The 415-D is not an LSA, therefore not eligible for me to get the Sport Pilot's license and save money. The $8000 I referred to was for the full blown PPL (Private Pilot's License).
Let me share my dream. I recently found an 53-year old picture of myself standing beside an Ercoupe. I was about 4 or 5 years old. Seeing the picture stimulated memories of that day in 1955. I remember the flight. I remember flying over Chance Vought in Grand Prairie TX, where my dad worked. I recall having trouble seeing out the window. My dad wouldn't let me out of the seat belt and it was a real stretch to see the ground. At the end of the flight, I don't remember posing for the photo, but there I was, standing beside an Ercoupe which had the N-number visible. I realized that's what sparked my interest in aviation so many years ago. As a child, I would always play with my airplanes much more than my cars and trucks. Since the day of that flight so many years ago, I have dreamed of flying. After looking up 'N' number on the tail, I discovered it was an Eroupe. I began reading about them and learned this is truly a unique airplane. I printed the picture and mailed it to the guy that now owns the plane. (Gee, I wonder if he reads this group). He said he had a heart attack and could not longer fly. We talked for an hour and he finally asked if I would like to buy that plane. After explaining that I wasn't sure if I could afford it, he offered it for $10,000 and said it has been upgraded to a new C-85 engine, rudder pedals installed, all the directives have been completed, now rated at 1400 lbs, etc etc, only it's been sitting for 3 years. He said I would need an A&P to kit the carburetor and do the annual. My friends tell me I could double or triple my investment but I'd simply like to keep it, knowing it might take $5000 to get it airworthy and $8000 for my license. After reading about the Ercoupe, I love them, and I must have one. I suppose the gamble is not knowing how much it has deteriorated in the past 3 years since he flew it last. Your input on this issue is appreciated. I'd like to hear the pros and cons of airplane ownership and suspect I would fly more than 100 hours each year. Thanks, Robert >Robert >When you mention $ 8,000, are you talking cost of the plane plus lessons? >If so, I would be very concerned about the mechanical condition of such an >inexpensive airplane. >Can you clarify for us? >Eliacim Cortes > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Robert Worcester > To: [email protected] > Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 9:33 PM > Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Prospective Student and Ercoupe Owner > > > I'm looking to buy an Ercoupe, then saving for my lessons. It's a 415- > D therefore I'm looking at near $8000 for my PPL. My question is: Can > I do most of the solo hours in my own 'coup and save money on the > rentals? Do CFIs do that? > Thanks, > Robert >
