New Tcraft owner / Need some help

[goodness2]

I recently bought a 1946 BC12D. It had been converted to a f19 but I don't think it was done quite the right way. Appears maybe the last person to do the work opted to alter the plane his own way maybe to avoid paying for the appropiate paperwork??? I'm wondering if anyone can give me some options of what I can do.
Here are the alterations that I don't have the paperwork for:

1. 8.50 x 6 Main Tires
2. Scott Tail Wheel
3. Extended Baggage Compartment
4. Rear Windows
5. Skylights
6. Bracket Air filter

The previous owner had gathered some paperwork of other TCrafts that got approval for these items but after I dug into this it doesn't look this one way done the same way, and most of them were from Canada. example...the skylights call for a certain size piece of wood that the lights are cut into...on this one they used a much smaller piece of wood. The rear windows aren't framed with the right material. The mechanic couldn't really tell if the ext baggage was installed properly either.

Any thoughts on what I should do? The plane is a little rough and one option would be to Refurbish it and fix the problems? I don't have any experience rebiulding airplanes but I have someone that would help me. Or do I Contact the FAA and try and get approval? Is there a way to make it experimental?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!!

Oh, it's also got a 90 horse cont. Not sure if that's legal either?

Thanks!

Ryan

[Rick Connolly]

Re: New Tcraft owner / Need some help

Like this one on ebay ???

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1946-Taylorcraft-BC12-D-Light-Sport-Aircraft_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63677QQitemZ4613020703QQrdZ1

[mulwyk]

Re: New Tcraft owner / Need some help

Ryan:

I think your mechanic wants to buy a new bass boat. (Sounds like he might be trying to run up a bill on you)

The Scott tailwheel and Brackett filter are very, very common on T-Craft. I think Brackett has a STC for almost everything that flies, and I'm pretty sure Scott tailwheels are on the Type Certificate. I could be wrong, but check it out.

And rear windows were available from the factory in 1946...download some old photos to show your "mechanic". Alota folks run the big tires...you might need a 337 or just put some small tires on for the annual. Extended baggage, I think, was standard on the F19. Somebody help me out here. Skylight I dunno...there's a STC but many are done by a 337 and if you have some documentation already it shouldn't be a big deal. (Search the archives on this website for tire and skylight info)

Sounds like you have some paperwork to do, but in my opinion unless you WANT a project you probably don't need to rebuild it or go experimental.
(You have the makings of a hot clipwing experimental if you DO decide to go that way!)

Your dilemma is all too common, Ryan. Few mechanics know much about Taylorcraft and some just get dollar signs in their eyes when a "antique" comes through the door. We should all hope the FAA approves that Vintage Aircraft proposal real soon, because frankly, I don't think your mechanics gonna let you outa the shop until that boat's paid for.

Bob Gustafson

[Pearson]

Re: New Tcraft owner / Need some help

Ryan,

Your posting doesn't say if you have complete logs for the aircraft or not. But even if you do, my suggestion would be to send five bucks to the FAA for the CD containing all their info on your specific airplane. It will show all of the 337s & STCs filed with them for your airplane. It is possible that some of these modifications were filed with them and not entered into the logs.

You also mentioned that it was "the last person to do the work" that made the changes. I suppose you have either talked with them about this problem or have a good reason for not doing so.

I would then find an IA WITH TAYLORCRAFT EXPERIENCE. Get them to document the mods and file a 337 for each one. Without proper documentation, most IAs wouldn't sign off on the annual. You might try to talk to who ever did the last one.

Best of luck to you,

[Jim Herpst]

Re: New Tcraft owner / Need some help

Yes sir THIS is a great example of why we need the EAA proposal to pass. Funny how the AP/IAs will fight this?????

The old but I am educated licensed bla bla bla and bla bla bla CAN have merit
(I am a state licensed insured home builder ) Yes it does frost me when I some some of the inept crap a homeowner does.... then again they pay the price in the end ....(usually)

Sorry to hijack your question. At this point yes find a competent mechanic that does want to take your wallet house and first born. There are many good ones out there.I would think in your area you can find one (ask the locals at the EAA chapter?? Just a thought. Best of luck. I believe your ship will be fine with a little hoop jumping... not a re-build though.

[VictorBravo]

Re: New Tcraft owner / Need some help

The F-19 "conversion" is actually a conversion to a "Model 19" with an STC. Unless your particular airplane has the paperwork for the modifications then you do not have the conversion. In that case you would have a backyard modified 1946 BC-12D, which may or may not be unsafe and may not be bad.

Before you spend a dollar on a mechanic, spend some time in this forum asking questions and make a list of the paperwork your airplane has. You better get back with the seller ASAP and get a full and complete list of his modifications, how he did them, what paperwork he generated, and what paperwork he sent the FAA.

You are looking for EITHER an STC (from Gilberti Aviation or CR Harer) that allows the "conversion"...

OR one or more FAA Form 337's that show the modifications have been approved.

You can take detailed photos of the mods, and post them on this forum, and several of us will be able to tell you if the mods look safe, or look like they were done in accordance with the STC.

One of the most "important" of the upgrades is the installation of 11/16" OD micarta bushings in the spar roots, plus upgrading or replacing the root spar fittings themselves. If you do not have documentation of this (which cannot be easily seen on a completed and assembled airplane), then you cannot fly the airplane over 1200 pounds.

Most of the other mods can be seen easily.

There is a fair chance that if the modifications were done the right way, then you can apply for a "field approval" for the 90 horse engine based on what themodifications were... but this will be a lot easier with a good set of notes and details from the guy who modified it.

[VictorBravo]

Re: New Tcraft owner / Need some help

Here are the alterations that I don't have the paperwork for:

1. 8.50 x 6 Main Tires
2. Scott Tail Wheel
3. Extended Baggage Compartment
4. Rear Windows
5. Skylights
6. Bracket Air filter

Ryan

Of all the items on this list, by the way, the ONLY things that are included in the "official" Model 19 conversion are the rear windows and the large baggage compartment. There is a separate STC available for the skylight, and I am currently workigno n a 337 for my own method. The air filter is probably STC certified, contact Brackett and they will probably send you a copy of the approval. The Scott tailwheel will probably not even me noticed by the FAA, since they are a known certified TSO andare OEM on many airplanes. The big tires will need a 337 to be legal, but there aren't very many FAA inspectors who would notice they are a little larger than standard (a couple of 'present company' folks excepted).

The BIG question is which alterations DO you have paperwork for?

[Acroeric]

Re: New Tcraft owner / Need some help

Ryan- You really should send off for the CD from Aircraft registry in Oklahoma City. It will have everything the FAA has on file. You may find paperwork for some of the items. Feel free to contact me anytime at work for help with this stuff. 336-662-1029, I will be in the office tomorrow am. I am off today- doing an oil change on the tractor and equipment maintenance- getting ready for spring!