Gang, I have owned N3103H for five years. I am a CFII and have taught several people how to fly in Ercoupes. In the past 6 months, I have sold 4 Ercoupes and checked-out three of the new owners. In the past five years I have flown coast-to-coast twice and up and down the eastern seaboard three times. I have read all the Ercoupe owners manuals and most other literature about the aircraft. With this information, I will respectfully disagree with the earlier posts suggesting that, on landing, it is OK to keep the nose wheel in the air for any length of time while the mains are on the ground. In this configuration, the pilot has ZERO directional control of the aircraft. While this may not be any problem on a perfectly calm day and the landing has been right down the center-line, it will definitely be a problem if there is any crosswind. It will also be a problem if there is a gust. It will also be a problem if you are landing behind a heavier aircraft and his vortices are still on the runway. I teach my students to gently, but firmly, push the yoke forward as soon as the main gear touches the ground, as this is the only way one will have directional control.
Glen Glen Davis 917 297 1111 www.ishootpictures.com www.ercoupepilot.com
