Larry. As already mentioned, the C-85 engine is a legal engine for a 415-C. This is stated in the Type certificate of the airplane. So having a C-85 in front keeps the 415-C a 415-C.
Using the O-200 crankshaft in a C-85 with the STC changes the ENGINE, not the aircraft! Per STC, the C-85 will be tuned to produce the 85 hp within its limits and therefore no changes are done in engine installation , power output or anything else that could affect the airframe. You are still running a C-85 in front. Most likely in it's original engine case. This is a typical example how complicated regulations can stir confusion. Instead of just allowing all 415 Ercoupes to be flown as a sport pilot plane, when adhering to the new gross weight limit, we are forced to explain the rules to the rule makers. Hartmut ----- Original Message ----- From: larry_maden To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 7:29 PM Subject: [ercoupe-tech] C-85 with O-200 crankshaft and the FAA I have been a lurker on this group for almost a year now and have been very impressed with the wisdom often imparted here. A friend of mine has been restoring a crashed 415c Ercoupe for several months now and is very nearly finished with the project. The aircraft has a C-85 engine and has an O-200 crankshaft installed. From my readings on this group, the aircraft remains a 415c as there is no paper trail of conversion to a 415cd or 415d aircraft. All the stc's for the installation of the O-200 are present. Unfortunately, being an extremely thorough person, he invited the local FAA airworthiness inspectors to insure that they agreed the aircraft was indeed a 415c. Two inspectors came to his shop to examine the plane and review the paperwork. The two inspectors disagreed , one inspector who is the titular LSA expert in the FAA airworthiness division, believed the aircraft was indeed a 415c. The other inspector, however, adamantly stated that a C-85 engine made the aircraft a 415cd and that the O-200 conversion made it a D model, end of debate. I know that the O-200 issue has been discussed previously on this site, and concensus was that the conversion did not change the aircraft from a 415c. I wonder anyone in this group, especially ones with experience in dealing with the FAA have any advice on achieving a positive outcome in this case? Yes, I was hoping to buy the airplane as an LSA. Thanks for your help. Larry Maden
