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Greg, I was dying to make this comment in the public forum, but I'll heed your admonition to leave it to the board. I believe that a large part of this problem stems from one of the Ercoupe's virtues: it looks more modern than it is. With its tricycle gear, all or partial metal construction, and low wing/low drag in comparison to its contemporaties (Cub, Champ, T-Craft, Cessna 120/140, etc.), we attract some buyers looking for a cheaper alternative to the more modern Cessna 150 or Cherokee 140, rather than a desire to own and maintain a vintage aircraft. As a vintage aircraft buff, I've attended maintenance seminars over the years at Oshkosh where, for example, the Aeronca crowd listened attentively to news of rotting spars with rapt attention. The ensuing discussion was all about effective remedial actions, as opposed to crying about scaring off buyers and adding to cost of ownership. That's because they see themselves as vintage aircraft owners, with all that entails. It is important for prospective Ercoupe owners (and some current ones, as well), to accept the concept that they are buying a half-century old vintage airplane. That has its rewards, as well as expenses. The primary motivation for selecting the Ercoupe should not be to get into airplane ownership on the cheap, when compared to purchasing a more contemporary airplane. If less possibility of corrossion and readily available/cheaper parts are major concerns, purchasing any vintage aircraft, Ercoupe included, is not advised. The Wrights are an invaluable resource for a group of people devoted to keeping a very old and extinct model of aircraft flying. When I look at the corroded parts they pass around at their Oshkosh forum, I take heed. Thank goodness that we learn about these potential sources of danger from them, than to discover them in the air. Please convey my opinion to the board. Thanx Paul N94821 '48E at 06C __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com ================================================================== TO UNSUBSCRIBE go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm
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