Start here
A few places to begin, from the aircraft’s story to the people who fly it.
Aircraft and simulator background
The BC-12D configurations in Got Friends' manual span small Continental engines and several undercarriages. The Classic and Winter aircraft use the A65; Backcountry and Seafarer versions use the C85. Wheels, floats and skis adapt the same family to different operating surfaces.
Taylorcraft BC-12D
Got Friends · Read more ↗Trim and cockpit options
An elevator-trim lever adjusts pitch trim. The manual lists no wing flaps; it assigns the simulator's Spoilers axis to carburettor heat. Rudder trim is a simulator convenience. The cockpit configuration determines whether the aircraft has the Classic radio installation or an optional GPS suite with KAP140 autopilot.
Taylorcraft BC-12D
Got Friends · Read more ↗The Sportsman addition
Got Friends' 16 September 2026 post records version 1.0.1 adding a C85-powered Sportsman with Classic-style presentation and separate dynamics. It also reports MSFS 2024 PC and Xbox release, while the MSFS 2020 version was still pending.
Taylorcraft BC-12D
Got Friends · Read more ↗Meet Taylorcraft BC-12D
The BC-12D configurations in Got Friends' manual span small Continental engines and several undercarriages. The Classic and Winter aircraft use the A65; Backcountry and Seafarer versions use the C85. Wheels, floats and skis adapt the same family to different operating surfaces.
The simulator's Classic radio panel has no autopilot. Optional GPS suites add a KAP140, while the later Sportsman configuration combines Classic styling with the C85 engine and its own flight dynamics.
Taylorcraft BC-12D
Taylorcraft → · Explore the family →
Taylorcraft BC-12D
Got Friends · Taylorcraft BC-12D Download original download ↗Aircraft type designators
No type designator selected for this reference.
History & design
Taylorcraft and the side-by-side light aeroplane
Clarence G. Taylor continued developing affordable light aircraft after his involvement with the original Cub. Taylorcraft took a different cockpit approach, seating pilot and passenger alongside one another. The BC-12D became a familiar post-war expression of that idea: modest power, low weight and an efficient wing for personal flying and instruction. Got Friends places its recreation in that lineage, with the original light-aircraft character distinguished from its selectable bush, ski and float equipment.
Got Friends · Taylorcraft BC-12D Download original download ↗Got Friends manual, History, printed page 3; historical overview and simulator configuration scope.
Systems & details
Trim and cockpit options
An elevator-trim lever adjusts pitch trim. The manual lists no wing flaps; it assigns the simulator's Spoilers axis to carburettor heat. Rudder trim is a simulator convenience. The cockpit configuration determines whether the aircraft has the Classic radio installation or an optional GPS suite with KAP140 autopilot.
The Sportsman addition
Got Friends' 16 September 2026 post records version 1.0.1 adding a C85-powered Sportsman with Classic-style presentation and separate dynamics. It also reports MSFS 2024 PC and Xbox release, while the MSFS 2020 version was still pending.
In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
Compare simulator versions →MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Classic
Got Friends · Released
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Classic
Got Friends · Released
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Backcountry
Got Friends · Released
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Backcountry
Got Friends · Released
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Seafarer
Got Friends · Released
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Seafarer
Got Friends · Released
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Winter
Got Friends · Released
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Winter
Got Friends · Released
MSFS 2024Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Sportsman
Got Friends · Released
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Sportsman
Got Friends · Released
Manuals & resources
Find your next read
Choose a topic for a short introduction and a link to the original source. Simulator references identify the developer and edition they cover.
Developer documentation
Current Got Friends avionics enhancement prerequisitesTaylorcraft BC-12D
Product description and feature list
Got Friends · Read the source ↗Taylorcraft BC-12D Download original downloadTaylorcraft BC-12D
PDF5-6,8,17,22,24; PDF6 table image reviewed
Got Friends · Read the source ↗Taylorcraft BC-12D – Got FriendsTaylorcraft BC-12D
Product description and feature list
Developer · Read the source ↗Developer Taylorcraft1.0.1 release status and exact Sportsman editionTaylorcraft BC-12D
Developer post1006 September16,2026
Got Friends · Read the source ↗Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Developer documentation
Current Got Friends avionics enhancement prerequisitesGot Friends · Product description and feature list Taylorcraft BC-12D Download original downloadGot Friends · PDF5-6,8,17,22,24; PDF6 table image reviewed Taylorcraft BC-12D – Got FriendsDeveloper · Product description and feature list Developer Taylorcraft1.0.1 release status and exact Sportsman editionGot Friends · Developer post1006 September16,2026Built-in force-feedback profiles
Read the documentary basis, editable starting settings and remaining questions for the aircraft you fly. Each explanation refers to the exact profile revision shown.
