Heath Skis

[Clark]

Re: Heath Skis

Heres the ones I have that give the best view. Happy to provide better views of what ever you think will help.

[PA1195]

Re: Heath Skis

Thanks for taking the time to post the pics. I've seen the pedestals but not sure of the bottoms they were on. Probably rare to find them intact. I see the Data plate mentions Benton Harbor Michigan. I wonder if these were made by the same folks that created the Heathkit line of radios and components? Apparently so as they were in the aircraft business at one time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heathkit

There were Alaskan companies that made wooden skis and had a forming fixture to glue and then press the wood layers into a curve. They used tubing for the pedestal and wrapped the bottoms with thin steel. They ended up heavy in the end.

Maybe that pedestal and a carbon fiber base to bridge the generations?

Edit: See the pic below. It looks like they used tiered or stepped layers of wood below the pedestal to provide strength and variable flex. It was from a set for sale in a Google search.

Gary

[Clark]

Re: Heath Skis

The skis I have are plywood, maybe they are from the same place in Alaska and have no holes for wire/cables. I too believe that the Heath company radios and and the aircraft parts are one in the same company. The skis are a bit heavier than I would expect but don't know or think they'd exceed that of a tire. Seem extremely tough. My concern as to whether they are useable to me is that of the holes already in the skis which don't match those of the "pedestal." There's either something missing or there is a mismatch of pedestals to these particular skis.

[flylo]

Re: Heath Skis

I live 25 miles from BH where they were made, or they were from Chicago when the madde thr Heath Parasol kit. I learned to fly on a pair of Heath ski's in a '40 BL65 many long years ago. I had a tail ski but only used it one time as the tailwheel works great as a brake when needed. Those were the the days!

[Clark]

Re: Heath Skis

Interesting. I grew up in the Grand Haven/Spring Lake area. I now live Southeast of Jackson approximately 25 miles. I have recently purchased BL 65 from the east side of the state but know it spent a few years on the west side. It is the second Taylorcraft I've owned selling the first in 1990.

[flylo]

Re: Heath Skis

Now I see you're in Michigan as it brought the worst road trip of my life. As I already typed it. I'm selling 12 Lyc O-145 engines BTW.
I hope it wasn't the one I drove straight thru to Jackson MS from here to buy about 12 years ago. It was at the smaller Jackson MS airport & was being sold from an estate by the IA that took care of the universities Med Flight Helocopter. It came with a set of Ebo 1320 floats my son was going to haul back & I was going to fly. I sent him $50 for a ferry permit thinking I could trust him. Got there one wing was crooked, several bullet holes thru the wings due to gangs shooting up in the air & the bullets coming thru the hanger roof. There was a 3" hole in the windschield. Had a flat pc of plywood right behind the seat so you couldn't see of store anything. He had taken pics so none of this showed & said the plane was in fine shape. Long story short we drove straight home without a plane or floats. Most people I've met in aviation were very Honest, not in this case.

[Clark]

Re: Heath Skis

I am sure going to keep you mind as my work progresses, you having those engines. I do hope you get them sold as you'd like. Clark