During World War II the Taylorcraft company built gliders and the L-2 observation aircraft for the Army Air Force.  As the war drew to a close, Taylorcraft turned back to the civil market with the BC-12D.  The BC-12D competed with the Piper Cub and other small aircraft in the 65-horsepower class.  The Taylorcraft tended to be faster than its competitors with speeds as much as fifteen or twenty miles an hour higher.  However, like all the light aircraft in this class, it suffers from a small, cramped cabin.  The BC-12D was introduced in 1945.  By 1946, over 4,000 had been built.  Unfortunately, the market for light aircraft crashed late in 1946 and the company was forced into bankruptcy. 

Manufacturer
TAYLORCRAFT BC-12D

Markings
Gilpen & Greenway Airlines, Tucson, Arizona, 1946

Designation
BC-12D

Registration
BC-12D

Serial Number
7243