Metal Spar

[Skybum]

Hello everyone,
This is my first post here. I have been visiting here for about a year now since I got my Taylorcraft and have really found it to be very informative and interesting.
One thing that I have never heard anyone talk about yet is metal spars. My Taylorcraft is a 1946 BC12D and it has metal spars. I have never been able to find any AD's on these or any other information. I hope that this is a good thing.
I am also thinking about a C-90 upgrade and I am wondering if I would be ok with the metal spars. I am located in Nova Scotia Canada and my plane is in the Owner Maintenance Category which is similar to Experimental for the U.S.
Looking forward to hearing some replies.
Merry X-Mas to all
Bernie

[Sloanlow]

Re: Metal Spar

Tribe

I have wondered about this also. Is there a metal spar for certified T-Cart?

Jim A

[crispy critter]

Re: Metal Spar

I have heard people talking about them, even seen one once but have never been able to find any info or proof to back it up as a factroy item.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Metal Spar

Actually that is a 1947 Taylorcraft with metal spars... OR somebody changed out the wings. What is your ser# and N number, does the data plate indicate the "date of manufacture" , urban legend has these metal spar ships built in a batch for one dealer in Ca. after the bankruptsy sale . A few got out other wise. Give me numbers and I will do the research. I have a few of the metal spars here in the barn... how could you lurk out there so long without revealing the ownership of this rare bird.... For the others, the Taylorcraft metal spar was first used on the DC-65, L-2, the first hundred or so were of the metal spar version. then late in 1946 they developed that wing for the B models , AND had the 12 & 18 gal wing tanks too!

[alwaysoar]

Re: Metal Spar

I heard there was an STC to use J-3 metal spars. Is that true?

[Acroeric]

Re: Metal Spar

Tribe- I am almost positive that Tom Pittman of Apotomax, VA (ex-Tcraft employee) has a 1945 BC12-D with metal spar wings. He also has a C-85 in his.

[Skybum]

Re: Metal Spar

Hello to all. Hope everyone is having a great X-Mas day. A special thanks to Mr. Barber for his quick reply to my post. I checked the data plate and it says the date of manufacture is 10-04-46. The serial # is 10040. I don't have an N number. My logs only go back to 1965 when it was brought into Canada. The registration letters are C-FHNA. According to my log book there is no indication that the wings have ever been changed or modified. I was going to reply only to Mr. Barber, but felt that there may be others out there that want to learn about the metal spars too.
Mr. Barber, I appreciate any information that you can find out about my plane. The more I can learn the better. Also, what are your thoughts on the engine upgrade with the metal spars? I plan to stay with the short mount with no starter and keep the gross wt at 1200 lbs. I value your input and expertise as well as any of the other owners out there. Thanks again.
Bernie

[crispy critter]

Re: Metal Spar

Forrest and Bernie,
Thanks for the info, I had always wondered about the metal spars. I have seen them, heard about them but never knew until now if they were someones creation or a factory thing. Merry Christmas.... Just ate wwaaaayy too much again.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Metal Spar

The metal spars are completely approved. The factory even had an All Metal fuselage to replace the steel tube one with the fabric wings too....Your ship may have been produced, in Oct with the metgal wings but I doubt it. I will check the test pilot books to see if I can find something. Check some sources for your N number.... more Tues.

[alwaysoar]

Re: Metal Spar

Is it true that metal J-3 spars are approved for a TCraft? Could WagAero aluminum J-3 spars be used under owner produced?

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Metal Spar

Not to my knowledge, Thge Swick STC called for the Piper section spar material which we purchase from Calrlson Aircraft near here , they produce the stuff for Wag-Aero. Why do you ask?

[alwaysoar]

Re: Metal Spar

I am asking because I wondered if it would be feasible to rebuild wings using metal spars. I haven't heard of any orginal metal spars out there.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Metal Spar

The castings to adapt the wood spar drag & anti drag structure and spar attach fittings are the rare part. It is a big project..... buy new spars ; Factory or Safe-Air Repair OR fabricate them if the other two sources turn you dwon.