Excellent answer, Jack! Your citing the specifics is the best possible type of answer!
I think that the allowance for conversion of the 415-CD to be a 415-D is specifically allowed in the type spec A-787. There is no similar verbage that allows any conversion to be a 415-E. The split elevator conversions I've seen seem to be a one-time STC. In specific discussions with an FAA staffer, I was told that it is not possible to convert a plane to *be* a later model (except as specified in the type certificate). It is sometimes possible, she said, to get an STC (usually one-time) for modifications to make the plane "like" the later model. By her logic, there are many hundred 415-C Coupes whose "conversion" to be a 415-D is bogus. But I've never seen a Fed hammer anyone for it after the FAA signs off on the paperwork. The one time I flew a split elevator Coupe (a true, factory 415-E, from New York state to Peoria), I specifically tested it with full up elevator from idle to full power and all points in between. The pitch changes were quite modest and the plane was very controllable at all times. I think that this should be a no-brainer approval for any FAA staffer. However, I once talked to a guy who's chicken-**** FAA people were afraid to sign off and he had to convert back before he could fly his plane. Jack Gocha wrote: > > Rich wrote: > As I understand it, a 415C with a C85 that has been converted to a 415 > D (I > guess it would be called a C/D at 1260 lb and 9 degrees of elevator) > can > be further converted to a 415E by changing the elevator to the split > elevator and resetting elevator travel to 20 degrees up. This I > believe > gives you 1400 lbs., etc,etc, > Richard > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > ******************************************************************** > Rich > > I hope I don't add to the confusion. I don't know a whole lot about > Ercoupes yet but I have a few books that do. > > I believe the only 415-C/D models were made in the Erco Factory, they > sold 368 415 CD's which had C-75-12 engines. > > Mod 415-C models with up rated C-85-12 engines can be modified to > 415-D by: (Aircraft Spec A-718). However, this does not make them > model 415-C/D > The 415-D modification consists of: > 1. McCauley 1A90CF7148 propeller > 2. Limit elevator travel to 9 deg. up > 3. Verify elevator trim tab per Erco drawing 415-31245 > 4. Mark all flight instrument limitations per 415-D manual > 5. Placard per NOTE 2 of aircraft spec 787 > 6. Modify main and nose gear piston orifices > 7. New mod 415-D flight manual installed in aircraft > 8. Install "NO SMOKING" placard in cabin > 9. Install new model 415-D s/n plate, date of conversion and type No. > 10. Install S.S. upper skin aft of firewall (Erco dr. no. 415-31245) > This is the modification that increases the Max Gross weight from 1260 > lbs to 1400 lbs. > > The split elevator is a separate modification and increases the > elevator up limit to 20 degrees which apparently can make the 415-D > land a little softer. > > Jack (U42) Utah > N103JF, SN;745 > 1946, Mod 415-D
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