1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

[NC22211]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Answers:

The thing hanging over the root leading edge is the upper wing fairing strip. I was finishing up the two fairings at the time the photos were taken. They are finished, painted and installed now.

The "IGN" push-pull switch is there in name only. This Model BL had the single ignition O-145-1 from the factory, hence the single mag switch. When I changed over to the A65-8F Continental, I opted for the conventional A-7 Mag Switch shown on the left side of the panel. Instead of leaving a hole where the original "IGN" went, I simply plugged in a switch wired to nothing.

Thanks for the kind comments! Good hearing it from the Taylorcraft Gang - I hope I did build it to your exacting standards! Bob C

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Just to satisfy the anal Fed who looks at her, you might want to have a little tag that says "INOP" for the switch. Some rules can be stupid, but they can be enforced by those who "OBEY, but don't think".
Hank

[NC22211]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Let's see. The factory wired the planes for nav lights and put in a switch, but never installed the lights. No "Inop" sticker used back then. They didn't feel a POH was required and certainly did not create or authorize a MEL addendum to its Ops-Specs.

Antique airplanes are functional works of Art. I object to non-original placards and stickers stuck around the plane just as I would having some Fed plunket force alterations which de-faced the Mona Lisa. Since I am the pilot flying her, I will accept the responsibility to know that the Mags are controlled by the A-7 switch and the lights don't light. Of course, if the engine mysteriously quits some dark and stormy night while I am IFR at 5000', you can bet your bippy I'll push and pull every knob in the plane trying to get a relight!

No, I think I'll leave the panel un-marred as it was from the factory until I find a Fed who will put it into writing that all Taylorcraft owners must plaster their aircraft with stickers covering every possible situation. That day may be coming, but not without a fight from me!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

I agree completely. I do NOT put non-original placards, stickers or other markings in (unless they are required by regulation or safety), but I WILL carry a few "INOP" tags to hang on things when an anal Fed sticks his nose in. I am also not above thanking him for the information when he points out something and saying I have no intent for flight right now and will address the problem prior to the next flight.

By regulation they CAN NOT cite you if there is no intent for flight. Legally they can also NOT inspect your aircraft if you don't want them to. The regulations on ramp checks are for COMMERCIAL operations, NOT US (but good luck stopping someone who thinks they are the final word).

If you get asked to submit to a ramp check and you don't want it, just say no and state your plane is not used for commercial purposes and ramp chacks do not apply to our class of aircraft. If he says he will do it any way, DON'T argue with him, simply state "I do not give you permission to enter or inspect my aircraft, but I will not interfere with you should you do so any way". Then ask him for his government identification and write the info down (they usually walk away in a huff at this point or ask if you are a lawyer).

The main thing is DO NOT argue and always remain polite but firm and DO NOT TOUCH HIM OR STOP HIM (you DO NOT want an assault charge). If he enters or inspects your plane and refuses to show his ID, he is probably NOT from the government and you should call security immediately. Even the LOWEST level govies KNOW they have to properly ID themselves.

Hank