Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

[DPKII]

A happy day! June 1st we flew N96907 for the first time after a 2.5 year restoration and recover.
I will attempt to post some pics. These are the first time she saw sunlight since assembly.

David

[N96337]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Looks Great!

[DPKII]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Thanks for the compliment.
Here are some of the pictures of the actual first flight which went very well. It was flying a little left wing heavy but corrected with a strut adjustment. I now know what it must have felt like to fly a Taylorcraft fresh from the factory. The controls are so smooth and tight! Even the ailerons feel very smooth. No more sawing logs! I hope to do a little flying this evening.

David

[Robert Lees]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Very nice!

[rdwater]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

David that is a beautiful restoration. Congratulations. I really like the big back windows. I wish mine had those. Bob

[M Jones]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Looks great, congratulations!

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Oh so Nice! As pretty as they get.

and by the way... it appears there will soon be another T-craft project available in Victoria.

[1938BF50]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Congrats David!

I'll bet you have a lot more flying Wx than we do. Enjoy it!

[DPKII]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Thanks for the compliments. I did get to do a little flying yesterday evening!

Bob - Yes I do like the large rear windows. It was converted to the F-19 style by a former owner the last time the fuselage was recovered. They don't add all that much visability but I do like the way they make the Taylorcraft look. I have had a few people ask if it is a 4 place airplane.

Mike - We do have good flying weather here. Fall and early winter is the best. Summers are hot and humid-mornings and evenings are good. Some spring days are good but this last spring was very windy. Actually the windy weather just quit in time for the test flights!

Mark - I have seen by your posts that you are from the San Antonio area. We probably have run into each other without knowing it. A project in the Victoria area? Interesting, can you give any more info? The last Taylorcraft that I knew of in Victoria was the one at the old Ball Airport. I think that one went your way. Also I do know a person looking to buy a Taylorcaft, Cheif, or possibly a Champ. He is looking for one to take lessons in. Of course I am partial to the Taylorcraft and would love to see him find one. Anybody know of a good one for sale?

Thanks,
David

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

David,
Go snooping around Victoria and I hope you find this plane.
See my PM
More photos available.
Mark

[DPKII]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Mark,

Thanks for the picture. I PMd you.

David

[barnstmr]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

David,
Great Looking bird!!! What engine and prop do you have? Guys... we need to have a Taylorcraft gathering this fall when the weather cools off! I hope to have mine back in the air by the end of July.

[DPKII]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Terry,

I see you are in Texas too! Yes a Taylorcraft gathering would be fun. There is a great FlyIn in September. in Louise TX that may be a good place to gather. It is the "Under the Wire Flyin" at Robbie Vajdos's place the Flying V. The pictures I posted of the first flight are at Robbie's place. Lots of antique classic aircraft will be there as well as a number of Stearmans. It is a weekend long event with early arrivals on Friday, Saturday the main arrivals, there will be a concession lunch and catered BBQ supper. Flour bombing and spot landing Sat. evening. There is plenty of room to pitch a tent under the oaks or some people bring in motor homes or stay in hotels in the area. Some people stay all weekend and some just fly in for a while on Sat. If the weather is good there are always lots of airplanes there. If not then maybe some other weekend.

The Taylorcraft has a C-85 and a McCauly 72-48.

Thanks,
David

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

You could always come back to Alliance, July 7-8-9-10th where she made her FIRST test flight on Aug 1, 1946 by Reese Edwards for 45 minutes . His Certificate number was Commercial #200891 . We are working to put the old runway back into the factory for this fall or next year. Beautiful ship!

[DPKII]

Re: Taylorcraft Returns to the Texas skies

Forrest,

I would love to make it to Alliance one year but this summer is out of the question. Thanks a bunch for the history on my bird. That is new information to me and I will add that to my file. Any idea as to the original build specs, color, etc? The original logs are missing. Thanks also for all the information and help you give to the Taylorcraft fleet. I hope we meet in person some day.

Thanks,
David