Deliveries scheduled as production of light aircraft resumes under new ownership
Under the latest in a long line of new owners, the Taylorcraft name is returning to general aviation. LaGrange, Texas-based Taylorcraft Aviation plans to begin deliveries of the once-popular two-seat light aircraft within three months.
New owner Harry Ingram, who purchased Taylorcraft's assets out of bankruptcy in 2003, says he has orders for 31 aircraft and plans to build up to 120 this year. Of sales so far, 15 are for the certificated F-22 and 16 for the Taylor Sport, a version of the F-19 complying with new US light-sport aircraft standards.
Selling for $60,000, the Taylor Sport has a lower gross weight of 600kg (1,320lb) and a 100hp (75kW) Teledyne Continental engine in place of the $70,000 F-22's 118hp or 180hp Textron Lycoming powerplant, says Ingram.
Thousands of Taylorcraft aircraft were produced between the late 1920s and the mid-1950s. Manufacture continued fitfully under different owners until production finally ceased in 1996. The new company has resumed spares production. Ingram says 3,700 Taylorcraft are registered, with "another 3,000-4,000 in people's garages".
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
