All,
We are installing the overhead window and found it is extremely hard to move.
Probably needs some trimming. Also we put it in upside down but that will be
corrected soon. I put the tint on the window and haven't had a chance to fly
it yet but sitting in the sun does make a difference. My concern is the tint
has a restriction in that it is not to be installed on plastic or fiberglass.
Probably due to the heat relfection.
Was thinking if we keep it to go to a professional window tinter and see if
they can install a professional tint, similar to the type that is done on
eyeglasses.
Any suggestions on making it slide easier and the tint ? I talked to Skyport
and he has had 5 inquiries from other Coupe owners thinking about installing
the top window.
Jim
----- Original Message -----
From: William R. Bayne
To: ercoupe list
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 7:32 PM
Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Window kicking and ball cap retention.
All,
Many Ercoupers prefer to fly with the side screens open much or most of the
time. When flying purely for enjoyment, speed and/or efficiency may not matter
to a given person. Whatever floats one's boat ;<)
On the other hand, the Ercoupe was originally designed to be an efficient
means of transportation. It
still is after all these years. Consider the following quotation from the
Ercoupe Instruction Manual, p. 5:
"The cruising speed will be approximately 5 mph higher with the windows
closed. Therefore to
obtain the best possible cruising performance, the windows should be closed
and the airplane
should be flown at the highest altitude at which cruising rpm can be
maintained, due consideration
being given, of course, to the wind and the weather."
Accordingly, unless low and slow with a sidescreen open to enjoy and take
pictures of something,
on most occasions I would be high and lean for speed, range and the greater
options should an unplanned landing become necessary.
Having lost one chart thru the overhead ventilation slot between the two
windscreens, I very much prefer the "sun screen" overhead window. With mirror
film applied in slightly overlapping fore-aft strips (it does shrink over
time), one retains good visibility with 98% heat reflection; and having a
narrower vent slot over each occupant improves comfort and reduces cabin air
currents I found objectionable. If ERCO and the FAA deem exit options with it
safe, so will I.
Flying off the southern California coast to and from Catalina Island, it's
really beautiful about a thousand feet up over the beaches, boats and harbors.
I chose to transit at an altitude from which I could either glide to the (high)
island airport or to the mainland beach should the engine quit at any given
point en route. This minimized exposure of the airframe to the highest salt
environment, and eliminated the need to carry water survival equipment.
Just some grist for the mill ;<)
WRB
--
On May 15, 2009, at 16:02, Daniel Arditi wrote:
Perhaps may be a little difference in drag between planes with slightly
different attitudes when flying straight and level ?
Just 'thinking in a loud voice'
Regards
daniel
From: Bob Swinney <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]; ALAN FAIRCLOUGH <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 10:12:25 AM
Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Window kicking and ball cap retention.
I don't know what all the fuss is about with regard to the extra drag
caused by the open windows. I almost always fly with them down (Florida). On
the rare occasion that I close them there is not the slightest indication of
change in airspeed. I have experimented with this on several occasions and the
result is always the same....
Bob
From: ALAN FAIRCLOUGH <texasaviator@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Window kicking and ball cap retention.
To: ercoupe-tech@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:48 AM
Just read the post about using the center window to prevent a ball cap
from flying off.
I don't like the center window because in the event of an engine fire on
start up, I like to have the seat belts unfastened and windows down all the way
in case both pilot and passenger feel compelled to get out the plane at the
same time.
Alan Fairclough
