News from the Factory III

[M Towsley]

Re: News from the Factory III

Mike,

I'm knowledgeable enough to know the difference between a busy signal and a message stating they were out-of-service. After receiving no reply to my e-mail for several days, I decided to call and got the out-of-service message on both phone lines. Since you are championing this latest cause, perhaps you can explain why credit cards are not being taken, though the website states they are accepted???

[Victor White]

Re: News from the Factory III

I called the parts department (800-217-1399) on 5/8/2007 and ordered two ring cap fairings,and they accepted a credit card as payment. I found the number buried somewhere in the web site (not the Home Page), but I,can't seem to find it now.


Vic White

[hangarb7]

Re: News from the Factory III

Vic,

What are Ring Cap Fairings?

BTW, GREAT color on that T!

Let us know when you receive your order from Taylorcraft.

Thanks,

Jack Dernorsek
N44057

[Victor White]

Re: News from the Factory III

Jack

Ring cap fairings secure the fabric around the wing tank caps. I just recieved a phone call From Diana at Taylorcraft; my order is on its way, and I was given my UPS tracking number.

The numbers on the Taylorcraft Web-site (Under Contact Us) are currently functioning. The number I put in my previous post is no longer in use...no wonder I couldn't find it again.

Vic White

[Bobdog]

Re: News from the Factory III

I had balls enough to ask what was going on at Taylorcraft Aviation in a letter to Mike Rice.

Here is his reply:

Hi Bob,
Obviously, I have a more positive opinion of Harry than most people on this forum, and while I understand everyones focus on Harry Ingram, my focus has been on getting the parts inventory available to "see" on-line, as both a reference library, and a source of parts.

Focusing on making parts was actually the suggestion of Forrest Barber, and is only now being implemented. Getting the FAA PMA approvals was never accomplished in La Grange, and it took nearly 2 more years of work in Brownsville to accomplish.

The FAA has approved the QA system and the manufacturing processes, as well as the new facility to build Taylorcraft parts. While I am not involved with the Taylorcraft factory day-to-day, I have been a strong supporter of doing the things that can be done right, by the people who are still there. They are dedicated group, and for the first time have the tools and FAA authorizations to build your needed parts. To answer your question about Harry's involvement:

Mr. Ingram is a percentage owner with a group of investors who wish to remain anonymous until the dust settles. The day to day operations of the Company are now the responsibility of the General Manager Miss Diana Rivera.

This forum has a particular view of the factory. I would suggest there are other views that are more complimentary. My feeeling is that the Factory is finally in a position to make a positive impression, and I want to help them do that.
__________________
Mike Rice
Aerolearn

[astjp2]

Re: News from the Factory III

I guess that I was lucky that I was able to get many parts from Harry during my rebuild, (spars, lower cowling, wing tank installation parts, etc.) I did have to wait some time for a few items but when I did receive them they were just as described. I am glad that some investors were able to keep what is left alive! I will support the new parts effort and when it come time for me to need something, I pray that they will be able to accomidate my needs. Tim

[M Towsley]

Re: News from the Factory III

Though many, (most), of the parts don't affect me anymore I do have an interest in one or two. I still haven't received a reply from my e-mail sent at the beginning of this week, and did not get a chance to make a phone call. Perhaps tomorrow.....................

[Forrest Barber]

Re: News from the Factory III

YES I am here.... I got back from SNF to a whole bunch of catch up in life, got the new tractor delivered, put in over 50 acres of Corn , waiting to spray it now. Finished the Tri-Champ for delivery, had visits from four Taylorcraft different owners last week and one this week to get parts. Cornered the market on A-40 engines with purchase of another 2 1/2 engines... annualed two ships stayed off list BECAUSE of news from Taylorcraft Factory thru the D-E Aircraft Steve Cooner and Mr. Patrick that Harry Ingram was going to make an announcement about a week and a half after I got back from Florida.
Sooo then I had been sitting on the great news that The SWICK T had been purchased ( lock stock and barrell) from Mike in Texas and was being moved to Michigan
I got this news on 4-29-07 :

On Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:48:18 EDT
[email protected] wrote:
Hi Forrest, Everything has been completed and signed with
Mike Swick Most contractors are working on projects for me , wings,
fuselages ,internal components, cowlings etc. a web site is in the works now
will be up in about six weeks although not one hundred percent because of add-ons and changes as we progress .I think now may be a good time to let out the purchase of the SWICK -T AIRCRAFT AND MANUFACTURING. A press release will be coming in the EAA mag. So it's okay to let everyone know I will hold off on my e-mail and phone at this time until web site is up and running. HAVE AT IT THANKS FOR KEEPING THIS UNDER RAPS FOR ME , GEORGE

Going back in life we have to recall that the FAA notified ME that the pending action was taking place on the struts , this came to me on the Thurs. before I left for SNF. Made SNF made a lot of contacts, learned a lot ahd a one on one with Mr. Patrick. MORE on all that later.

