In my opinion, an Ercoupe is one of the easiest aircraft for a well trained pilot to transition to. It's helpful if you have a minimum of some right seat time with an experienced Ercoupe flyer who may or may not be a CFI. The main thing is to find someone who is experienced in a Coupe who can point out the differences in technique between an Ercoupe and most other light aircraft. The corrosion problem requires several steps: 1) Find an IA who is knowledgeable of Ercoupes and is near where the plane you are looking at and think you want to purchase. Do not use an IA who has previously signed off the aircraft. 2) Look at the planes log books to see that all of the required ADs and inspections are properly signed off. You can do this yourself if you have the skill and knowledge. If you don't have the skill and knowledge pay someone qualified to do this for you. 3) If the plane looks like one that you might like to purchase and if the log books indicate that it has been maintained with the proper inspections, arrange for an IA with Ercoupe experience and knowledge to conduct an annual inspection for you. The annual inspection should include the wing and center section inspections required by existing ADs even if the ADs are not due. You can't find corrosion unless you are looking for it. To accomplish the above, it might be helpful to identify the area where you live as there might be an experienced Ercoupe owner nearby who you could arrange a flight or two with. And, when you find a plane you are interested in, check Coupe Capers to see if there is an IA listed near the aircraft who could possibly do a proper inspection. Hopefully the time, effort, and money you spend will pay off by identifying the true condition of the plane you are looking at.
John Roach N 2427H rurndum wrote: > > > I guess someday we will all have to deal with this (if we're lucky) > but I'm turning 65 soon and my little Cessna 152 Heavy that I learned > to fly in at the tender age of 58 has to go away in exchange for an > LSA Ercoupe because I am very tired of dealing with the FAA and their > special issuance medicals. I never ever want to be denied a medical. > > I have a couple of concerns with this transition. As a fearful elderly > 650 hour pilot with high performance and glider towing endorsements > should I be concerned with transitioning to an Ercoupe? I've heard > that they glide like pianos. I really don't want to learn how to fly > the space shuttle on final. > > Another concern is corrosion and how difficult is it to detect during > the pre-buy inspection especially in the center section? > > >
