Pilot here,
I am in the process of acquiring a factory model 19 T-Craft. Plane was restored in the late 70's and from what we know was flown for a couple hrs in 1983 then parked indefinitely. Wings are currently off but it has pretty much all the parts present (including wheel pants). It has been stored inside for a majority of the time since '83. My plan for the aircraft is to strip it down completely to check over the fuselage, repaint the fuselage and do a full recover and replace any thing else that I don't like the look of like cables, windows etc. We are in the process of straightening up some of the paperwork and it should be good to go. I have been doing furious research on the model 19 and T-Crafts in general as I find it all very fascinating. Nobody seems to know exactly how many 19s were made or the full sequence of serial numbers but from what I can gather mine will be the highest serial number 19 in the US when it's registered and I don't think too many more were ever made beyond this one. A/W date June 1952.
I am encouraged by the many stories I hear from long term and past owners that love the airframe and are able to keep them in the air despite questionable parts support. My question to everyone here today is basically this; Is this a feasible project to see through to completion as far as parts and knowledge availability? I plan about 3 years from start to finish on this but I would be curious to hear from others who have done similar projects if that is a realistic timeline because aside from having an IA stop by from time to time to sign off certain things I will be doing this project on my own. I will be looking it over again soon but from what I have already seen the plane is complete and in good shape in regards to corrosion or damage. I have not laid eyes on the wing spars and I know it needs the new wing struts. Unfortunately there are no logs for anything so everything will need going through but I know that going in and the price reflects that. Are there any parts or trim/ seal pieces I could likely need that are unobtainable?
While I am an A&P my day job is ATC and tube and fabric is pretty new to me so forgive me if some of my questions appear seemingly basic. TIA for any input and I will be on here regularly to respond to comments and ask more questions.
I am in the process of acquiring a factory model 19 T-Craft. Plane was restored in the late 70's and from what we know was flown for a couple hrs in 1983 then parked indefinitely. Wings are currently off but it has pretty much all the parts present (including wheel pants). It has been stored inside for a majority of the time since '83. My plan for the aircraft is to strip it down completely to check over the fuselage, repaint the fuselage and do a full recover and replace any thing else that I don't like the look of like cables, windows etc. We are in the process of straightening up some of the paperwork and it should be good to go. I have been doing furious research on the model 19 and T-Crafts in general as I find it all very fascinating. Nobody seems to know exactly how many 19s were made or the full sequence of serial numbers but from what I can gather mine will be the highest serial number 19 in the US when it's registered and I don't think too many more were ever made beyond this one. A/W date June 1952.
I am encouraged by the many stories I hear from long term and past owners that love the airframe and are able to keep them in the air despite questionable parts support. My question to everyone here today is basically this; Is this a feasible project to see through to completion as far as parts and knowledge availability? I plan about 3 years from start to finish on this but I would be curious to hear from others who have done similar projects if that is a realistic timeline because aside from having an IA stop by from time to time to sign off certain things I will be doing this project on my own. I will be looking it over again soon but from what I have already seen the plane is complete and in good shape in regards to corrosion or damage. I have not laid eyes on the wing spars and I know it needs the new wing struts. Unfortunately there are no logs for anything so everything will need going through but I know that going in and the price reflects that. Are there any parts or trim/ seal pieces I could likely need that are unobtainable?
While I am an A&P my day job is ATC and tube and fabric is pretty new to me so forgive me if some of my questions appear seemingly basic. TIA for any input and I will be on here regularly to respond to comments and ask more questions.