1941  Taylorcraft  DL-65 

NC36397

NC36397 is a 1941 Taylorcraft DL-65.  Currently based at 41N in N.E. Ohio, it is the last remaining DL model.  The Taylorcraft D model is the civilian version of the L-2 used by the US military as a liaison aircraft during WWII.  

The Different versions of the 65 h.p. D models are as follows:

DL - Lycoming powered

DC - Continental powered

DF - Franklin powered

We purchased the plane in January of 2001.  It is of interest that the date of manufacture of this particular airplane is December 15, 1941.  Elliott shares this same birthday - 46 years later.  This is also the aircraft with which Elliott is learning to fly.  He made his first solo in it on December 17, 2003 - the 100th anniversary of flight.

NC36397 after its fresh restoration in 1987

NC36397 in 2002

Ski flying 2005

Preheater components

The Tandem Taylorcraft as seen in Taylorcraft's sales brochure.

1941 Model D ad