I have searched through the forums for an answer to this but didn't really find one so here goes. I am a private pilot with 1,800 hours, almost exclusively in Cessnas. I have owned a 150, 172, and most recently a 170B. I am in the market for an airplane and am considering a Taylorcraft. Unfortunately I have no experience with them and do not know anyone who does. I have read everything I can find about them and it seems like they are a capable aircraft for what I am looking to do. Summer would be on floats, wheels in spring and fall, and straight skis in winter. I am 5'9" and with my winter gear on weigh 220 lbs. Most of my flying will be solo but likely at gross weight. On wheels I will mostly be working off airport, grass strips, gravel bars, and beaches. Floats will be lakes and rivers for fishing. The models I am considering at this time are a BC-12D with a minimum horsepower of 85 and an electrical system or an F-19.

I am interested in what type of takeoff and landing performance these two models of Taylorcraft have on floats, both kept light and at gross. The lake I would be flying off of is at the 450 ft elevation in Wasilla, AK and is 2,300 ft long with excellent approaches from both ends with no tall trees. Density altitude is generally not a problem in this area as we tend to have cooler summers, 75 degrees is a hot day. Is there a certain float that is ideal for a Taylorcraft? What cruise speed do you experience on floats?

For winter flying, how is the tailwheel steering on the Taylorcraft? My 170B did not have good tailwheel steering and was not ideal when I was on straight skis, no brakes to help turn. The Citabria, Super Cub, and Cessna 180 I have flown all had good tailwheel steering. Also, how is the cabin heat on a Taylorcraft?

Thank you.

Wes

I have a Taylorcraft F21 on Baumann 1500 amphibs, TrickAir skis,
and 8:50 tires. Not at the same time. On floats at gross or over it is off the water in 10 secs. 95mph cruise. On skis it gets off fast depending upon snow conditions. Heat well there is some.

Wes, I wish we could have briefed you a little better back then. There'd be something for me to read here.