Catalogue programme-20261011-v3 · 9 profile choices
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Classic
Got Friends · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Backcountry
Got Friends · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Seafarer
Got Friends · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Winter
Got Friends · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Got Friends Taylorcraft BC-12D Sportsman
Got Friends · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2024
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Taylorcraft BC-12D 65 hp Skis
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024 · X-Plane 12
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Taylorcraft BC-12D 65 hp Wheels
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024 · X-Plane 12
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Straight Floats
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024 · X-Plane 12
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024 · X-Plane 12
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Aircraft and simulator scope
- Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels · MSFS 2020 · Variant starting point
- Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels · MSFS 2024 · Variant starting point
- Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels · X-Plane 12 · Variant starting point
Universal named airframe/configuration; intended MSFS2020/MSFS2024/XP12 starting point, not add-on or edition acceptance. · Physical facts and prior documentary review are reused from their archived dated sources; new market availability is not inferred.
The simulator model and controls
A light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
How this profile feels
Spring resistance builds with the selected airspeed response. A separate aerodynamic term adds speed-dependent control load.
Valid trim provides the configured pressure relief. Autopilot following is off.
Aircraft and configuration
Four-cylinder 85 hp piston engine, two-blade ground-adjusted propeller and fixed tailwheel wheels; no flaps or retractable gear.
Trim and cockpit options
An elevator-trim lever adjusts pitch trim. The manual lists no wing flaps; it assigns the simulator's Spoilers axis to carburettor heat. Rudder trim is a simulator convenience. The cockpit configuration determines whether the aircraft has the Classic radio installation or an optional GPS suite with KAP140 autopilot.
The Sportsman addition
Got Friends' 16 September 2026 post records version 1.0.1 adding a C85-powered Sportsman with Classic-style presentation and separate dynamics. It also reports MSFS 2024 PC and Xbox release, while the MSFS 2020 version was still pending.
About the values
Strengths are normalized hardware-feel settings. They set the effect balance; hand force depends on the device and its limits. The IAS reference is a tuning value.
What the documentation establishes
Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels: Four-cylinder 85 hp piston engine, two-blade ground-adjusted propeller and fixed tailwheel wheels; no flaps or retractable gear.
Documentary review and sources
These decisions describe the documentary basis and remaining gaps for this revision. Aircraft documentation and a starting setting describe different kinds of evidence.
Aircraft and variant
ReviewedA light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Flight controls
InheritedA light tailwheel aircraft represented with classic, backcountry, float and ski configurations.
Trim
InheritedAn elevator-trim lever adjusts pitch trim. Pitch authority 0.3 provides load relief and permitted centre movement; roll authority is 0.
Autopilot and stability
ReviewedAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel.
Equipment
InheritedFour-cylinder 85 hp piston engine, two-blade ground-adjusted propeller and fixed tailwheel wheels; no flaps or retractable gear.
Speeds and limits
InheritedThe indicated-speed references set the profile response scale; they are separate from aircraft operating limits.
Simulator integration
ReviewedThe profile targets msfs2020, msfs2024, xplane12. Add-on-specific controls use only the supported references configured by this profile.
