Roberto and the Group, First, let's try to define the models, and then you will see the qualifications:
The Ercoupe 415 s/n 1, was first certified with the ERCO IL-116, 65 hp 4 cyl, Inverted air cooled, engine, and simply specified as Model 415. Before any were sold, Continental made the A-65-8 engine available at about a $500 saving per engine, thus making the 415C (for Continental). All Ercoupes have been sold with versions of the Continental engine. When CAA made new specifications for aircraft - (Normal and Utility Catagory), this allowed for a higher gross weight allowance......making the 415C elgible for a higher gross weight...... Thus, was born the 415D with a higher gross weight (1400lbs). Initially, many folks were not satisfied with the higher weight aircraft, which required a higher approach speed than the 415C, due to the limited elevator up travel of 9 degrees (C and CD models have 13 deg up); to prevent the coupe from potentially achieving a stall attitude. So, very shortly the factory incorporated the modification/improvements that were made in the D model (such as a stainless steel cover over the header tank, etc) but maintained the elevator up travel in the C model, and certified the revised coupe at the C model GW of 1260 #. This model was called the CD model. There is no such thing as a C/D model, tho many people call a C model thas been converted to D specs ( higher GW, etc.) a C/D model. The conversion requires inspection and approval by a FAA field inspector, and issuance of a new Airworthiness Certificate. There are over 100 415C models registered that have been modified to D specs. I think many have been inspected and approved, and many that have been modified with a 337, but actually still have a 415C Standard Airworthiness Certificate. (Some folks understand the Model of an Aircraft can only be changed by the manufacturer; but that an aircraft can be modified to the later specs, by simply following the Manufacture's Service Memorandums, with the use of a 337. I would call this change as a C model modified to D model Specs.... Here-in lies the problem: The LSA rules specifically state that an aircraft that has been operated at a legal GW higher than the LSA GW specs of 1340 pounds, does not qualify for certification as a LSA. Of course lots of discussion enters here ...just what does the rule really say...... and lots of arguments. There is NO Difference between the C/CD/ D model Ercoupes....except simple modifications to throttle, carb heat, and trim control operation, minor changes to the landing gear, Gross Weight difference, and *stainless /steel over the header tank in the D and CD models... *This regulatory safety requirement was missed in the original Certification of the C model with the Continental engine, because the IL-116 engine cowling stopped at the S/S firewall, and the change to the Continental engine required larger cowling that went past the firewall. The D model up elevator limit is set at 9 deg to supposedly prevent the heavier GW coupe from approaching a stall attitude at full throttle climb.. The 1260# GW of the C and the CD model elevator travel is 13 deg up. There is now an STC for raising the C and CD model GW to 1340 # GW. Interestingly this STC requires limiting the elevator up travel to the D specs of 9 degrees.. I think we will eventually see the D model @ 1400 GW (maybe even 1450 GW, which would include the later Ercoupe models, Forney, Alon, ertc., all approved as LSA; ,,, tho the LSA industry will fight it to the end. Of course this would also lead to the Cessna 150, and other light aircraft to be approved as LSA. As you probably know, the creation of the LSA aircraft designation was simply to encourage the development of light, low cost, new airplanes.....and were develped with specifications set by the manufactures with the use of ASTM consensus type development. Hopefully , we will see the inclusion of the D, E, F, G, Ercoupes into the LSA catagory. Interestingly the H model qualifies, except those that now weigh more because the owners added Battery, Starter and Generator. Just my opinion.... Fly Safe - Have Fun Harry Francis N93530 ________________________________ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 11:35:03 AM Subject: [ercoupe-tech] 415-C/D - When it is an LSA and when it is not? As subject says. I've seen ads for 415's C/D including lines such as: "LSA", "not an LSA", "qualifies as LSA", "light sport eligible", "light sport status dubious", "previous owner bought it as LSA, but it was not" "its a 415-CD, selling as a D model" (??) What are the criteria for determining if a C/D is a LSA or not? Thanks, Roberto Waltman.
