Hi Hartmut,
Yes, I agree with what you say about Ercoupe Information Letter No. 1.
Kim can't follow that course of action though (as presented) because
the end result is a 415-E or later model with 1400# gross thus, by
definition. He wants to keep his airframe LSA-eligible.
A field approval to install a split elevator on a C, CD (there is no
C/D) Model would do this. If it were to purport to change the model of
the airframe to 415-E it would not.
I have yet to see a field approval allowing installation of the split
elevator that allows the airframe to "fly legally up to 1320 pounds"
without compliance with the further modifications described in Ercoupe
Information Letter No. 1 that are required by the 1320# STC and
purchase of that STC followed by appropriate incorporation into the
airframe paperwork.
(as I understand these things)
WRB
--
On Mar 16, 2010, at 05:30, Hartmut Beil wrote:
Information letter No.1 from 1956 mentions the optional conversion of
415C/D models to either a 415-D or 415-E.
The Model conversion to a 415-E included the installation of a split
elevator.
back then , this was the way to go to upgrade the airplane.
http://www.ercoupe.info/?n=Main.ModelConversions
You gained more gross weight and better slow flight capabilities.
I saw a few 415-C models with the split elevator. It should have been
added under a field approval and would be a perfect candidate for the
Gross Weight STC, allowing the plane still be flown under the LSA
rules.
If luck has it, there is either a field approval existing for Kim's
Coupe or one can be obtained by a clever mechanic. With that, you can
fly legally up to 1320 pounds without having the elevator restriction
, thus allowing for slower landing speeds.
All good things to have.
Hartmut
