| | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 186 Member/100+posts | | Member/100+posts Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 186 | Good Day All,
I just came across a Cessna 150 Taildragger conversion kit with parts and STC (DelAir) for sale for $3000, and I'm seriously thinking about it.
For those who have actually been involved with the work required to perform this mod, how long did it take and is it that big of a deal for one person to complete?
Thanks
Mark
In the words of a good friend of mine.. "Gravity works...I've tested it often"
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 9,794 Likes: 86 Member/7500+posts | | Member/7500+posts Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 9,794 Likes: 86 | I didn't convert mine, but I've heard folks say it's a 40 hour job. Most mechanics say two weeks for everything. It could probably be done quickly. However, I promise you, proper alignment is EVERYTHING. You'll want a pussycat, not a jackrabbit. Dan Meler said he knew his was going to head for the ditch on landing. He just didn't know WHICH ditch.  If you bought this kit, you could probably sell it for what you got in it. Surely minimizes your risk there. Anyway, good luck with it if you decide to proceed.
Gary Shreve When writing the story of your life, never, ever let someone else hold the pen. [ Linked Image] | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,157 Member/1000+posts | | Member/1000+posts Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,157 | Hey Mark:
From my limited knowledge I believe the STC is typically assigned to the "airplane". While practically this isn't an issue (heck, the plane doesn't care) it may prove to be a regulatory challenge & problematic for a A&P IA sign-off as well as a future sale if an STC re-assignment isn't sought.
Take a good look at the paperwork and if it needs to be re-assigned a quick call to Del Air HQ might be in-order to ensure they'll sign it over in a timely fashion and verify what will be charged for that re-assignment.
Good luck ....
Dan
A150M TD; N9832J "Sassy"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 Member/5000+posts! | | Member/5000+posts! Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 |
I just came across a Cessna 150 Taildragger conversion kit with parts and STC (DelAir) for sale for $3000, and I'm seriously thinking about it.......
You must contact the supplemental type certificate holder to seek written permission authorizing you to use the STC on your aircraft. The Supplemental Type Certificate and it's related information, all drawings, data and specifications are the property of the certificate holder. You may have to pay a "fee" to the certificate holder for you to use the STC. Some STC holders are uncooperative, or may want an obscene amount of money just for "paperwork". Find out before you buy. Also, you are in Canada, so there may be other regulations or requirements to consider. It's a big job. You are re-locating (installing) a gearbox fwd of the existing one, and installing a tail wheel and the related support structure on the tail cone. You need a hangar for an extended period, sheet metal tools..and more. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 186 Member/100+posts | | Member/100+posts Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 186 | Gary,
Great, good to know! Thanks!
Time and know how I have in this regards, its the availability and length of a hangar stay that concerns me. As for the STC paperwork, I would know the ins and outs of that and would have my bases covered before proceeding.
Thanks all.
In the words of a good friend of mine.. "Gravity works...I've tested it often"
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 7 Member | | Member Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 7 | If the Delair kit uses the existing 150 gear legs, forget it! I am not sure Delair is still supporting his STC either
David Lowe in Kentucky does a conversion using 140 gear legs. He sells a kit too.
Never argue with stupid people. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 18,962 Likes: 3 Member/15,000 posts | | Member/15,000 posts Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 18,962 Likes: 3 | Welcome aboard, Gene! I have the Lowe conversion for my 150C. It is ONLY good for the turtleback 150's (A,B, and C) and uses C-140 gearbox and gear (unless he finally STC'd the D model also like he was talking). I don't know what model Mark has, but I don't think the Delair conversion covers the turtleback models. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 9,794 Likes: 86 Member/7500+posts | | Member/7500+posts Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 9,794 Likes: 86 | If the Delair kit uses the existing 150 gear legs, forget it! I am not sure Delair is still supporting his STC either
David Lowe in Kentucky does a conversion using 140 gear legs. He sells a kit too. So, Gene, how do you really feel about the Delair kit? Do you have a taildragger? Just curious. Your profile is empty. Welcome to the club!
Gary Shreve When writing the story of your life, never, ever let someone else hold the pen. [ Linked Image] | | | | | Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 7 Member | | Member Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 7 | I researched taildragger kits over a year ago, and don't remember much about the Delair kit. I do know he is advancing in age, and don't know how active he is. Bolen/Bush is active, and David Lowe is doing conversions, but only on the fastback models, I think.
I bought a 1960 C150 Texas taildragger,late last summer, and spent quite a bit of time diagnosing tailwheel problems and fabricating parts. After spending the winter in Arizona, I am back in Iowa, getting ready for an annual and waiting for warmer weather with less wind.
Prior to this, I had part interest in a J-5 and owned a C140A with over 19,000 hours on it. Wish I still owned it!
Never argue with stupid people. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 7 Member | | Member Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 7 | I can't locate where to add info to my profile.
Where do I go?
Never argue with stupid people. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
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