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Hartmut is correct. Anything that was added to an airplane via an STC or
337 could be removed and just the mere mention of this rule should have
thrown up red flags all across Ercoupedom. I'm okay with the weight limit,
basically because they needed to have a stopping point and there may have
been some scientific formula for it. But to not allow us to adjust the
elevator and resubmit for a different A/C in asinine. In my opinion, the
lack of rectifying this problem with the converted 415D's, rests squarely on
the shoulders of the EOC. A strong type club, one that works with the
certificate holder, FAA, EAA and AOPA on a regular basis would have been the
answer to this dilemma. Instead we sit here complaining to each other about
how we're treated and send in money primarily to subscribe to a newsletter.
Going through some old paperwork the other day, I found some correspondence
from the "International Ercoupe Association". Any of you old guys remember
it? Looks like it was based in Wichita. I'm just wondering if we don't
need a "North American Ercoupe Association" to deal with the current and
ongoing problems the 'Coupe will be faced with in the coming years. When I
mentioned this about 10 years ago, there was positive reaction, but as a
rule of thumb the owners weren't interested in spending a few bucks more for
an unknown. I think that we're seeing a different breed of owner now that
the Sport Rule is in effect and the time may be about right for another
movement.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hartmut Beil" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Friends.
It is beyond me why an aircraft that was recertified to fit a different
weight class can't be recertified again for exactly the same reason.
Especially the 415-D is such a case where there is the difference to the
415C/D only in a different location of the elevator stop ( provided no
other changes to engine etc, had been made). When the 415 D und
subsequently the 415C/D were introduced, ERCO missed the opportunity to
declare that these planes could be flown in either weight class. 1400lbs
with the elevator stop at a 9 degree position or as a C/D with the
elevator stop to allow 13 degrees up.
But I think the problem lies therein that they created a whole new TC for
the 415-D instead of making a note in the existing TC that the gross
weight can be higher under certain conditions.
If Univair as the TC holder would be the company I imagine in my best
dreams, then they would talk to the FAA, and get a Sport Pilot
Certification of all Ercoupes out. Meaning there would be an addition to
the current TC 787 stating that all Coupes from 415-D up should be able
to be flown as Sport Pilot Planes with a restricted gross weight of 1320.
It is only 80 pounds that we are talking here! These planes in addition to
the existing 415-C models that can fly already in the Sport Pilot class.
That would put a good light onto all other Ercoupes again. And would make
maybe even Alons eligible to be flown as Sport Pilot planes, but that will
be a challenge, since they weight probably close to 1000lb empty already.
Making it a single place aircraft.
However. My idea is instead of trying to register all our Coupes under the
718 TC, it should be possible to have an amendment to the 787 type
certificate.
Hartmut
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