Hi Greg. Fascinating story of your AN-2 encounter. I got a static tour of one, just across the field from the Mooney factory at the 33rd Annual EAA Kerrville Fly-In at Louis Schreiner Field in Kerrville, Texas on 18 Oct 97. If coupers list members want to see what Greg is talking about, I have a picture of the AN-2 taken that day at Kerrville on my Web page at:
http://www.realtime.net/~magbo/kerrville.html Go about 3/4 of the way down the page and look for a huge biplane with the caption, "Best Commie Retread." 'Coupes were well represented that day and I have pictures of several absolutely beautiful Ercoupes as well. I remember being somewhat in awe when I first saw the huge AN-2 with its massive radial engine and four-bladed prop. Very interesting to find it is no faster than a 'Coupe. A static tour is OK, but I have wondered since then how an AN-2 handled. Glad I heard about it first from a 'Coupe driver, and that your 'Coupe made the connection for you in the first place. Thanks for sharing your story. regards, Steve ----------------------------------- Steve Greenhow Austin, Texas USA email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.realtime.net/~magbo/ (nom de plume "Downwind Jaxon") ----------------------------------- At 09:08 PM 10/30/99 -0400, Greg Bullough wrote: >At N85, there is an Antonov AN2, marked 'Lithuanian Airways' and >operated by a couple of really interesting folks, who've been flying >nearly forever. > >I was on my way to button 06H up when the local Stearman driver >identified me as the owner of the cute 'Coupe, to the male half of >the couple that owns the AN2. > >He said, 'would you trade an Ercoupe ride for some AN2 time?' Seems >his wife (who flies the AN2) was licensed in 1952 in one of their two >'coupes. > >'Hell, yes!' > >Well, I got to fly the AN2 up the Delaware river. Gen-u-ine Russkie >airliner, with a 1200 HP DC2 motor up on its nose (built under license by PZL, >natch). Helluva lot heavier on the controls than the 'Coupe, and a bit >more work with the rudders! Airbrakes, too, and no tail-wheel steering. >No faster than a 'Coupe. Flaperons, and slats. Lands at 33 knots, in >about 600 feet. Unbelievably tough and well-made. Too bad they're >'Experimental' here in the US of A. It's a damn fine plane. > >What a hoot! > >Needless to say, Helen and Aaron can have a 'Coupe ride any time they >want! > >Coupes make friends. Very interesting ones. > >Greg
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