N24068, '39 bc-65

[GregAmy]

In case anyone's keeping track of these things...I own N24068, a '39 BC-65. It used to be (lovingly) owned by my father, Errol "Bud" Amy of Port Barre Louisiana. He stopped flying it some time in the early '00s due to airworthiness (and personal medical) issues and it was being stored in a hanger in Opelousas LA. He gave it to me around 2006 (I owned a 1977 Grumman Tiger at the time). Unfortunately, Bud passed away in 2012, not able to see it fly again*.

Airplane is currently in Gadsden AL (KGAD) at a friend's hanger. It will need a complete restoration** so it's a long-term project. But we'll get her back to flying condition some day soon...

If anyone knows this airplane and/or has some photos when it was in its glory, I'd appreciate it.

- GA

*One of the neatest things we did together was my flying him down the NYC VFR Corridor in my Tiger, 10 years ago this weekend. Really wish I could have done the same in the T-Craft...

**Structurally it's pretty good, and all the parts are there, but it needs some fuse repair, engine overhaul, re-covering, tanks, the works. Not a weekend project.

[crispy critter]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

Greg,
That certianly one to hang on to and fix. My father and I still own the 46' BC12D that my great grandfather had. My father and grandfather learned to fly in it and it's been in my family since the 1950's. If ya ever need any advice or help with it let me know. Kev

[GregAmy]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

Anyone have interest in buying this?

It's a long story, but the short version is that my friend that had N24068 - and was to eventually restore it - passed away a couple weeks ago. I was under pressure to get the airplane "out of there as soon as possible" and was able to get a friend from Ohio to drive down and trailer it back home. I'm not getting good second-hand vibes from whoever is on his field that could work on it, and my friend will need me to begin paying him for storage (it was no cost before).

So, I'm not getting good vibes, I can't get a hard estimate on what it'll take to get it airworthy, and it's costing me money per month. And I don't have the space - or the skills - to do the work myself at home (Connecticut). Finally, I'm the kinda guy that does not like leaving the Mustang sitting next to the garage, under the tree, sinking in the dirt because "I'll get to it some day". My father would be far more appreciative if it went to a good home and got flying again.

Conversely, if there's someone that has the skills and motivation to get this flying, I'd consider hearing from you.

I can get my buddy to send more details and photos upon request.

Ideas appreciated.

Greg

http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/GregAmy99/library/Taylorcraft?sort=3&page=1

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

This is the best place to sell her. Based on your description she is NOT a basket case, just a rebuild of a complete airframe, and THAT is a good thing! A rebuild of a stored plane is always easier than one that has been taken apart. I would post photos of the major components, I assume the struts are NOT sealed, pictures of the firewall forward, the panel and a shot or two down the tail cone and under the fuel tank. Any damage should be photographed and posted for a fair price (which the guys here will start suggesting as soon as we see the pictures). Make sure she is Lien free and get a copy of the CD from the FAA. Also check the completeness of the logs. Planes this old usually DO NOT have complete logs, so that is not a show stopper, but recent ones sure do help showing it was flown before it was stored.
A sweet pre-war like that should sell pretty quickly and if it goes to a Tribe member she will be treated with love and respect. If you have any old photos of her it really gets the nostalgia juices flowing. POST EM!

Hank

[GregAmy]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

Hank, thank you. My buddy that has the airplane now was able to take some additional photos for me; I've added them to the Photobucket library:

http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/GregAmy99/library/Taylorcraft?sort=3&page=1

If any other specific photos are requested, let me know.

I've asked for him to give me the status on the logs. Don't have to FAA CD for this airplane, but it's easy enough to request (as well as for anyone else interested in the airplane). I do have it currently registered with the FAA under my own name (as, no doubt, others have checked) and I recall it's currently good for another 5-ish years (think I renewed it within the last few months).

My buddy that has this airplane is an IA (specializes in Grummans; I also have a Tiger http://www.gatm.com/flying) so if you're interested I'd be glad to give out his contact info via PM, and I've authorized him to answer any and all questions honestly.

Greg

[crispy critter]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

Greg, I just sent you a private message.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

Looking at the pictures this looks like a real jewel in the rough. Wrong cowl (that is a post war, but most of the pre wars seemed to get post war cowls somewhere along the line). Still looks complete, which is the biggest risk in an old plane. Compass is still there as well as the big Tach (tough to find parts). The wings look pretty good. Usually on a stored plane you see a LOT of broken ribs. I am REALLY interested in those control wheels! Never seen that type before! Usually that era planes had the big round ones, but I can't get my legs under them.

Hank

Any feel for price yet?

[3Dreaming]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

Hank, those wheels were round at one time. I've seen a few others that have been cut off, or reshaped like those.

[GregAmy]

Re: N24068, '39 bc-65

Interesting discussions...unfortunately, I'm not going to be much help for details, other than photos. I've been a Grumman Tiger guy for nearly 20 years, and this was my Dad's baby. I live in Connecticut, he lived in Louisiana, so other than a couple flights when I visited I've got no direct experience with this airplane. Still looking around through old stuff to find flying photos. I remember seeing photos of it at one time...

I do not yet understand what this airplane's value is, but I'd appreciate feedback and certainly will accept reasonable offers.

Greg