Kim, Lynn.
We calculated that the metal covering adds roughly 40 pounds to an Ercoupes empty weight. But one has to subtract the weight of the cloth covering of the wings plus the weight of the dope. I'd say net weight gain is around 20 pounds. The inspection of the metal wings is as hard as the cloth covered ones. The 40 or so holes are the only access. Admitted that a thoroughly inspection can be done when recovering the wings. But when does that happen? Every 10 to 20 years. That is no significant inspection cycle to me. The recovering process is labor intense and costs extra money. And is not available in some areas. Metalized wings should not stop you from buying a nice Ercoupe. Hartmut To: [email protected]; [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:05:14 -0500 Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Split elevator Hey Kim: I hope and pray that you will have better luck with the (new) 415 C. I believe that the metal covered wings add about 35 to 40 lbs to the empty weight of the Coupe. They also make it tough to inspect every nook and cranny (as can be done during a recover job) for possible corrosion. (It is a lot of work to drill out all those rivets, remove the skins, and then replace after inspecting) I feel the split elevator is the best of both worlds. It allows landing at the slowest speeds and requires the least amount of trim changes with airspeed. >> By the way, this new (to me) 415 C has metal wings and a split elevator is this a good thing?<< Lynn Nelsen _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969
