I'm preparing to become the next owner of N3719H, a 1946 415C, s/n 4344. This will be my first airplane. I'm 34, a 1,000-hr. CFI and an A&P. I drive 2 hours a day to the flight school I teach at, but I live only 2 minutes from my hometown airport. So plan on commuting to work VFR days in the Ercoupe. Right now, flying without rudder pedals still seems, well, like something important's missing. You probably get this all the time from newcomers to the 'Coupers list: How many hours will it take me to overcome fidget-feet? Rudder-stompin pilot and A&P that I am, the first thing that comes to mind is converting for rudder pedals. Is this an abomination and an insult to a classic and carefully engineered airplane? If that's not shocking enough, how 'bout a really devious daydream: Switch mains around left to right, adapt the wings to accept the gear legs backwards (like a Ryan STA); remove nosewheel; add tailwheel; add more engine "for balance"; polish; and of course apply Army Air Force markings. Mind you, I plan to fly my little 'coupe around for at least a year just as Fred Weick intended her to be. Just having my own airplane is going to be a lifelong dream come true, and 19H is already a nicely renovated Ercoupe with a fresh engine. Will the taildragger Ercoupe fantasy fade as I get to know the classic model? Is tinkering socially acceptable among 'Coupers? Whether I keep her classic or modify, I'm looking forward to my time with 19H... flying along with the wind in my hair... late nights in the shop, spiffing her up her to the swing of a Glenn Miller tune. -Rob Craigmyle, Oneonta New York
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