Jack Clifton

[jack clifton]

Hi, I was wondering, I am looking at a 41bL project, anyway, As living in Colorado, I want to keep it a light sport pilot cert aircraft, but want the 85 hp. I see a lot of converted aircraft, but wonder, if you use the only stc. that I can find, it seems to be a f19 conversion, but does not mention anything about the bc65 or the bl 65 aircraft. So, what do you do to convert to the 85-8 engine to keep it in light sport. If you could use the Harrer conversion, it changes the gross weight to 1500 , therefore, as I understand, kicks it out of the light sport 1320 max gross weight catagory.
I'll bet someone out there has an answer for this.;an stc. or something that will work, thanks!

[VictorBravo]

Re: Jack Clifton

You can install a C-85-8 on the airplane using the Harer STC, giving you a gross weight of 1280 pounds, which keeps you IN the sport pilot category.

Or, you can do your own 337 Field Approval or one-time STC and use only the truly appropriate portions of the Harer STC and dispense with the portions that do not make any sense.

The balance between these two options is that the Harer STC is cheaper ($250) and you will have no problems with the FAA, but you will have to do a bunch of stuff that you may not need or want.

If you have a good relationship with a local IA mechanic, AND he has an excellent relationship with his FAA office, then you can consider doing your own one-time STC or Field Approval. If you choose this option, in my personal opinion it is appropriate for you to make only the following changes:

Replace the forward spar root bushings per the Harer STC (from 1/2" to 11/16 OD)

Install a -6 fuel line from the tank to the gascolator to the carburetor (put the Firesleeve on, it's worth the effort)

Add the welded reinforcements to the spar-strut fittings per the Harer STC.

Add one aux wing tank (OR the rare pre-war aux fuselage tank) giving you 18 gallons total (or 24 gallons with two wing tanks)

Many of the remaining changes outlined in the Harer STC are of little or no value in my opinion, and one of the changes actually reduces safety to my way of thinking.

[Ed O'Brien]

Re: Jack Clifton

See Jack;
I told you you'd get straight answers here. Everybody say hi to Jack Clifton, new to the board and a fellow Coloradan... a man who realizes Taylorcrafts or little pieces of gold at our high altitudes.

Good luck Jack and thanks Bill Berle for quick answers for a new old pilot. From the nose bleed seats and...
With regards;
ED OBRIEN

[VictorBravo]

Re: Jack Clifton

Hi, I was wondering, I am looking at a 41bL project, anyway,

One other thing, Ed's correct. The Taylorcraft will give you more oomph at altitude than any other similar old airplane with the same power.

The Super Cub (or upgraded Cub series within the LSA rules) is capable of exceptional performance... just ask any working bush pilot. But on the same horsepower I think the T-craft will give you equal or better performance in many areas.

When you throw in cost to the equation, the Taylorcraft really starts to look sexy. IMHO you can get 90% of the STOL performance of an 85 horse Cub for about half the money with a VG equipped Taylorcraft.

In high altitude operation (once the airplane is off the ground), I'd predict that the T-craft's efficient airfoil and better aspect ratio and lower drag will give you better capability.

The 20-25 mph cruise speed increase won't hurt either

[Ed O'Brien]

Re: Jack Clifton

Bill;
Honest to God I talked to a guy from Grand Junction... he's a mile high too. We were talking about this and that but he stated clearly that with one person on board and half fuel he performs better in his 65HP-700lbs Taylorcraft than a guy he flies with all the time in a 135Hp Super Cub.
They've raced and run the numbers. Better Cruise, roughly same climb, better service ceiling. He flies it in the mountains on calmer days and goes everywhere. Now that IS something. I can verify none of this with the exception that the conversation did take place.
With regards;
ED OBRIEN
Denver (the mile-high city)