New to the Forum

[JakeInHartsel]

Hi to all. I am ashamed to say that I have never flown a Taylorcraft nor even rode in one. I have flown a bunch of taildraggers however. My first solo was in a Piper J4, and I got My license in a J5. And I have flown L19s, Swifts, Stearmans, Cessna 140's, J3's and I am sure some others that will come to mind. It has been a while since I have flown anything, I am 70 and live in the mountains of Colorado. and although I am not curretly an active flyer, I have opinions on just about everything and am more than willing to jump into discussions.

And of course I am only a winning lottery ticket away from being back in the air.

JakeInHartsel

[stormman]

Re: New to the Forum

Wecome to the tribe Jake
Untill 30 years ago i never flew in a Taylorcraft either.
Good luck on the lottery and remember if you win who contacted you first!(;f

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: New to the Forum

Welcome Jake,

I hope your lottery ticket wins because you will find the Taylorcraft to be a great flying airplane.

Frank D.
N43684

[lfries]

Re: New to the Forum

The nice thing about a Taylorcraft is that winning the
lottery may not be necessary to own one.

[Pat Murphy]

Re: New to the Forum

To the gentleman in Colorado, If you have never flown a Taylorcraft, then you would be in for a lesson on how to land an airplane!!

[Pearson]

Re: New to the Forum

Jake,

Welcome to the forum! Thank you for taking the time to post an introduction. I wish ALL newcomers did the same. Let's hear something from all you LURKERS out there!

Even if you don't have any Taylorcraft time, you can still offer your wisdom gained on other tube and fabric airplanes. If you ever get out to the Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington area, you have a standing invite for a flight in my Taylorcraft. I am sure others will be willing to make similar offers where ever your travels may take you.

[jim cooper]

Re: New to the Forum

Or if you come east, near maryland, you can fly mine. If you have 50 or more hours in a Stearman and some time in the others, the T-Craft is a piece of cake. About as basic (like a Champ) as you can get. Stearmans and 195 Cessnas go in an entirely different category especially when it comes to LANDING. The only time a T-Craft is a problem is when you didn't listen when someone said, "over fifteen miles an hour direct cross wind, you MAY want to leave it in the hangar." Over 15, all these little things become a chore, bounce you around, hit your head, etc. No joy! JC

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: New to the Forum

Guys, we have another interested person in Michigan. His name is Dale Waller and his email is [email protected]. I told him about the Tribe and he is interested in a Taylorcraft. He is a tall one so he is worried about fit. Anyone in Michigan with a lowered seat sling to try on. Not a pilot yet and wants to learn in a Taylorcraft.
Sounds like a nice guy we should grab before one of the Cub guys fills his head with myths.
Hank

[freightpilot27]

Re: New to the Forum

I'm 6' 5" -250lbs.
It's tight, but I fit. even with a passenger.
No seat sling modifications either.
It takes me 5 minutes to climb in and out (really funny to watch) but not bad once I get situated.

[partyofone]

Re: New to the Forum

If Forrest can fit, anyone can!!!

[Pearson]

Re: New to the Forum

Bob,

I am 4" shorter than you, but I still had to duck my head when I wanted to see out the side windows for a turn. I finally got around to lowering the seat sling and WOW, what a difference. It doesn't make getting in and out any easier, but it sure made a difference on visibility. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: New to the Forum

Forrest knows how to get smaller>>>>> Welcome aboard, youc an fly ours here in Alliance any time.. I was in the first Taylorcraft 11-30-42 ; I was 20 days old.... wish I could go back with knowledge I have now...
Freight Pilot & I would sure make a pair. Suns very high up , got to go again.

[barnstmr]

Re: New to the Forum

Hi Jake,
Welcome board. We can always use another opinion around here.

[jim cooper]

Re: New to the Forum

I go into the T-Craft backwards. I'm 6 ft. I put my heel on the step, ass going in first and then go in as far as I can. Grab windshield bar, swing other foot in and finally arrive in seat. Once in, its great. I can see just fine, the seat is comfortable, and its a joy to fly. I flew it today for an hour. temp was 60 degrees. Prime twice, pull thru 4 times, make it hot, on idle it fires right up. (It took me some time to get this right.) Eisman mags seem to work very well. I was advised by old timers to keep them. They said new Slicks are not as good as older ones...IE: 5 years ago. This is true? I sure don't know. (I tie the tail and chock the left wheel.) Others really like Bendix. I don't think a Cub is even in the same class! Mine clicks off 95, smooth as glass @2150. JC