Hdy. Brakes

[Victor Gisclair]

Does anyone have an STC for installing hdy. brakes on a 1946 BC12 D T-Craft. Is there such an animal out there?

[TimHicks]

Hydraulic brakes

A tribe member named "Steve" mentioned that has just purchased a '45 BC-12 with hydraulic brakes.

[Victor Gisclair]

Hyd. Brakes

I read that , but he also said he didn't have the paperwork for it.

[warbugdriver]

Hydraulic brakes

Was curious why you'd want to install them? My L-2 has the original shoe-type and I rarely use them. The only guy I know of who converted to hydraulic types ended up flipping his plane up on its back while braking a tad too aggressively!

I'll admit the heel-operated setup is an acquired taste, though!

[TimHicks]

Brakes

Victor and I talked on the phone this morning. We each told hilarious stories about the mechanical brakes letting us down. The common ingredients were hard surfaces, brisk winds, and impatient controllers. Each story ended with the pilot getting out of the airplane and pushing it around until it was pointed in the desired direction.
Tim

[warbugdriver]

OUCH!

Hi Tim,
I haven't yet had the unfortunate pleasure of being victimized by weak brakes although I have made 180-degree turns on the ramp at far greater speeds than I ever planned on!

For true suffering, the Austers (and assumedly all Brit taildraggers) have full castering tailwheels -- making for grand entertainment during any and all ground manuevers!

[Forrest Barber]

Hdl brakes

Numerous methods come to mind. To keep the heel brakes, the Swick conversion to hyd brakes works real well. the cylinders go in the gear legs witgh a small reservoir and the cable still activates the brakes; C-150 type. Then you can use the factory system off an F-21 OR use Cessna 150 STC or 337..... bye Forrest

[Victor Gisclair]

Hyd. Brakes

Thanks Forest,
I will call the factory this afternoon. They might have something on Hdy. Brakes for the BC12 D.

[Robert Lees]

On a stock BC12D I cannot think why hydraulic brakes are worth the effort, weight, complexity, maintenance or cost.

Properly installed & adjusted cable brakes will hold at full power (tail on ground or tail up). What will hyd brakes do that is more than this?

Just my tuppence worth.

[Big Daddy]

Hyd Brakes

Hyd. brakes on a T-craft?? WHY.

[ray2njy1]

I 2nd that! (why hydralic brakes) With the heal brakes I have caused the tail to come up with exessive braking on pavement, so their good enough for me! They also hold for full static run-up.

If your brakes don't work this well get some help from the gang. You don't need the extra weight.

Richard Young

[Victor Gisclair]

Hyd. Brakes

I don't need them!! I want them.

[Forrest Barber]

Atta boy Vic I totally understand!! My wife always asks why I get something, damn I wanted it or them ... are you wanting to keep the heel brake feature?

[Chet Peek]

Hdraulic brakes or toe brakes

Tribe:
C. G Taylor would be turning over in his grave it he suspected we were talking about hydraulic toe brakes on a Taylorcraft. When they first put brakes on the Model A the story goes that he insisted on heel application because of his disability, a stiff leg, caused by polio, and I believe this is true. The first system, (see page 43 of the book) was actually somewhat easier to use than the present lash-up.
And they work lots better for short people!
Chet Peek

[Victor Gisclair]

Hdy Brakes

Thankd Forest You know where I am coming from. I not sure on keeping the heel brakes. I like the toe brakes, but the heel brakes are not that bad.