BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 15:11

Username Protected wrote:

I owned one for five years. It was a 415 C/D, no rudder pedals, and the 85 HP Continental up front. It made a nice, very cheap 2-place weekend tourer(so long as you and your SO can pack into one softsided bag). A 'Coupe always brings a smile wherever it lands. Take off, climb and cruise speeds were all very close to one another, though. With two on board it was something like 80, 80 and 95 miles per hour, burning anout 3.5 per. There are some fine points to what to look for, and some center section corrosion concerns. But it is a very easy to fly, easy to maintain airplane with a lot of parts support. Crosswind technique takes some careful retraining. If I were on the hunt I would be looking for a 100HP conversion, no rudder pedals, modern brakes, original panel, nice P&I and the bare minimum of avionics ( radio, tx, audio panel and docked GPS).
Cruise open cockpit with your elbow on the sill, and make turns by sticking your hand out. What's not to like?
Robin

Nice information! I seems to be the consensus from the community that you do not want the rudder pedals.

Any idea what overhauls costs?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 15:56

You do not want rudder pedals. I would routinely fly the plane with 15 knot direct x-winds with no problem. You flew the plane like you drove a car. Dirt simple and everything worked all the time. Just a neat little plane for the money.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 16:10

David:
I'd budget about $16,000.
Robin

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 17:41

The 90 HP C-90 is the most desirable to me. It has enough power for two adults and fuel, burns minimal fuel, and is indestructible. I really like my 415-D with the C-90.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2015, 21:36

Username Protected wrote:

The 90 HP C-90 is the most desirable to me. It has enough power for two adults and fuel, burns minimal fuel, and is indestructible. I really like my 415-D with the C-90.

IIRC, the 415D's are not light sport. The 415C and many 415CDs are light sport unless they have had a gross weight increase above 1320 lbs. Given similar condition and equipment, the light sport Ercoupe are somewhat more expensive than those that are not light sport simply because light sport aircraft are more in demand right now.

Kathy's 415C is our no medical retirement airplane.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Aug 2015, 14:37

So easy a 4 year old child can fly it (ask me how I know).

Dad's was a 415E and we spent many a happy hour or so flying around PA and NJ in it. Great little airplane, and IMHO looks cool as can be.

I highly recommend the 'coupe.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Aug 2015, 17:41

Quote:

You flew the plane like you drove a car. Dirt simple and everything worked all the time. Just a neat little plane for the money.

Although you never want to totally let down your guard when flying......these things let you just relax and enjoy the view. I haven't been in one in years, but they are just fun.

( don't hold the nose off after you land....)

Edit to say after landing.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Aug 2015, 17:55

Glad to see this thread turn from negative to positive. :thumbup:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 10 Aug 2015, 07:06

If anyone wants to go for a "spin" give a hollar!

Anyone ever own an ercoupe?