Clipwing education?

[mulwyk]

A couple of the local EAA know-it-alls keep telling me I should convert my BC12D project to a clipwing experimental. I know next to nothing about clipwings so I just nod and smile. But it would be nice if I could at least carry on an intelligent conversation on the subject.

These may be stupid or obvious questions, but perhaps the tailorcraft folk can give me a little basic education:

First...what do we mean by "clipwing"? It looks like the easiest modification would be to remove the first bay on each wing...shortening each wing by about 3 feet. Correct? Shorter struts and...any other mods?

Advantages: I'm told that the clipwing has an improved roll rate, higher cruise speed, and less "float" on landing. And, of course, my EAA buddies tout the apparent preferential treatment given to experimental light sports by the FAA. All true? Any other advantage I should know about?

Disadvantage: I know there is no free lunch in aviation. What are the disadvantages? Will a clipwing even fly on an A-65 or do I need 100HP? Nasty stall, perhaps? Resale value?

[N74DV]

Re: Clipwing education?

what I want to know is how the hell do you certify an aircraft as experimental that has already been certificated otherwise?

the 51% rule must apply to get experimental status and the FAA does not give credit for parts previously certificated other than experimental.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Clipwing education?

WE do it all the time! Hell, there are more than Experimentail Homebuilt; there is Experimentail Exhibition, Restricted, Marketing & Research, and a couple of others used for factory stuff like flight test and initial flight test.
I am one of the ones that believe that the "Clip Wing" Taylorcrafts should be done as Certified Standard Category aircraft. Insurance , places you can operate, still a "non-electrical " even with a 180 HP Lyc. , and many other things. HOWEVER if the owner-builder wishes to do his own certification that is fine, OR he could still do all the "work" on the ship and have an A&P sign off the Condition Inspection each year .
Not a problem here in Alliance at 2D1 , I am an A&P , & IA. Might even consider looking into the much talked about Type Specific DER .

The factory at Lock Haven had the opportunity to copy & produce Leisa Marie our Standard Cat BC12D with 180 hp Lyc. 9 STC's on her and what a great airplane.
I remind everybody that Mrs. Feris produced three F-19's that became Certified clips with 0-200 Cont. I test flew them all. There is a specific section under another area that addresses "clip wings",. I go there to post.

[flyguy]

Re: Clipwing education?

Never knew that the factory made any clip wings Taylorcrafts. Does that mean that somewhere there are factory drawings that could be used to produce a certified aircraft. As I have expressed before, I would wager that such a product would sell rather well. Too bad the factory isn't clever enough to pick up on the possibilities. Would be a plane I would consider buying new. If nothing else they would be a great rental aircraft for FBO's and instruction.
DC

[3Dreaming]

Re: Clipwing education?

The F19's Forrest is speaking of were built and test flown in Alliance, then shipped by rail to Duncan OK for conversion. They had 1 hour in the logbook when converted. I have the logbook from one of these airplanes. Tom

[flyguy]

Re: Clipwing education?

Thanks for the info. Hope springs eternal.
DC

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Clipwing education?

Actually, the first ship was test flown and then the long wings taken off and left here in Alliance to be put onto the second ship, and test flown , etc., this kind of messed up how many fuselages & sets of wings were built by the Feris regime....
and I think the fuselage was picked up at the factory by the builder whose I forget he then got the fuselages , complete with tail , engine etc, to their destination where he installed his clipped wings done to the Swick conversion , they were normal cat ships to my knowledge.
The STC's could be revised if Mike Swick still does not to part with them .

I have ALWAYS encouraged the various factories to do this!!

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