Force-feedback settings
InheritedThe settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
Starting settings and their rationale
These configured values are starting estimates. The explanations describe what each setting controls; physical validation appears separately below.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyAn elevator-trim lever adjusts pitch trim. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 45 KIAS. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 85 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 85 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value85 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value45 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.74 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
All 45 starting settings and their rationale
The settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyAn elevator-trim lever adjusts pitch trim. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 45 KIAS. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 85 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.74 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels: In-flight rudder-trim convenience does not authorize aileron trim. Optional KAP140 electric/manual trim interaction remains unqualified. Estimated pitch/roll trim authorities 0.3/0; exact add-on sign, travel, units and build-specific neutral remain unqualified. Rudder trim never substitutes for roll trim.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator Authority | Starting value0.3 | What it controls and whyAn elevator-trim lever adjusts pitch trim. Pitch authority 0.3 provides load relief and permitted centre movement; roll authority is 0. |
| Aileron Authority | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyScales supported roll-trim relief and permitted centre movement. Zero removes roll response. |
Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels: 85 KIAS is the retained estimated tuning reference. It is not published cruise TAS, VNE, a new flight limit or a measured force threshold. Source-specific operating quantities remain attached to their original configuration and conditions.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value85 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
Cabin avionics, persistence and tire cosmetics do not measure control forces. Fixed-gear and no-flap effects remain disabled.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 85 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyCabin avionics, persistence and tire cosmetics do not measure control forces. Fixed-gear and no-flap effects remain disabled. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyCabin avionics, persistence and tire cosmetics do not measure control forces. Fixed-gear and no-flap effects remain disabled. |
Exact configured values with software explanations. Force magnitudes remain editable estimates; disabled features retain inactive values.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring deadband | Starting value0.04 | What it controls and whySets travel around the centre before the baseline spring resists. Smaller values engage it sooner. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| QBlend Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows baseline spring strength to rise with indicated airspeed where the control law permits it. |
| QSpring Minimum Factor | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whySets low-speed spring strength as a fraction of baseline when blending is enabled. One keeps full strength. |
| QSpring Start Knots | Starting value15 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed spring blend starts rising. This is a feel threshold, not a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value45 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening gain | Starting value0.15 | What it controls and whyThe high-speed spring-stiffening gain is 0.15. It strengthens the permitted spring response above 45 KIAS, with the squared-speed ratio capped at 5. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening limit | Starting value5 | What it controls and whyLimits the squared airspeed ratio used for high-speed spring stiffening; it is not a device-force cap. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Force Trim Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyEnables local force trim, separate from aircraft-owned trim and add-on integration qualification. |
| GLoad Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows load-factor changes to modify permitted spring laws. Passive fly-by-wire feel can suppress it. |
| Rate Damping Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables rate damping with the configured coefficients and control law. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot follow authority | Starting value0.1 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP-follow gain, not a percentage of travel. Runtime ownership and input limits still apply. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Autopilot neutral hold strength | Starting value0.6 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP neutral-hold strength; inactive while neutral hold is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables aerodynamic cues; each still needs nonzero strength and its simulator conditions. |
| Gain | Starting value0.35 | What it controls and whySets stall-buffet strength. Zero removes the cue without changing simulator stalls or warnings. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets high-Mach buffet strength; onset and full-strength thresholds are separate. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets flap buffet at the configured position and speed gates. Flap movement texture is separate. |
| Maximum flap index | Starting value3 | What it controls and whySets the final flap index for detent normalization. UP plus three detents uses maximum index3. |
| Minimum flap index | Starting value2 | What it controls and whySets the first flap detent that admits buffet; this is a handle index, not degrees. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets gear aerodynamic buffet; movement and ground-contact cues are separate. |
| Shaker Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits shaker at supported warning conditions; the switch does not establish aircraft equipment. |
| Stick shaker amplitude | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets triggered shaker strength; inactive while the shaker feature is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables ground effects; each still needs its own strength and contact or motion telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.4 | What it controls and whySets rolling texture strength, modified by speed, surface and undercarriage configuration. |
| Gain | Starting value0.25 | What it controls and whySets gear-bump texture during ground motion, separate from touchdown impact. |
| Gain | Starting value0.65 | What it controls and whySets landing-impact strength; landing telemetry and response shape determine the pulse. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets reverse-thrust vibration with valid reverser and engine conditions. Zero removes the cue. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables engine cues with nonzero settings and valid running-engine telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets estimated engine vibration using configured telemetry and response, not measured cockpit vibration. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables accessory cues with configured strengths and observed accessory movement. |
Limits and open questions
- Taylorcraft BC-12D 85 hp Wheels is a universal starting point; exact add-on matching, edition operation and physical hand-force calibration remain unqualified.
- Autopilot movement and unknown custom trim, failure or force-input signals are disabled. Confirm the selected equipment fit and trim direction for the implementation in use.
- Force magnitudes and speed tuning are editable inherited estimates. Owner physical and installed-aircraft acceptance remain pending.
Physical validation
No physical force validation is recorded in this public catalogue for this revision. Documentary review and software checks do not establish how a particular device feels.
Discuss this aircraft (0)
Questions, observations and useful sources from the community.
No published discussions yet. Bring a question or share a useful source.
Open aircraft discussions →Content expanded · What’s new
Something missing or a source that needs attention?
Suggest a correction ↗
