Post by Bruce on Nov 1, 2009 15:56:48 GMT 12
Yesterday marked a key milestone in a classic aircraft project I have been involved with. For the last few months whilst waiting unsucessfully for progress on ZK-CKE, I have been helping Russ Ward reactivate one of his Taylorcraft at Kelly Field, Mercer. Yesterday N44022, a 1946 BC-12D flew for the first time in 11years (and the first time in NZ). this aircraft is powered by a mighty Continental A65 (65 strong Amercan horses) but because of its light weight and low drag wing section it can outperform a 90hp cub quite happily - with extremely low fuel consumption!.
"November Zero two two" will remain on the US register, but should be at a number of fly - ins this year. I had intended to bring it to Black Sands next week, but I'm not really up to speed flying it yet. Russ carried out the test flight from Kelly field in lovely "blue with fluffy white stuff" conditions, then he took me for a few circuits. It flies like a classic aircraft, nice and friendly, but quite picky on correct use of rudder etc. This is the second BC12 to be seen flying here, as ZK-BSW has been around for many years. we will probably see some more come on line in the future too.
The reactivation included a full repaint in insignia white (some left overs from ZK-CKE) with very distinctive graphics as seen here - it should stop people saying "Nice Cub" !
"November Zero two two" will remain on the US register, but should be at a number of fly - ins this year. I had intended to bring it to Black Sands next week, but I'm not really up to speed flying it yet. Russ carried out the test flight from Kelly field in lovely "blue with fluffy white stuff" conditions, then he took me for a few circuits. It flies like a classic aircraft, nice and friendly, but quite picky on correct use of rudder etc. This is the second BC12 to be seen flying here, as ZK-BSW has been around for many years. we will probably see some more come on line in the future too.
The reactivation included a full repaint in insignia white (some left overs from ZK-CKE) with very distinctive graphics as seen here - it should stop people saying "Nice Cub" !
