This web page is for people devoted to flying and maintaining the Taylorcraft legend. Contributions in the form of suggestions, ideas, comments, and public reference materials are always welcome and will be included as time permits.
(file: ne.htm, date: 3-10-97)

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Table of Contents

Taylorcrafts on patrol...

At odd and uncertain times, the weather would be just right, a fuel truck could be found, three out of three engines would eventually start, and Taylorcrafts could be seen over the skies of North Texas. The first two pictures were taken from a Mooney enroute to the Waco air show from Lake Whitney where we had camped the evening before (see third picture).

The last picture was taken at the Dallas "Flight Through Time" air show about four or five years ago. At this air show, anybody who was old enough to sit and was interested in airplanes was invited to sit in the cockpit of a "real antique" and daydream at full speed. At one point, the line of kids ready to sit in the airplanes (and parents with cameras) was so long that the pilots were stuffing kids in the pilot's side while a volunteer helped them out of the passenger's side all in a fairly steady stream. All in all, a whole bunch of kids sat in an airplane that day.

Note: All of the Taylorcraft pictures look more and more like photographs as the possible colors are increased. Be sure to check the video display settings on your computer to make sure the maximum number of colors are available (at least a 256 entry pallet and 16 million possible colors). If you see only a "posterized" image, then you need to find another setting or other equipment for viewing.

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The Blue Taylorcraft - 1941 BC-65

The Blue Taylorcraft (AKA "Blue" and "Blue Too") has been a joy to fly, own, and maintain. Previous aircraft included a Piper Cherokee 6 and a Cessna 172, both of which were fine airplanes. However, nothing equals the Taylorcraft for fun and excitement available on each and every flight.

The Taylorcraft in many ways, has been one of the best sources of instruction that I have found. Sloppy flying in a Taylorcraft is quite noticeable and always rewarded with "rough" results. Rough landings are very rough, uncoordinated turns throw you against the doors and seat belts, and poorly planned pattern work is noticeable to everybody in the air as well as on the ground. You just do not get away with substandard flying in a Taylorcraft like you do in other airplanes. On the other hand, when you make a good landing or handle a stiff cross wind successfully, you do not need anybody to pat you on the back... the airplane already did this just by virtue of having had the experience.

I always enjoy taking a pilot up for a "first time Taylorcraft ride." Even the "high time jumbo jet guys" learn something. After a few minutes of learning the basics, the new Taylorcraft pilot learns what a "rudder" can and should do given the long thick wings and the adverse yaw. After the rudder training, we run the gauntlet over a whole assortment of uniquely Taylorcraft flight experiences. You can do slips, wheel landings, stall landings, and a whole bunch of other things in other airplanes, but the Taylorcraft is an airplane that really makes you do these sorts of things the right way and lets you know when you do them wrong. As an added bonus, you are left with an experience that will stick with you for a long time.

If you have never flown a Taylorcraft, make an effort to find one, even if only for an hour or two.

The Brown Taylorcraft - 1946 BC-12D

The brown Taylorcraft (AKA Brown) is "Rag Patrol Leader" and is in charge of cameras, film, ELT batteries, extra tools, GPS operation, and most trivia questions regarding most subjects.

The Red Taylorcraft - 1946 BC-12D

The Red Taylorcraft (AKA Red) is currently going through a rebuilding phase of life. Since we don't know what the paint scheme is going to look like I am including only a few of the best pictures.

Other Taylorcraft Information

Taylorcraft Operating Information - This information was originally found with a bunch of miscellaneous Taylorcraft documentation (no copyright notations or publisher found).

Removable/Portable Smoke System - This is included to help answer the most frequently asked question: "Hey, is that an EGT?".

Taylorcraft 337 Modifications - List of common Taylorcraft 337/STC/modifications and instructions for ordering the printed copy or drawing from Randy and Terry Novak.

BPE-14 Turbo Alternator - Information on a wind generator replacement that was seen at Sun N Fun 1995. This device was also seen on a "Past Grand Champion Luscombe" as well.

Taylorcraft References and Resources