Al - I apologize for my ignorance, but just having become interested in coupes, and just having bought one, I don't know the history of which you speak. Of what are or were you a director? Non-profit clubs, foundations, etc. are things I'm very familiar with, both as a lawyer, and with personal experience as vice pres. and board member of one of the largest soaring clubs in the country. In essence, for one to work, you've got to have a core group of knowledgeable people with tons of time to devote, for little or nothing other than criticism from nay-sayers. That is why the majority of the type clubs for old airplanes are run by somebody who tries to make, at most, a meager income from selling dues,newsletters, decals, etc. In most instances, this core group of people is spelled RETIRED, if they are going to have the time to do it right. Otherwise, a spurt of interest and work will surely wither on the vine, as those who thought they could accomplish something good see that they just can't take the time to do it. I know nothing about EOC, or whomever it is who runs it. My partner and I just sent in our $$$ to join, but that certainly won't give us any heads up for some time. As to the type certificate, I thought Univair owned it. If they do, do you think they would sell it for a reasonable sum? Since the parts supply appears to this coupe novice to be good, what is the motivation for doing something like the Luscombe people did? If EOC is bad, why not just start a competing owners' assoc., and letting a couple of years go by, letting owners see who really has theirs and the airplanes' interests at heart? A few years ago, I started a trade association for smaller FBOs and others involved in making a living out of aviation, but it withered because I wasn't ready to switch from being a lawyer to trying to make such an organization fly, with all of the attendant risks and the inevitable sniping from members. Look at EAA - even the Pobereznys take their share of gaff from the press and disgruntled members who are jealous of what they've managed to do for aviation. I see nothing wrong with such people being compensated, and well paid, if they do their jobs. There are many good volunteer groups, but we are know that most of them have a paid staff of some level. I don't mean to throw water on the fires of a good idea - it's just that I've "been there; done that", and know from experience, both with clients and my own foibles, that an all-volunteer force can go like great guns for a little while, but then it usually peters out. >From reading Dave's page, it seems like most coupe activity is out west, where you guys enjoy the good weather. Since the airplane does seem to be owned by a lot of retired, or close to it, folks, maybe you'll have the people power and time to do a foundation and make it really work, like Luscombe group. Sorry to ramble, but I'd be willing to share what experitse I have, even though it's not about the airplane itself, it is considerable with the idea and with aviation in general. I'll be out of the office for the next 4 weeks in a trial, but will be here some evenings and on weekends. After the first few days of March, things will be back to normal here. If you would like to call 614-229-4574 during tomorrow afternoon, eastern time, we could share some private thoughts. Thanks, Jerry.
>>> ADM <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 01/29/98 09:23PM >>> Once again, sorry I was so negative in my last post, but I really love the little airplane and every day I'm watching more of them rot away. Pete asked me to explain myself a little, and a bunch of guys have been emailing me saying that they thought there were some shennagans going on. The main reason I became a director was because I wanted to promote Ercoupe restoration and ownership. I really feel badly about kinda "abandoning" my Ercoupe folks, but when you see what I've seen, it's extremely depressing. Many of us, like Dave (of Dave's Ercoupe Page) worked pretty hard trying to get things going. Funny thing was, we did! I guess I figured that most folks felt the way I do, and counted on their dedications also, but I was wrong. Unfortunately, the folks with the same dedications were just as hurt as I was. To do something good, there needs to be a solid core of good people, willing to get dirty cooking, and not justing wait to eat. Anyway I spoke about the Luscombe Foundation (www.luscombe.org), because I am somewhat familiar with their work. I watched from the very beginning, where a couple of guys had a dream about doing something to save the Luscombes, (just like we've talked about), set up their own deal and said 'to hell with what's already out there". They put a master plan together, began to promote it by getting in touch with owners and lovers, started buying parts and making them available, restored an airplane for a raffle, found and bought original tooling and finally found and bought one of the type certificates. That's right, a non-profit organization owns the type for a Luscombe. Isn't that amazing? Anyway, visit the web site and get an idea of the work they've done. Sounds easy from the way I explained it, but it took a ling time (6 years?). They should be applauded. After reading the stories and seeing what's been accomplished, let your imagnation go. This same thing can be done for the coupes, including the type certificate. Just takes a dream, dedication, negotiation, and some balls! Off my soap box for now; Al ! !
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