> I am in the process of getting my Sport Pilot License. As I start > considering the types of aircraft I would like to own, an Ercoupe is > high on the list.
Kevin, I can guarantee that you CAN fit in your own Coupe. You might need to modify the thickness of the seat cushions if the ones in the plane you buy were installed by some shrimp-guy (or gal) who wanted thick cushions to see out. I mostly flew my Coupe with me in the 240-270 range. There's enough belly room for the yoke to come full back. (Note that my seat cushions were original and not so thick.) Fred Weick, the designer, was either 6' 2" or 6' 4" (can't remember which). He was tall. For long term comfort, you'll probably prefer to have a two-control Coupe since those darn rudder pedals cramp your leg space somewhat. Even at only 5' 11.5" I was knee-cramped just enough I sometimes thought of ripping the pedals out. (My Coupe came with them.) The pedals are certainly NOT needed. In strong crosswinds, you do the same as in gentle crosswinds - you land in a crab, nose high, letting the mains touch first. The well designed plane does the rest. Personally, in my Coupe, I was comfortable landing in direct crosswinds up to 30 mph. Note that in crosswind components greater than about 15 mph, I stopped using the rudder for wing-low and leveled the wings to land in a crab like any self respecting Coupe. If you get your license before buying your Coupe, I'd suggest shopping for a two-control Coupe. If you need to take most of your lessons in the Coupe to save money, I'd urge you to do the last few hours in another plane with pedals so you get the license without the Coupes-only restriction. One concern we gross weight challenged pilots have with Coupes is, well, gross weight. If you are flying as a Sport Pilot (or will need to in the near future), then a 415-C or 415-CD are legal and can be flown up to 1320 lb. with an STC. Too many Coupes have an empty weight of near 900 lb. so, if you want to take a passenger AND stay legal on gross weight then you'll be making short flights with restricted fuel. Even with a D or later model (1400 lb. gw), we gross weight challenged Coupe owners have to travel light when taking a passenger. Of course, you need to be flying as a Rec Pilot or Private Pilot to fly the D and higher model Coupes. Be sure you read the articles, especially the FAQ, on the Ercoupe Owners Club website, http://ercoupe.org and also check out my Coupe web page. Hope you join us. We've got a pretty friendly and supportive community. Ed Burkhead http://edburkhead.com/Ercoupe/index.htm East Peoria, Illinois ed -at- edbur???khead.??com (remove the ? marks and change -at- to @)
