I am a paraplegic and did not want rudder pedals and researched what
it would take to remove them
if I found a nice coupe with rudder pedals. Advice I got was that it
was not a big job and could probably
be done in about 2 hours of mechanic's time.
Dan C
On Mar 4, 2008, at 5:00 PM, falconn_13 wrote:
Greetings All,
I have been a member of this list and the "fly in" list for a short
time, and have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts on both. You
folks have an amazing amount of knowlege and experience.
I am seriously considering becoming an Ercoupe owner for several
reasons, and look forward to joining in the discussions as a
real "couper". I do have a few questions I haven't been able to
answer by reference to the list archives. If someone would kindly
spare the time to answer, I'd really appreciate it.
1. I am an experienced pilot and a basic OK home mechanic, but have
not the time, qualifications, nor skills to be a primary mechanic for
an aircraft. I would like very much to own a 'coupe, but could not
justify spending more time working on it than flying in it. From the
lists, it seems that much time is spent in searching for parts,
looking for answers, and waiting for the bird to come out of repair.
I am fully aware the this is an older "classic" aircraft, which is
one of the reasons I like it, and as such requires more TLC and
patience than a more modern type. That I am willing to do, over and
above all the usual annual/overhaul/inspection/normal wear-and-tear
stuff, within reason. If I put forth the effort to buy a 'coupe in
good safe and solid condition to begin with, do I have a reasonable
expectation of flying it more than worrying about it and fixing it?
2. Regarding rudder pedals: Personally, I can go either way, but
would prefer the original design. If I find a good 'coupe modified
with rudder pedals, is some sort of aileron/rudder interconnect still
active, or would that have been disabled at time of modification? And
if so, could it be re-connected? I spent quite a few hours flying a
type that had aileron/rudder interconnect via a spring/bungee cord
arrangement. Normally, not much rudder needed, but if a slip was
required, just over-ride the bungee cord and you've got full rudder
authority. Anything like that in the rudder pedal 'coupes?
3. I notice references to "bubble" or "bbl" windshields
occasionally. Is there some sort of advantage one over the other? I
can't tell just by looking at the pictures.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer and help. My wife is
also excited about this idea (YEAAAA!!!!)and we will be at Sun and
Fun for the first couple of days. Hope to see some of you there.
Chip Dockery