THEN , this past Tues afternoon I got a call from Harry Ingram, he wanted to explain what was taking place in Brownsville. After picking myself off the office floor, we DID have a very good conversation. I yelled a bit, he countered with answers, I explained that I was not the bad guy and could not understand being turned into the FAA by him about the data plates, parts, etc... ( flea market my Butt!) WE did end on a good note, he was concerned that he would be trashed more on this discussion forumn. I explained that he could come on and answer anything anytime. I may start a new thread. Mike Rice seems to want to answer any questions and belive me there will be a lot of them. So lets see what happens, Patty's Birthday is Sat., Mother's Day is Sunday, I have a lot of other family health problems to deal with in the next few day. check the site www.taylorcraft.com Discuss things please stay nice!! YES the Tandem Taylorcraft Model D would be a great ship to build again. I have said many times build the Model l8 again. Mr. Ingram did tell me that he has reviewed my thoughts about company set up from the past and NOW thinks parts may be the answer. I really cannot do anything tomorrow with the FAA in San Antonio , will do it on Moday or Tues...Stay tuned. Yes I got a few phone calls about al this development. I ahve been keeping a close watch on Univair, Wag-Aero, and another sourse for spars.... back to cathching up on 6 pages of discussions that I have not read.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: News from the Factory III

For Mike Rice: The Forumn does not have a bad opinion of Mr. Ingram or anybody else. THIS is the place to voice opinions, express feelings and a few have praised the factory for their efforts! I personally have NEVER understood why more input was not entered by the "Factory". Please explain your connection, you may call me anytime or come visit, you may learn a lot.
Yours in Aviation ;
Forrest A. Barber, soon to receive Charles Taylor Award in Flight & Maintenance ( thats 50 years in the field).

[mikerice]

Re: News from the Factory III

Forrest,
Congratulations on the Charles Taylor Award. That is is real honor!

For those who are not familiar with the Charles Taylor Award, you must document 50 years of Aircraft Maintenance experience, and believe me, the list is pretty exclusive and short.

I have read every page of the list of awardees in the Lobby of the FAA bldg, AFS-300 in Washington DC. It is a Whos Who of Aviation Maintenance, and probably the biggest brain trust of how to fix airplanes the world has ever seen.

Charles Taylor was the Wright Brothers mechanic, and I have always wondered if there was a relation to Taylorcraft and Mr. Taylor...

[Forrest Barber]

Re: News from the Factory III

thanks Mike I hope my sanity allows me to reach the goal of 50 yrs on Nov 10th, 2008....... Now that we have good information flow again, lets try to get somethiong done! I know there have been a lot of hard feelings, Lord knows when I am threatened with jail it gets a bit serious.
keep us up on happenings in Brownsville as you see it. For the folks that think they were wronged then use the court system. IT does work. I WILL check in more often.

[alwaysoar]

Re: News from the Factory III

Very frustrating--there's no information flow out this way.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: News from the Factory III

Although I have seen no official post about it, and with Forrest mentioning it and seeing a new F--2 fuselage for sale by them on Barnstormers, I can only assume D & E has ended up a major share holder in Talyorcraft somehow. They have been around quite awhile building wing kits and other odds and ends. Now as long as nobody goes back to thinking they can make money building airplanes, Taylorcraft may just stay afloat. I see a few things on the site I could use but unless they start accepting COD's (garunteed funds is fine with me) I will wait till a few others have actually received their parts. I have no hard feelings with Harry and have had no issues with him, but if he is still involved, then the burden should still be on Taylorcraft to provide the parts to the customers that have paid already and not received them.

Mike

[mulwyk]

Re: News from the Factory III

Hey Mike:

The way I see it: If Taylorcraft Brownsville is making airplanes, they don't need us, we all already own a T-Craft or two. But, if they're in the business of selling parts, then they need us and we need them. And we should nurture this relationship.

Let's be patient and see how this develops.

[Doc]

Re: News from the Factory III

Howdy; Received a call from Diana today with an update on my back ordered parts (firewall, upper cowl). She states they will ship tomorrow and she wanted confirmation of the other two (boot cowl, lower cowl) so that fabrication can begin. Taylorcraft obviously kept my order records..they say they will be able to support most orders. I m glad to see that something is happening! Doc