Adding to the Registry, Valentine
A 1940 BL 65. This is my second Taylorcraft, the first was a 1946 BC12D which I sold in 1990. My activity in aviation ceased in 1993. Until I realized last January I could resume it again affordably.
Some about me – I enrolled in and attended a state university which has run a Pilot and Mechanics program since it’s College of Aviation was established in 1939-40. I completed a large portion of the A & P program before I left in the mid 80’s. I then worked as an Aircraft Structural repairman in the Army followed by the Air Force Reserve and received training as a Turbo Propulsion Technician and then a Turbine engine Technician assigned to C-130’s then KC 135’s.
Career wise I earned my living working as a Professional Counselor and am presently in a state of quasi retirement.
About this aircraft – It’s date of manufacture is February 14, 1940. This aircraft became a part of the College of Aviation program mentioned earlier from 1941 -1944. In fact, there are entries in the log book signed by the maintenance instructor and director of the program who is now considered the father of the program having a building named after him at the University. Most of the pilots trained at the College went to the Navy during the war.
The aircraft was placed in storage after tie – down damage occurred from a Severe Thunderstorm in 1982. It was in process of being reassembled after receiving new paint and was airworthy at the time.
It sat for 34 years in a hay storage barn until I brought it home in May of 2018, as a project plane.
A 1940 BL 65. This is my second Taylorcraft, the first was a 1946 BC12D which I sold in 1990. My activity in aviation ceased in 1993. Until I realized last January I could resume it again affordably.
Some about me – I enrolled in and attended a state university which has run a Pilot and Mechanics program since it’s College of Aviation was established in 1939-40. I completed a large portion of the A & P program before I left in the mid 80’s. I then worked as an Aircraft Structural repairman in the Army followed by the Air Force Reserve and received training as a Turbo Propulsion Technician and then a Turbine engine Technician assigned to C-130’s then KC 135’s.
Career wise I earned my living working as a Professional Counselor and am presently in a state of quasi retirement.
About this aircraft – It’s date of manufacture is February 14, 1940. This aircraft became a part of the College of Aviation program mentioned earlier from 1941 -1944. In fact, there are entries in the log book signed by the maintenance instructor and director of the program who is now considered the father of the program having a building named after him at the University. Most of the pilots trained at the College went to the Navy during the war.
The aircraft was placed in storage after tie – down damage occurred from a Severe Thunderstorm in 1982. It was in process of being reassembled after receiving new paint and was airworthy at the time.
It sat for 34 years in a hay storage barn until I brought it home in May of 2018, as a project plane.
Comment