Semantics

[bashibazouk]

Hi all,

What should I call my Taylorcraft? It's serial # is 1705. It was built in 1940 and registered as a BL-65.

On February 4, 1966 a Form 337 was filed with numerous modifications, and repairs, including the following entry:

"installed Continental engine, mount + exhaust system as per C.A.A. letter dated 8-21-62 copy attached."

So now technically it's a BC-65? It's got the BC-style cowl and a Cont. C65.

The FAA still lists it as a BL-65, I would guess since it was first registered that way. Should the data plate still read BL-65?

Thanks,

Josh

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Semantics

It will always be a BL-65.

A 51 Ford pickup with a Corvette engine in it and Mopar shifter is still a Ford. With airplanes there is also a huge Federal bureaucracy that issues data plates and they are not going to turn your BL into a BC.

[bashibazouk]

Re: Semantics

Pretty much what I thought. Thanks, Mark.

Josh

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Semantics

My 41 was built as a BL-12-65, taken by the government for the war. By the time the war ended the Lyc was replaced by a Cont. Some of my paperwork says BL and some says BC. There is nothing in the logs about the engine switch and luckily all the FAA types have just shrugged it off and ignored the differences.
Hank

[Dano"T"]

Re: Semantics

My 40 model was a BL55...now all the paperwork says BC 65 since it was upgraded to an A65 in the early 60's...go figure.

[1938BF50]

Re: Semantics

My 38 was born as a Model "BF". Engine was changed to 65 Continental in late 50's. It is still a Model "BF" on legal docs.

[bashibazouk]

Re: Semantics

Thanks, guys. I guess I'll suck it up and just call it a BL and those who know what's what will ask and the rest will continue to be oblivious.

It's nice to know that's S.O.P. from the rest of the Tribe.

Josh

[flyguy]

Re: Semantics

My BC-85 really isn't either. It is a BC-65 with a 85 installed, (all legal) but no upgrades to the fuselage or wings, so it is still 1200 lbs gross, which means it isn't really a -85. The paperwork does say -85, though.
DC

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Semantics

The original TC can not be altered easily . The BL would a BL even with 650 HP. The BC-85 is someones dream designation. IF they are still Standard Categoey.