Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

[paulnuss]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

There is no doubt that my BC12D-1 is in at least one way far more clumsy to get in and out of: when I am taking a passenger with me. I must start the aircraft, board, then the passenger boards last. That precludes a "competently trained" passenger from helping with the starting procedure by holding the brakes, controls etc. while I prop the airplane. If I'm flying with my student-pilot son, or someone with whom I can have confidence with the braking chores, he can do all that and just stay in the left seat. But with others, then a problem. I'm now based at a municipal airport with pavement and taxiways between hangars, so someone must use the brakes from time to time. And there are a few airplanes more difficult to board than a Taylorcraft. The previously-mentioned J-3 Cub can qualify, and the Aviat Husky is worse yet. All these airplanes seemingly were designed around a 5'8" 170 lb. mythical pilot from previous times.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

C.G. left the Factory in 1943 & never looked back till 1947!! AFTER the bankruptsy .
When flying my ship solo I never use the left door, prop from the right side, smoothly enter with rear end in first, head and feet out and then smoothly swing my legs, feet & 240 lbs. , 6-2 frame into place, Bob has told me it is a sight to behold!!

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

I rebuilt an "ACE" for a client/friend 10 years ago. Unless I went with him, he flew solo. When I flew it, the passenger was my chalk while I started it. I liked it do to less wind noise in the cabin with only one door. Also much warmer in the winter.

Mike

[paulnuss]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

I have never been able to persuade my passengers to lie in front of the wheels to chock the airplane while I start it! ;-))

I have to admit, I never noticed more heat and less wind noise; I guess those terms are subject to some interpretation. I find my heater perfectly capable of warming my right foot and ankle, and that's about all. Unless of course it's already warm out! But theory suggests both things should work!

Recent experiences by others have convinced me that I should always tie down my airplane when I start it, and I use wheel chocks too, because on our paved taxiway it will move even under slowest idle after I untie the tail if not chocked too. I suppose my passenger could be counted on to hold onto the airplane and keep it from moving then, but I fly by myself most of the time.

[dewhitaker]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

I have flown with Forrest in his T-Craft, and I can verify that it is indeed a sight to behold, especially when my fat 230 lb butt is sitting in the left seat!

When my Dad owned "ACE" N44376, I was the official tail holder while he started it. Then when I was 12 or so I was taught how to prop...

I actually find it easier to use the right hand side door. I agree about the Cub, very uncomfortable to get in the front. For a real treat, find a Hatz biplane and try to get in the front hole!

But you know what, that is just part of the charm of these old designs.

[mulwyk]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

Bunch of real smart a##'s on this thread.

But seriously, if someone wanted to convert the BD12D to a D-1 (ACE) how would it be done? Does anyone have a photo or drawing of the left side frameing?

I assume the vertical wood door frameing is still in place except for the door sill...and the fuselage stringers continue through the area where the door would otherwise be...and maybe some additional wood pieces frame the window. Is there fabric covering on the inside?

Bob Gustafson

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

No wood on an Ace (D-1)they were made near the end of BC-12D production.
No door frame just stringers and fabric. the Model A was the same way. Anybody have an original Ace to send pictures? Actually rumor has it they were using up parts , the cowlings were misfits too large nose bowl openings, too short at the bottom, no good lip, Piper was ding the same with the Vagabond ( PA-15). Yes Dave & I are a real sight to behold in our Tcrafts. BUT by golly they do climb over the wires at the end of the runway...