Glen Ward wrote: > Hi all, > Is the Ercoupe able to spin when pedals are installed? I had thought that > it was not, which made me feel better doing stalls. I have here Ercoupe > Service #59A which "requires" the removal of the "characteristically > incapable of spinning" placard and mandates the installation of "Intentional > Spins Prohibited." Sounds like maybe it will spin after all. Am I the only > one who hates the pedals? I hate the vibes and also the pitiful brake > pedal. I am thinking of removing them. Glen Ward
Interesting note, Glen. I've been telling people that the Coupe _is_ characteristically incapable of spinning even with the pedals installed. I dug out Service Memorandum 59A and read through it. Yes, you are right about the 415-C when equipped with rudder pedals. The bulletin says the "characteristically incapable of spinning" placard with the "intentional spins prohibited" placard on the 415-C. However, paragraph 4 is applicable to many of us: ______ 4. Models D, E and G do not require any additional placards for they have one stating, "THIS AIRPLANE CHARACTERISTICALLY INCAPABLE OF SPINNING -- NO ACROBATIC MANEUVERS ARE APPROVED -- THIS AIRPLANE MUST BE OPERATED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPROVED OPERATING LIMITATIONS." ______ I'd note these items: The models from D onward are certified in the normal category which does not allow aerobatic maneuvers. In other words, we shouldn't be dropping from the top of a loop or doing hammer-head stalls to get into a spin condition. Even more importantly, the split elevator which minimizes slipstream effect on the later models and the 9 degree up limitation on the D model should keep the plane within the "characteristically incapable of spinning" certification, as is noted by the quoted paragraph 4. My flight testing of my 415-D at very high power settings and fully crossed controls, in the worst condition with full left rudder and lots of right aileron, gave a rollercoaster ride but no spin entry. I think you've hit on an important factor: Those with 415-C models with the 13 degree up travel and rudder pedals may get into a spin with fully crossed controls in the worst situations (perhaps full power). I, like you, dislike having those pedals taking up my leg room. That gets to be significant on long cross country trips. But I don't dislike them enough to take them out, yet. If you decide to take yours out, post a message here or in the club newsletter offering to sell the kit and I bet you'll get enough money to pay for all the labor and such for the conversion. Question: Do you have an ERCO style rudder pedal kit with which the pedals _only_ control the rudders and the nosewheel is still controlled by the yoke, or do you have the Alon style kit with which the pedals control the rudders _and_ the nose wheel (like with the spam can planes)? (Mine has the Alon style. It's disadvantage is that ground control is crude with pedals not being as practiced or accurate as with the yoke. It's advantage is that I can turn the ailerons into the wind after touchdown and take much higher crosswinds.) __________________________________________________________________________ ______ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
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