Crosswinds STOL PA12

[Steve Pierce]

I remember drooling over this airplane back in 2000 or 2001 when it was on the cover of Northern Pilot magazine. Then several years ago when picking up another airplane for a friend it happen to be in the same hanger in Oklahoma. I took tons of pictures of all the details but never one of the entire airplane. Well last week I got a text picture from a friend in Abilene of this airplane wanting to know what it was. I informed him that that was a Crosswinds STOL PA12 and asked where it was. He said it was there at Abilene in the avionics shop. I got excited that I might get to see it again. Then about 2 hours later Tom, the new owner called and asked me if I could do an annual inspection on it. Of course I said absolutely. When got her inspected and fixed a few little things and it has been a real hit with everyone who comes in the shop except that when they ask me how it flies I had to tell them that I didn't know. Well Tom fixed that this morning when he came to pick her up and let me fly it. Wow, she flies as good as she looks, responsive yet rock solid. Hardly even bobbles in the stall with really small rudder inputs to keep her straight. What a joy. I would love to get used to flying this airplane. Can't wait to introduce he and his son to our little Cub play ground. Talked to Charlie Center a few times about it, man did he do a nice job. Too bad there won't be anymore like this one.

 

[j5mike]

Awesome looking bird. I would love to give it a trip around the patch also. Why won't there be anymore?

 

[Steve Pierce]

Can't get all the field approvals anymore.

 

[joemcd]

Too bad there won't be anymore. I remember drooling over this airplane also. I still have the Northern Pilot issue that featured this airplane. Nice to see it going strong.

 

[Lasater]

Why does Charlie Center use a Citabria style cowl for the 180 hp stc on -12s and -14s? There are plenty cub style cowlings covering 180 hp -18s. Any thoughts?

 

[On Patrol]

Nice!

 

[Paul Heinrich]

Aren't a lot of us going experimental, where field approvals are unnecessary?

I remember Charley telling me exp. was the way to go for that very reason.

I'm sure he could built as many of these as exp. as he has customers.

By the way, IMO, he is a great guy to deal with.

 

[Cub junkie]

Ad me to the drool list. I like charlies cargo door. Everybody building a wag 2+2 from scratch ought have these doors on both sides. Would be simple during a rebuild or new construction.

 

[tccc]

Steve, it was a real pleasure getting to know you after hearing so many good things about you. We appreciate your doing our inspection on the "Green Machine" and the TLC in which you did your work. Enjoyed flying with you and hope to do more of it in the future. Cary and I are looking forward to our introduction to the "Cub Playground. Thanks again.

 

[Seaworthy]

Steve, it was a real pleasure getting to know you after hearing so many good things about you. We appreciate your doing our inspection on the "Green Machine" and the TLC in which you did your work. Enjoyed flying with you and hope to do more of it in the future. Cary and I are looking forward to our introduction to the "Cub Playground. Thanks again.

TC

Beautiful plane!

TC
PA-12 78474

 

[G44]

What is the empty weight?
What is the legal gross weight?

Nice airplane!


Kurt

 

[180Marty]

I remember drooling over this airplane also. I still have the Northern Pilot issue that featured this airplane. Nice to see it going strong.

Same here.

 

[nanook]

I never have cared much for the way Charlie's 180hp cowl or wings looked on the 12. They are just plain butt ugly...

 

[PerryB]

If the wing mods work as advertised the looks are acceptable, but the cowl is hard to get past.

 

[irishfield]

So a guy buys a "new" airplane that he's proud as punch to own.. and you guys starting picking parts of it you don't like to comment on. Maybe post some pics of your wives.......

 

[nanook]

Charley Center has been building butt ugly 12s for a long time, there is nothing new about it...

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I remember that article from northern pilot. I happen to love the way this plane looks.

 

[DENNY]

I think gross weight upgrade for 12 is 1935 lbs. Once you add the tubing, wings, doors, and 180 hp I think you are looking at empty weight of 1250 +(lots of 18s weight that). Overall a very nice plane I wish charlie would have done the wing STC for 18s. I know a local cub with the big wing and big door. It is a great plane for hauling a load. The door makes putting people and cargo in the plane a lot easier. It would be a great float plane with the left side door.
DENNY

 

[Steve Pierce]

so a guy buys a "new" airplane that he's proud as punch to own.. And you guys starting picking parts of it you don't like to comment on. Maybe post some pics of your wives.......

lol

 

[Steve Pierce]

Sometimes it is function over form. I like the round nose bowl of the stock Pipers but really like how easy the Crosswinds cowl comes on and off and it looks like it is designed for improved cooling at slow speeds to me.

Kevin, That door as huge and there is a sliding trap door allowing access to the bottom extended baggage.

Paul, I agree. Ask Charlie how he got the idea for the AquaPlane. Very funny story.

Same here Tom, can't wait to meet Carey and we all go flying.

 

[tempdoug]

Any pictures of the front of the door forward??? Dont keep us wondering for we that have never laid eyes on er.

 

[Steve Pierce]

This is the closest picture I have of the baggage door. I will get some next time I see it though. It does run from the rear of the military style glass back to where this picture shows. Good size door.

 

[Airwrench]

This is the closest picture I have of the baggage door. I will get some next time I see it though. It does run from the rear of the military style glass back to where this picture shows. Good size door.

Here is a pic of one that I did on a PA-14.... hope it helps. One of the big advantages to Charlies cowl is the visibility over the nose, especially on the ground. SCB

 

[nanook]

http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/648/9924/original.jpg

I'll put someone else's wife picture up for comparison on Butt Ugly

 

[tccc]

Gross 1850
Empty 1347

Thanks for the compliment.

Tom

 

[MT12]

tccc: does the charlie center 0-360 STC boost the gross weight up to 1850?

 

[mike mcs repair]

maybey was a 2 bay door like this?

 

[mike mcs repair]

tccc: does the charlie center 0-360 STC boost the gross weight up to 1850?

no, it's separate STC, and not o-360 specific

 

[tccc]

The door is very similar. I will get some pictures but will be a week or so. Stand by

 

[G44]

Tom,

I dont care what others say or think, I would love to own that airplane, ALL parts of it, its a VERY nice airplane! You are a lucky guy! Fly it Fly it Fly it!

Kurt