Hey BCP! New pilot here with dreams of flying in the mountains considering buying my first airplane. I think a Taylorcraft would suit my mission well-- plus, I just love the look of them. I'd be very interested in an 85hp or an F19/21, though I know there aren't many of them around.

Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Located on the west coast. Thank you!

There's a F-21 for sale currently in Soldotna, AK. Search Craigslist to find the ad.

Zzz wrote:There's a F-21 for sale currently in Soldotna, AK. Search Craigslist to find the ad.

I've seen that listing, really cool airplane. It just seems like a bit of a logistical challenge this time of year... especially for a first airplane purchase. If it's still around later this summer, I may be up in AK and would go take a look.

I love the look of a T-cart, sweet little bird. Have you had a chance to climb into one yet, if not you will know what I'm referring to as soon as you do.

Mapleflt wrote:I love the look of a T-cart, sweet little bird. Have you had a chance to climb into one yet, if not you will know what I'm referring to as soon as you do.

I have not yet, but have heard it's tight. I did my private in a Cessna 140, which had plenty of room for me at about 5'11" 140lbs. Although I will say it can be a serious squeeze for some passengers. Is a Tcraft significantly smaller than a 120/140?

I’m 6’1” 200 lbs and i fit ok in the heel brake Taylorcraft. It’s close but I could be comfortable. I found the toe brake pedals in the F-21 though ate in to my knee room too much.

That triangle tube that gussets the door opening is a real bear. You have to enter butt-first and swing your legs in, with not much headroom because the bottom of the wing is right there at the top of the door frame..

I’ve heard tall guys say they unroll the seat sling to get more legroom, but I’ve heard the real problem is climbing in and out. The doors don’t change size.

Zzz eluded to the primary issue in my opinion, the diagonal brace that runs through the lower portion of the door opening. I'm shorter in stature but that's where I found the contortions are needed when maneuvering over it.

Unless side by side seat is a must have I'd be looking at a Champ. In my limited experience it's by far the easiest to get in and out of and equal in performance with all others within the same class.

Or: an Taylorcraft L2M, a wide champ.

I was 6'4" 230, no problems; front seat solo.

Did not have the swivel backseat, but a big seat others found comfortable.

Bill

Thanks for the input everyone.

I've had a chance to fly a C170A a few times recently and man does it feel like a real airplane compared to what I'm used to. I would be interested in a 170A/B if anyone knows of one that isn't currently listed.

What's your budget? 170's along with 172's are at a bit of a premium these days.

Locally, I saw a 1975 Taylorcraft F19 listed for $65K on FB marketplace the other day. Seemed a little high priced, but then I really don't know what the market is for these planes.

Are you set on a certified aircraft? Lots of experimental options out there that generally outperform certified airplanes for less money.

WWhunter wrote:What's your budget? 170's along with 172's are at a bit of a premium these days.

I'm more sensitive to operating cost than initial purchase price. I'm just looking for something that I can fly a lot, learn a lot, and will still have value when it comes time to sell. Although I've been mostly looking at the starter 2 place taildraggers, I’m beginning to realize it may make more financial sense in the long run to buy a nicer airplane from the beginning. A 30k overhaul/recover on a 30k airplane does not sound fun. At least in something like a 170 it appears as if the big ticket maintenance items are well reflected in their value. I’m still quite new to this so I very well could be wrong.

WWhunter wrote: Locally, I saw a 1975 Taylorcraft F19 listed for $65K on FB marketplace the other day. Seemed a little high priced, but then I really don't know what the market is for these planes.

I've been talking to the owner of this one. Nice plane, but, as you mentioned, I think we may be too far off in price. I also have some other suspicions.

WWhunter wrote: Are you set on a certified aircraft? Lots of experimental options out there that generally outperform certified airplanes for less money.

I haven’t really put much thought into experimental… I suppose I could be open to it. I’ll poke around!

Nice looking A model in Wasilla listed today.

If you want to look north of the border in Canada. Very nice one in Bonnyville, Alberta on FB marketplace. Recovered 2 years ago. $55K Can, about $38K US. Comes with floats and ski's. Barry Pasos C-FPUW