Coupers: I have just joined the Coupers mailing list and wish to introduce myself. My name is Dallas Wilhelm, and and live in Hastings, Nebraska. That is in the south-central part of the state amidst miles and miles of corn. I teach biology in a small private college, Hastings College.
Most of my flying is done now in a Piper Cherokee 140, although I have a coupe in the shop attempting a rather complete redo. It is a 415D, N2940H, and is pretty much dissassembled at this point. I purchased it dissassembled after the previous owner had new wing spars installed, got into a disagreement with the mechanic about the cost, and eventually gave up on the project. I've stripped it, completed the dissassembly, and am now punching holes in a new, extended panel from Univair. It will have refurbished flight instruments, new engine instruments, new Michael radio, CHT, EGT, and Flightcom stereo intercom, ram's horn yokes, new windows and windscreen, new seat and upholstery, and a new YO-55 paint scheme. It has a metal wing, rudder pedals, C90, and large baggage compartment. The work is going slowly during the school year, but I plan on putting in some longer hours in May and June to get it flying hopefully by sometime this summer. I have only a few hours in a friend's coupe in my logbook, so I'm looking forward to becoming a real coupe driver!! I do have one reservation, and that is the limited up-elevator travel of the D model and the landing flare. I've corresponded with a couple of coupe drivers who say not to worry, there's plenty of elevator there to do the job. Have considered getting the elevator notched by Skyport so I can go the the E model and increase the up-travel, but at this point (all materials and equipment for the project has been purchased) the cost is getting to a point where if I don't need it, I'm not excited about doing it!! Anyone out there experienced with this aspect of the coupe? Dallas Dallas E. Wilhelm, Jr. Associate Professor and Chair Biology Department Hastings College Hastings, Nebraska 68901 (402) 461-7382
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