hydraulic brakes

[McRay7ac]

how hard to convert over to hydraulic brakes for BC 12 D taylorcraft and what braking system to use

[waltermrich]

Just my 2 cents but the Shinn brakes are totally adequate for that lite plane if adjusted properly , I would re evaluate, that.

[sully]

Terry Bowden - Certified Aeronautical Products
has approval for Grove Brakes.
Fairly easy install.

[Hank Jarrett]

The problem with hydraulic brakes is usually that they work VERY well. Problem is that putting the brakes on can easily cost you a prop, cowl, sudden stop engine evaluation and potentially a plane on her back. A Taylorcraft can easily go up on her nose with brake application and can go all the way over on her back. The cable brakes are weak and that isn't a bad thing. They only need to be strong enough to hold you while you do a mag check (my plane creeps forward with full brakes but not enough to be a problem). Brakes should ONLY be used for steering in tight places and for run ups. I NEVER use the brakes at faster than a brisk walk, and usually much slower. CERTAINLY NEVER on landing! If you do and are lucky you will just get a good tour of the grass near the runway. Energy management is vital!

[3Dreaming]

The Shinn brakes work fine for a stock airplane if they are maintained properly. If you are putting large tires on, they may not be enough, and hydraulic is the way to go. The Grove wheels and brakes with approval for installation from CAP is the easy way, but they do not come cheap. Your other choice is getting a field approval for a Cleveland system. You will be able to find copies of 337's from others who went this route, but depending on your FSDO this may be a bit of a challenge. It all comes down to your mission, and whether you want to do the installation engineering and paperwork, or pay for someone else to provide paper work and instructions on how to do it.

[woodmw]

Ray....Before you part with a lot of $$$ on parts, check with your IA and get their viewpoint. I've been told by more than 1 IA here at Conroe that Houston FSDO has become very difficult to deal with concerning certain mods. Wheels and brakes is one category that's tough. Get your ducks in a row before you spend a lot of money.

[3Dreaming]

Ray....Before you part with a lot of $$$ on parts, check with your IA and get their viewpoint. I've been told by more than 1 IA here at Conroe that Houston FSDO has become very difficult to deal with concerning certain mods. Wheels and brakes is one category that's tough. Get your ducks in a row before you spend a lot of money.

If he does the Grove assembly from CAP it takes the FSDO out of the approval process.