Remove wing tanks

[dejh22]

I was thinking about not reinstalling the wing tanks in my recently purchased project 1946 BC12-D. I KNOW I KNOW but I have my reasons. Do I have to do anything as far as paperwork?
thanks
Dale

[guns68]

Re: Remove wing tanks

If you have a left wing tank in decent condition, I would be interested

[KewFlyer]

Re: Remove wing tanks

Dale:
Same here. Our right tank is beyond repair. Let me know. Thanks.
PING....Are the tanks interchangeable?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Remove wing tanks

Left and right tanks are not interchangeable and you need to check with your A&P and/or your IA about removing the wing tanks or adding them. You CAN NOT just change the configuration of your plane without going through the paperwork!
Hank

[dejh22]

Re: Remove wing tanks

Hank, you are everywhere! I will wait to get an A&P to give me the OK.I was told the right wing tank had a leak. The left wing tank according to the log books had been repaired some time a go. Leaking tanks in wings do them no good. Like you told me before, install them just don't use them is a good option. I just have it in my head to not have them at all.
Dale

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Remove wing tanks

If they are leaking and you aren't going to use them you have to tag them as "Inop" and I think that even requires a log entry. BEST thing to do is make sure they are fully functional and just not use them. Mine was tagged out for a long time but is fully functional now and I intend to fuel it each time I fill up and drain it into the main (just fill the wing first and open the transfer to drain it before filling the main). Just make sure you DON'T fully fill both wing tanks (if you have two) and try to drain them into a non-empty main! Mine probably won't fly with fuel in them very often, but the tanks and seals will be rinsed in fuel every week to keep corrosion and "passengers" at bay.
Hank

[mikeg]

Re: Remove wing tanks

I was thinking about not reinstalling the wing tanks in my recently purchased project 1946 BC12-D. I KNOW I KNOW but I have my reasons. Do I have to do anything as far as paperwork?
thanks
Dale

Dale,
To remove the tank/tanks you just a need a log book entry and change the equipment list and W&B.
Mikeg

[magman]

Re: Remove wing tanks

My thought would be to start with the Type Cert Data Sheets.

You would want to determine if this is REQUIRED equipment.


If engine upgrades have or will be done getting or using the approval may involve

sufficient fuel capacity.

[1938BF50]

Re: Remove wing tanks

Optional items on the TCDS(which BC-12D wing tanks are) only need a logbook entry to satisfy paperwork.

[Garry Crookham]

Re: Remove wing tanks

Optional items on the TCDS(which BC-12D wing tanks are) only need a logbook entry to satisfy paperwork.

Might want to review the TCDS. The airplane in question is a "BC-12D".....right wing tank is a required item.

[dejh22]

Re: Remove wing tanks

My dads first airplane was a 1946 taylorcraft bc12-d. This was back in 1968-69. It had no wing tanks. Sometime between then and 1993 someone added both wing tanks.

[dejh22]

Re: Remove wing tanks

After further investigation my dad's taylorcraft was a bc12-d1. D1 did not have wing tank"s". From what I read, my bc12-d requires at least the right wing tank.
Dale

[jim cooper]

Re: Remove wing tanks

The wing tanks on my BC12D were used just over a year ago when it flew from Buffalo to Maryland. Since then I use only the main. The wings are empty. I do this for weight. Should I put some gas in them or leave them empty? JC

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Remove wing tanks

Haven't put my 45 together yet (2 wing tanks) but on the 41 (RH tank only) if I need more than 6 gallons I will fill the wing and drain it into the main, then finish filling the main. That way I run fresh fuel through the tank and avoid any buildup of moisture and rust. The first time you use a tank after a long time empty it would seem there is a pretty good chance of washing some rust into the screens. A thin coat of fuel would help with corrosion prevention.
Don't know if it will help, but that is my logic. It also lets me check for any leaks without having a lot of fuel in for a long time. Nothing like coming out and opening the hangar to a pool of gas on the floor!
Hank

PS
I ALWAYS filled the wing first when I was going to use it before I did the rework on her and made sure the fuel would transfer to the main before I topped both up. My transfer was VERY slow (and sometimes stopped). When I did the rework I found a pretty tight pinch in the line at the top of the "A" Pillar where you couldn't see it. The line snapped at the pinch when I removed it! Should flow free with the new line.

[Pearson]

Re: Remove wing tanks

You guys flying on the right side of the country can get by with no wing tanks, or maybe only one. Come over to the left side of the map and you will be glad you have that extra fuel. There are many place I fly to that don't have fuel. Having 24 gallons allows me to tanker in fuel on trips where none is available. The extra tanks also make long trips easier.

Dale if you are thinking of leaving your tanks out of your project, why not install the aluminum covers over the inboard bay. That way you could always add the tanks later. The 337 for doing it is on the Foundations website, or at least it used to be. If you are recovering the wings, it would be a very simple mod. I did it to my wings with fabric on them, and it still wasn't very hard.