In my humble opinion, these "answers" do not accurately respond to
Jack's question:
I am new to the group and looking at Ercoupe's to buy. I want an
LSA...
(2) Can you modify a 415C to get a 90 or 100 HP engine and still
qualify as an LSA?
Jim said:
This is more a question of whether it's allowed for the plane by
what's
called an STC, than whether it qualifies as LSA. The Ercoupe is
certified in the "normal" class. Installing an engine that isn't
certified for that plane makes it an "experimental".
I understand that there are Ercoupes "out there" that have had C-90 and
0-200 engines
LEGALLY installed and signed off by all parties under the STC process.
That does NOT
make those birds 'experimental" airframes. So, one answer is YES, they
exist.
The question of whether it is STILL possible to do so is harder. I
understand that "the" STC
for installation of the C-90 that Skyport used to offer is no longer
available. It MAY not be the
only one. I believe the STC for installation of the 0-200 is active.
STC approvals were easier to get in the past. Your A&P, IA and local
FAA office
should agree to your written proposal before moving ahead with such
intent today.
Kevin said:
Installing an engine not allowed on the airframe does not make it an
"experimental", it
makes it "illegal".
The installation of a C-90 or 0-200 engine in an Ercoupe in conformance
with the
appropriate STC, once the the FAA has approved application of THAT STC
to THAT
airframe is NOT "Installing an engine not allowed on the airframe" and
the resulting
installation is NOT "illegal". A buyer must make absolutely sure all
is properly approved.
Yes, we can whip up all kinds of circumstances that might make it so;
and along the
path of such installation lurk some dragons ;<); but the words "can
you", at least to me, mean
"is it possible". In general and abstract terms, the answer is YES.
To be more specific, the
unfortunate "discretion" allowed different FAA regions and different
FAA representatives
have changed the impartial "rule of regulation" applied equally
everywhere to the rule of
individuals according to personal prejudices. So here we must waffle
and respond with a
firm "maybe", depending on...
If a properly converted plane can be found, it is easier to purchase
same than to buy
with the intent to convert one.
Regards,
William R. Bayne
.____|-(o)-|____.
(Copyright 2009)
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