Sport Pilot Talk

I appreciate the information. I know where Hedgesville is. I'm going to TN tomorrow to look at an Ercoupe. If it doesn't pan out, I'll make a call on this one.

Thanks!

Where in TN?

MarkP wrote: Useful load on a 415C is 511#
.

That's what some Coupe sellers claim, Mark, but it just ain't so. An original (unmodified) 415C weighs in at over 800# with fabric wings, and 850 if they've been metallized. Max gross is 1260, so your useful load is down around 410 to 450. With 2 people, that doesn't allow for much fuel. That's why most owners modified with the 1400 pound STC (which means they will never be LSAs, no matter what Trade-A-Plane ads say). Univair offers a 1320 pound STC, but it requires some tail mods.

Search this site for Ercoupe threads - there has been lots of discussion. Or, check the Ercoupe Owners Club (ercoupe.org).

Just outside of Knoxville... If it's as good as it sounds and looks in the pics, I'll buy. I'll check it out myself and do some flying. I'm hopeful. I bought my last one near there.

According to the owner: this one has an STC for metalized wings which brings the empty weight recalculated to 789#. It also has an STC for a gross weight increase to 1320#. That's a useful load of 531#. It had to be weighed and calculated for the STCs. It also has a C-85. At a useful load of 531# and 24 gallons of fuel @6 pounds per gallon, that leaves 387# for pilot and passenger. With the weight of myself and my wife, that leaves enough for more luggage than an Ercoupe has space. I'll verify all the paperwork when I get there tomorrow. He has all 337s and the A&P that did the work is local. We'll have to wait and see.

The actual wording of the STC for gross increase to 1320#:

STC SA02450CH will increase the allowable gross weight of Univair (ERCO) 415-C and -CD
aircraft from their present 1260 pounds to a 1320 pound maximum weight.

This 60-pound increase in gross weight will provide the operator with a greater margin
of safety through the ability of the average aircraft to carry a full fuel load (24 gallons)
and two 170-pound occupants.

Mark,

PM sent.

Mark, I've never seen a metal-wing 415C actually weigh in that light. Maybe that's what it calculates to, but I wouldn't believe it until I've seen it on calibrated scales. The factory empty weight claims from ERCO were all way low.

I understand. I do alot of custom work on cars. Typically, engines are rated much less than actual horsepower, but weights are usually accurate. I know a few coupe owners and I'll try to get input from them. One friend has built more planes than he's bought. He would give a very accurate assessment. I appreciate your input!!

I probably have access to some race car scales owned by an EAA member if that helps.

About 100 miles south of Knoxville - Copperhill, TN, less as the crow flies - if they would help.

I appreciate the offer. I'll be spending alot of time in logs tomorrow. I have a list of al STCs. Most recent being 2012. Only 4 since 1967. Knowing the actual weight won't make much difference really. It is what it is. I'm always kinda conservative when it comes to safety. Thanks!!!

Good luck with it! I can tell you from my own experience the log book weight and the actual weight can be considerably different. Any chance the coupe your looking at is this one? Just curious.

PM Sent

I appreciate all the input from the group. I am now the owner of a 1946 Ercoupe 415 CD. It qualifies as Light Sport. I found it on Barnstormers.com, and made a trip to TN and bought it. Delivery was in on the deal, so I'm waiting for it to land at I18 in WV. Yea.... you might say I'm a bit excited!!!!

Mark

It's a beautiful aircraft, Mark. Enjoy, and fly it safely.