TCDS 718 item 110 specifically allows a C-85 in a 415-C. Get the CD from the FAA and see if it has ever been referenced as a D or above. If the Airworthiness certificate, logs and CD show it as a C that is what it is. As mentioned, putting in an 0-200 crank and rods (under that STC) does not change the model (C-85) of the engine. Did the FAA issue a new Airworthiness certificate? If so I would request IN WRITING so the reply is IN WRITING why they issued the change. If not, and the Airworthiness certificate shows it to be a C you are in the clear. Here is a email from Joe Norris at EAA "Hello Bill, What it says on the registration certificate is not an issue. What it says on the airworthiness certificate is. So long as the aircraft has always been certificated as a 415C, and there are no maintenance records to indicate that it was ever switched to a 415D, you'll be fine. The airworthiness certificate and maintenance records are the key. Joe NorrisEAA Aviation ServicesEAA Aviation Center, Oshkosh, WI888-322-4636, extension [EMAIL PROTECTED]" Here is an email I sent to the FAA: Subject: Re: (Other) - Problem From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:05:09 -0500
According to our records, N87248 appears to be an Ercoupe 415-C serial 421. The application for airworthiness dated 4-21-47 verifies this. jv -----<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: ----- To: 9-AMC-AFS750-Aircraft/AMC/[EMAIL PROTECTED] From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: 07/13/2007 11:22AM Subject: (Other) - Problem Subject: Problem Customer Name: Bill Biggs Customer E-mail Address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Customer Phone: 254-774-8099 Application: (Other) Aircraft Description: Ercoupe 415C N87248 Comments: I am William Biggs, 211 Runway Ln., Temple,Texas 76504 the owner of Ercoupe N87248. I need clarification as to the model of my Ercoupe. The current registration and Airworthiness certificate list this as being a 415C but some previous registration certificates on record in Ok., City reference it as a 415D. I find no reference to a 337 converting it to a "D", no amended Airworthiness Certificate, nor a logbook entry. What is the correct model designation of my Ercoupe and does it meet the requirements of LSA. Thanks, Bill Biggs To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Sun, 21 Oct 2007 16:15:31 -0500Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] C-85 with O-200 crankshaft and the FAA When I first read this post I figured it was a Halloween thing. "We're from the FAA and we're here to help. Trick or Treat!" But I guess it's unfortunately real. Okay, I know some have responded and everyone calls the first guy correct and second incorrect, but the lesson here is DO NOT CALL THE FAA IN FOR ANYTHING unless they are delivering your lottery winnings, and even then just meet them at the Burger King for the transaction. They are not your friend, and generally most of the new breed will not usually help unless you've developed a good working relationship. Their ranks have swollen, filled with political hacks who just need to justify their jobs, as is evident by this incident. Number 1, an LSA "specialist" has no business there, the Ercoupe is a fully certificated aircraft and the LSA regs are pretty straight forward. If you can't read, ask a teacher. Number 2, the second inspector didn't need to be there because he's obviously a dimwit. If the O-200 crank was installed with the STC, it doesn't change the engine displacement. Further, there just may be an STC to convert a C or CD to an O-200. The problem now is that #2 can't justify his employment and will do everything short of saying "I was mistaken" to keep the paycheck coming. Your friend deserves the hassle he's gotten himself into. Remember the FAA's slogan "We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy." And yes, I'll sign my name to this. I believe an idiot has no business working within a regulatory body. Al DeMarzoVisit the Ercoupe Swap Page - Free and Easyhttp://www.ercoupeowners.com/swap/swapbook.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: larry_maden To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 12:29 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 aircrafthas 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 _________________________________________________________________ Peek-a-boo FREE Tricks & Treats for You! http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us
