----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Rick, The differences between the 415-C and 415-D are minimal but at least one is important to flying safety. The conversion requirements are spelled out in our type certificate Aircraft Specification A-787. (See the notes as well.) http://members.home.net/ed-ercoupe/ Flying over 1260 lb. with a 415-C (which has 13 degrees elevator up-travel) could get you into a possible stall-spin since flight-testing that combination gave unacceptable results with full power and full up-elevator. Flying over 1400 lb. with a 415-D (which has 9 degrees elevator up-travel) could do the same. Approach to landing in a 415-D requires good airspeed control (somewhat true of all Coupe models) because you don't have a lot of elevator up-travel. If you blow the landing, get into pilot-induced-oscillation, or otherwise get nose-down and too slow, you DON'T have enough elevator to bring up the nose to make the "crash" happen on the main gear - this means you'd hit nose down and fold under the nose gear but probably walk away. Having said that, I have 900 hours in my D model and have never felt at risk of a nose-down impact. The stainless steel "firewall" is the panel on top of the fuselage over the header-fuel tank and under the cowl. It should be stainless steel on 415-C models for in-flight fire safety but the CAA slipped during original certification and let ERCO get away with a mistake. It's a pain to change that panel, but nothing like replacing the firewall would be. I'd advocate changing your plane to be a D model rather than flying over gross in a C. To do otherwise simply cancels your insurance with most insurance companies while letting you continue to pay the premiums. Plus the FAA could slam-dunk you for your violation. Plus you are at risk of the stall-spin I mentioned above. Best of all options is to change to the D model AND get the FAA inspector's approval for mounting a "split" elevator like is used in all models from the E onward. This gets rid of all the problems listed above. Some timid FAA inspectors aren't bright enough to realize that this enhances safety so get the paperwork signed off BEFORE making this very desirable modification. Ed Burkhead N3802H, Ercoupe 415-D Peoria, IL -----Original Message----- From: Rick Green [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 9:32 PM To: coupers Subject: [COUPERS] Question on 415C vs.415D ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- Hello everyone, I am considering the purchase of an ercoupe which is listed as a 415C. I've read that the gross weight on this is 1260, which severely cuts down on usable load. I definitely would want the higher gross weight. The plane has been updated to 85 HP. The owner claims that it is capable of handling two adults around 225 lbs at full fuel. (not hot humid days) I am not sure if it has had the elevator restricted to nine degrees. I would think that it would be expensive to alter the Firewall to Stainless Steel. And if it has been altered - (the owner isn't sure) -- what exactly should I look for to make sure it is stainless Steel. I realize that with the 85 HP it probably has the lifting capacity to do this, but, WHAt are the ramifications of not having converted to a D model? Is this something I should be real concerned about, or is it a "technicality" with little consequence.? I would not care to be burned by the FAA if there were some inspection. Any comments or experience would be appreciated. Thanks Rick Green __________________________________________________ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01 ==^================================================================
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
