Doors removed

[DDEBERRY]

Mr. Jarrett, Can I fly my 1941 Taylorcraft with one or both doors removed? If so is there anything special I need to look for?
Thanks, David DeBerry

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Doors removed

I have never done it but several years ago there were several threads on it. Those threads said one door off was so common there is an advisory circular that provides the procedure. Everything needed is supposed to be in AC 105-25 at

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/c96c33525870370c862569de005bd7aa/$FILE/AC105-2c.pdf

The AC is really for jumping from the plane but I wouldn't think you HAVE to jump out. There is a list of planes in the list and the BC-12 is on it. Just fill out the form in the AC and take it to your FSDO. They will provide operating limitations.

One of the posts said they got these limits in 1970 from Atlanta.

Maximum of 70 percent of maximum level flight speed or the approved maneuvering speed. (About 70 MPH)
Limited to 15 degree maximum bank and 10 degree maximum yaw.
No more than one cabin door removed
Placard in full view
VFR only
Guardrail in doorway.

Hope this helps and I appreciate those old posts for doing the REAL leg work!
Hank

[DDEBERRY]

Re: Doors removed

Thanks so much and I'll read up on it.

[mike lutz]

Re: Doors removed

There is a old t-craft that for the last 37 years has been flying on warm summer evenings with both doors off in my area.The pilot says it flys just fine,make sure your paperwork and anything loose is in a bag or something.Not too much wind comes in and flys it at normal cruse.He has never had any problems.I,ve seen him loop and spin it with the doors (both)off,and he says he doesnt notice any difference whether doors are on or off.Dont think this is legal,but normally not to many fed,s out in the rural areas in the last hour or so of daylight of the day.

[N74DV]

Re: Doors removed

I do a fair amount of photo missions from our Tcraft with one and both doors off. Flies no different either way. Even hard full rudder slips handle nicely.

It's not "legal" but that's only because no one has taken the time and money to prove it flies no different than doors on and get an STC.

Take my comments for what they are worth to you. I am in no way endorsing or encouraging the activity

[wlas]

Re: Doors removed

I am thinking about doing it next spring at tne skwentna fly-in for the flour bombing contest and maybe only the right door. We may win this year !

[skipilot]

Re: Doors removed

I fly my 41 with both doors off all the time. Only thing that i have noticed is i have went threw many maps and hats!! You think id learn one of these times. Flys great nothing better than no doors.

[bashibazouk]

Re: Doors removed

http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/Flying-with-door-off.pdf

[astjp2]

Re: Doors removed

I have a 337 for a door removal and flight limitations, making it legal...Tim

http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/Flying-with-door-off.pdf

I do a fair amount of photo missions from our Tcraft with one and both doors off. Flies no different either way. Even hard full rudder slips handle nicely.

It's not "legal" but that's only because no one has taken the time and money to prove it flies no different than doors on and get an STC.

Take my comments for what they are worth to you. I am in no way endorsing or encouraging the activity

[swoeric]

Re: Doors removed

nothing better than doors off. if i have to pick someone up occasionally ill put the passenger door on and fly with mine off. anything in the back will come forward i promise. anything on the seat stays pretty well (radio. ipod, headset, leatherman) you can occasionally get crap in the eye if you have a dirty bird. with the dog in the baggage compartment his hair and drool comes forward and sticks to the framing near the wind screen. the plane seems to fly the same just a better view

[swoeric]

Re: Doors removed

oh yeah i forgot. go to your local taylorcraft supply company endorsed by george straight. they have some pins with the same diameter as the hinge bolts, add a bushing and i use the easy to remove cotter pins for fast doors on or off

[fearofpavement]

Re: Doors removed

Someone that I know well has flown a BC-12D a number of times with the doors off and other than the rush of having a great view and being more connected with the flying experience there doesn't seem to be any changes in performance. That person lost a very expensive pair of sunglasses that belonged to me though because the idiot stuck his head out to look at the tail. I have forgiven him for that snafu.

[skipilot]

Re: Doors removed

Im trying to put a pic on here with no doors hope it worked. If not can someone let me know how.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Doors removed

Not a '41 admittedly; a '46, but good fun nonetheless!

[N96337]

Re: Doors removed

Skipilot.... that's one of those planes that just looks "RIGHT"!
John