Re: News from the Factory III
There might be a "work-around" for the parts. Let's assume there are people who have the ABILITY to make wing struts, cowlings, landing gears, whatever. Not your average Taylorcraft owner, but still there are fabricators out there.
Make an owner-produced part, using that fabricator, but under the owner's control as per the owner-part rule. That's the reason it's there to start with.
That is EXACTLY how the former owner of my aircraft repaired his exhaust system... an owner produced part he "built" while overseeing an experienced exhaust shop in a place called Jumping Branch, WV.
While everyone here (including myself) has been discussing the lack of parts back and forth, the ability to make your own replacement parts has been there all along (because the "factory" can't or won't do it, or the factory is in/out of business that week) .
So if there is a good enough welder and fabricator to make an equivalent landing gear, and you can send that fabricator the drawings or busted gear you have, then the problem is effectively solved.... thanks to the efforts of those working with or within the FAA who wrote the owner produced part rule in such a way to allow this.
If I were a very highly skilled Taylorcraft test/aerobatic pilot and Foundation administrator, one of the first things on my agenda would be to assemble a list of potential landing gear fabricators, cowling hammerers, strut welders, wing tank solderers, etc. who are known to have the talent to assist Taylorcraft owners in producing LEGAL replacement parts.
While we're all having fun playing verbal chess about the latest PT Barnum Taylorcraft factory soap opera, airplanes would be getting put back in the air, more Taylorcrafts would be flying again, and we would become a more independent group of owner/enthusiasts.
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Re: News from the Factory III
Well what IS the status of the factory ? Who IS going tto rescue the company? This saga never ends so it seems. For now I am getting Ernie Carlsons old Baby Ace back in shape. I can tell you for a fact that it is really nice not to have to worry about where the next needed part will come from (CUB). Hate to leave the brand but for now I can tell you first hand how much nicer it is not having to "worry" about finding parts. It can be fun at times to "search and find a diamond in the rough" . WE do NEED to ban together as a group and DO something about the parts situation..... new Taylorcrafts would be nice yes but as Forrest has said before we need PARTS. I still think a BC12D would be a great kit under LSA or (gasp the thought...EXPERIMENTAL RULES) rules. THIS MIGHT also help with the factory labor intensive issues/FAA issues ?
Anyone listening? Hows my ol bird NC94984 Mr Hoffman?Leave a comment:
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