Bad News...Good News

[AKbrew]

CrispyCritter posted that it had been a bad week for Taylorcrafts, and he is right. I had been thinking the same thing. Then I got to thinking about all the GOOD things that happen in Taylorcrafts that go completely unnoticed. We fly them week in and week out bringing joy to ourselves and anyone fortunate enough to be along in the right seat (usually with their left arm behind our shoulders!). My dad was in Alaska last week and we took many fantastic flights together in pursuit of rainbow trout and salmon. I also had an old high school buddy here with his dad and 3 friends and all five of them took the opportunity to take a floatplane ride from Lake Hood. It was one of the highlights of their trip to Alaska. While my heartfelt condolences go out to those impacted by the recent tragedies, I thought it would be a welcome encouragement for us to remember all the good things that happen in our Taylorcrafts. If you have 6 minutes to spare, enjoy the attached video of happy Taylorcraft moments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhGa2qTblYI

[cvavon]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Akbrew thank you for this film it was grate !!!!!!!!!

[Buell Powell]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Akbrew--Thanks--that film makes me want to fly up to pick up my Dad and and head North.

[crispy critter]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Akbrew,
Thank you for the post and the video....I think we all need that, and yes, there has certinly been more good then bad but sometimes I think we get lost talking about the bad when maybe we should concetrate more on the good.
With that said I do have some good news about the little yellow t-craft that was poorly parked at the end of our runway last weekend. A local guy bought it and is going to do a complete rebuild/restoration on it. He seems to be a great guy,retired, has another airplane to fly, and just wanted something to restore and enjoy. He has been looking at t-crafts for a while so I think he will do great with it and I plan to help him whenever he needs me. It's great to know that it will fly again someday and it will be nice to have another t-crafter near by.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Bad News...Good News

You can't keep a good T down!
Remember to take LOTS of pictures of the whole process! How about starting a thread on the restoration and post the photos of each days work.
Hank

[crispy critter]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Hank,
I'll pass that info along to the new owner and encourage him to do so. I know he's been quietly wondering around the Taylorcraft forums for a little while but not sure how long. I'll snap a couple more pics of it tomorrow while it's still on my trailer and post. It's not going to be the easiest of projects but at least it is all there and the damage is pretty limited to the right front and right wing with very minor tail post damage. Most everything will be an easy fix except the fuslage....it is going to need some very careful repairs in some very critical areas of the fuslage but he has acces to another fuslage to use for measurments and jigging so that will help a bundle. The left wing did not receive any damage except for a broken rear attach bracket and I couldn't believe it broke that bracket but did not crack the spar!

[AKbrew]

Re: Bad News...Good News

That is great news about the rebuild project. Keep us posted. Glad you enjoyed the video...anyone is welcome to c'mon up to Alaska anytime. Mike Hustak stopped by for an encore Alaska T-Craft ride a few weeks ago and I had the privilege of taking him for his first flight in a floatplane. We used the opportunity to drop in and see Dick Smith who treated us to some great stories, some delicious smoked salmon and black bear pepperoni sausage, and even some target practice!

Let's keep as many of these fine plane flying as possible!

[M Jones]

Re: Bad News...Good News

I really enjoyed that video as always Akbrew. Thanks for sharing. A few years ago when we visited family in Anchorage, three of us drove down to Ninilchik and went Halibut and King fishing. I don't think it was the same outfitter, but darn close if not. That was one of the many highlights of our trip.

Thanks again

[lfries]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Thanks for sharing the video. I hope to get u[ there in the next two years.

[jim cooper]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Thanks very much! Wonderful pictures. JC

[Plater]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Hi Everyone, I'm the guy who bought the Taylorcraft. Crispy Critter I really appreciate all your help and guidence with purchasing this plane. A big Thank You for bringing the plane to our airport. After you left we did manage to remove the engine and get it into our shop. It took up a bunch of space so we are going to need to organize the shop so we can work. We managed to remove most of the fabric up to the cabin. "Our Friend the I.A. was very happy with what he saw. Tubes are in good shape, meaning no rust and good welds. A very slight bend on the longeron near the tail wheel. Of course most of the damage is in the front! I'm going hiking on the AT for the next 5 days so there won't be any reports until I get back. I'll have lots to think about while hiking the trail !!!

[crispy critter]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Plater,
Enjoy the trip and try not to get eat by a bear or anything,lol. Glad to help, just let me know anytime you guys need anything. It sounds like you guys had a busy afternoon taking things apart. All the tubing I looked at appeared to be pretty clean. You need to start your own thread here in the forums so you can keep everyone up to speed on the project as it goes along with a few pics here & there......of course that is if you want to fool with it. Have a great trip and I'll talk to you when ya get home.

[crispy critter]

Re: Bad News...Good News

I just posted some pics I took before it left my place yesterday for it's new home. It's title starts out N5080M......

[Bird]

Re: Bad News...Good News

Really great--there should have been an emmy here this was great--- for music, potography, and editing!!!!!!!!!

[Bird]

Re: Bad News...Good News

now if I could just spell