N96234 - Kept in the Family

[Kerbs]

Hello, I am new to the forum. I recently purchased N96234, a 46' BC-12D with an A65. I purchased the plane from my father who owned it the last 17 years. The plane is as close to stock as they come and has been meticulously maintained. My father and brother both hold licenses and built many hours flying in the Tcraft, a lot of them with me sitting right seat when I could. I finally have the time to fly myself and am currently working on getting my ticket. I hope to have it wrapped up and be building hours of my own by the end of August. I'm glad I found this forum, the resources here are fantastic!

[M Towsley]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Welcome, (fill in name here),

So happy to hear a family T-Craft is staying in the family and that you are pursuing your license. Welcome to the family, folks on here are very knowledgeable and helpful. (Don't forget to leave at least a first name in your signature line so we can address you properly) Best wishes and best of luck in your endeavor to get your license.

[Mark Bowden]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Welcome to the Forum Stuart, great to have you here.

It is nice to see another green Tcraft! Please post some additional photos, she looks like a beautiful aircraft.

Keep after getting your ticket, if you can get it done by Summer's end, the fall has some of the best weather to fly!

Mark

[Peterroy]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Welcome "fill in name here" (good one Marty!)

We'll be passing through Port Townsend (in a motorhome) in late September. Maybe we can hook up.

Peter

[Kerbs]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Ok, I think I got the signature fixed. Thanks for the welcome.

Peter, drop me a line on here or [email protected], would love to meet up.

[Robert Lees]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Welcome Stuart! There are lots of knowledge-squirels here, so feel free to ask away if you have questions. We're quite a small-knit community, and many know each other.

Mark who responded up there ^^^^ is another who now owns his father's aeroplane, so you and he should have some common experiences.

Peterroy who also responded ^^^^ is a friend whom both Mark and I know (and Peter has the most humungous Motor Home that I have ever seen!)

Let us all know how you get on with the Private ticket!

Rob

[M Towsley]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Good job, Stuart!!!


Have fun with the 'ole girl and feel free to use the search bar, (lots of info out there), or ask away. Glad to have you.

[crispy critter]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Stuart,
I think it's a little ironic that your plane has been in the family so long especially it being N96234.....I have N96235 that has been in my family since the 1950's. Belonging to my great grandfather, grandfather, father, and uncles. Good luck with your ticket and hope all goes well. I think I've talked to your dad or brother before. They even sent me a letter and picture of your Taylorcraft a few years ago.

[Kerbs]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Kevin- Really cool your plane has such a rich family history and sequential tail number too! I spoke with my pops and he remembered sending you a letter.

Stuck my first landing without instructor assistance today, even with a pretty healthy cross wind. I haven't soloed yet but am making progress. Thanks for everyone's help and input. It's great to find such a great group and resource.

[crispy critter]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

That's great to hear Stuart. Keep up the good work. We might have to try and get these two siblings together someday.

[Kerbs]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Just finished up the annual. Everything checked out great with no issues or hidden surprises which was welcome. I took a couple more pictures after she was all washed up yesterday.

[woodmw]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Nice plane, Stuart. Couple of questions if I could:

I see what looks to be an inspection cover on the lower boot cowl. I've not seen this before. Anyone else seen this? If you made a cover with louvers, it could act as a vent.

There is a pattern of holes in the leading edge of the wing root fairing. Any idea of their purpose?

What kind of coating is on the exhaust? Any ideas on its benefits?

A comment: The fairing between the gear leg and the fuselage looks much like mine. Stress cracking. Here's a post by Marty about metal parts by David Wenglarz if your are interested. David does nice work.

[M Towsley]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Link must not have worked, Mike. Here it is: http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread...light=wenglarz

[Kerbs]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Thanks Mike. Are you referring to the rectangular-ish cover on the starboard side of the cowl? That is a cabin air vent that opens to the front creating a ram air into the cabin. I thought that was pretty standard but may incorrect or confused on where you are looking at.

The small holes on the wing root I believe are for the ambient air temp gauge. I am assuming that based on where the gauge is inside the cabin. I can take pictures of both of these if it helps.

The exhaust coating I believe is ceramic. It's suppose to help keep temps down under the cowl and also improve HP slightly due to the exhaust gases remaining at a higher temp increasing the flow. Whether it actually adds any performance gain I can't say. I think it does look good however. It predates my dad owning the plane so we don't know much on it.

Thanks Mike and Marty for the info on the gear leg fairing. That was on my list to try and figure out how to repair.

[woodmw]

Re: N96234 - Kept in the Family

Stuart...

Thanks for the info. I like the air vent. That with the slider windows in the doors. Pictures would be great.