RE: [COUPERS-FLYIN] Getting to know my coupe

Sat, 31 Jan 2004 09:22:32 -0700 

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Tim,
 
Your observations were fun to read!  No doubt you express the sentiments of a great many coupe owners, myself included.  Thanks, and continued happy flying.
 
Patrick Thompson
'58 Forney N7535C
Enumclaw, WA
----- Original Message -----
From: Tim and Martha Briggs
To: [email protected]
Sent: 1/30/04 8:38:15 PM
Subject: [COUPERS-FLYIN] Getting to know my coupe

----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
 
 
Ercoupers:
 
I've been flying my "new" 1950 Ercoupe 415G for a few weeks now and have
some observations I'd like to share.
 
1.  A coupe is more fun to fly.  I've flown a lot of club planes and FBO
rentals - Cessna 152, 172, Piper Cherokees, Grumman Tigers, Beech Sports, a
Tobago and even a T-34B.  Of all those planes, none have been just plain fun
like this Ercoupe.  Just flying the pattern or cruising the Socal coastline
is a joy.  I think it is the visibility and low workload that make it so
much fun.  Flying with a window down is the best and gives a unique feeling
when you bank left and see nothing between you and the ground.
 
2.  The coupe is unique and quirky - in a good way.  Hand brake, pull
starter, steer with the yoke.  My hands have learned where to go during
start. Ailerons go way up but barely down.  A critical component is not
unlike a wine cork.  Climbing in without bumping knees is an acquired
talent.  I "wave" to planes taxiing behind me with my rudders (erco rudder
kit)  Controllers don't know what I am when I call.  Everyone has a puzzled
look when I taxi by.  At the gas pump, people come out to look and ask
questions.  The "seasoned citizens" like it and want to check it out - it
seems to bring back memories of a different time for them.
 
3.  The coupe is simple.  My first few flights, I thought I was forgeting to
do something.  No fuel tanks to switch, no prop to manage.  My checklists
are short and sweet - it is hard to screw something up.  Preflight is pretty
short.
 
4.  The coupe flys great but doesn't glide.  Power off = sink.  Good for a
short approach if you come in with power before touchdown.
 
5.  A fabric wing seems to give a smoother ride.  Maybe I'm imagining it,
but a fabric wing seems to give a "softer" ride than all-metal.  As the
fabric flexes, I think it dampens chop and turbulence a bit.
 
6.  My coupe is proving to be a good friend.  I have a smile on my face
every time we're together.
 
Tim
 
 
 
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--- Patrick Thompson
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