Company's $15K Rent Check Bounces

It appears it's all over for Taylorcraft Aviation, which at one time intended to reintroduce the venerable two-seat high-wing aircraft to the light-sport segment.

The Brownsville (TX) Herald reports the city has chained the doors at Taylorcraft's facility at Brownsville Airport, after the company apparently passed a hot check to the city for back rent.

"As far as I’m concerned, our relationship is over with," said City Manager Charlie Cabler. The Herald reports that check -- for $15,000, or one-month's rent -- did not make a dent in the more than $100,000 the company owes in back rent. A check from Taylorcraft in December, also for $15,000, cleared.

Cabler says the city is now considering legal action against Taylorcraft, and company president Harry Ingram.

Problems for Taylorcraft had been on the horizon for some time. As Aero-News reported in September, Ingram was hit with over a quarter million dollars in judgments and liens. The company lost its corporate charter in 2004 because of a tax lien, so Ingram may be personally liable for the debt.

Things appeared a bit brighter in mid-2005, when Brownsville officials lured the planemaker to the city... but that didn't last for long. An investigation by the Herald soon revealed the city didn't perform a background check on the company -- and worse, Ingram's company was not licensed by the FAA to manufacture either parts or aircraft under the Taylorcraft type-certificate.

The struggling aircraft manufacturer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 13, 2006. As recently as last November, a majority of Brownsville City Commission officials voted to allow the company to stick it out... if it promised once again to start paying rent. Brownsville Mayor Eddie Treviño Jr. was among those who backed the plan.

Those opposed to granting Taylorcraft that one last reprieve say those who supported Taylorcraft have some explaining to do.

"Anybody that voted to keep them, knowing their past history and all that we learned ... they should be held accountable. They should feel responsible," Commissioner Charlie Atkinson said after news of the bounced rent check.

Whatever the legal situation... it is sad to see yet another storied nameplate fade away. The basic Taylorcraft aircraft first flew in 1936.

FMI: www.ci.brownsville.tx.us/