----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
My complements on a well-written post reply! I would like to add one thing. This group should band together to list all the AP/IA's out there who are REALLY QUALIFIED to inspect a Coupe and the associated paperwork that goes with it. This is really important for owners and prospective buyers. We all know there are "paperwork Annuals". This can cause problems for the owner as well as the buyer. A NATIONAL LIST of AP/IA's that owners will attest to as being familiar and honest with our airplane will be a major move forward. Fortunately, I have one. If the list goes into affect, I will ask him if he would like to have his name included. George Frebert Dover DE On Wed, 12 Dec 2001 08:52:07 EST, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- > > Hey folks, Ercoupes do suffer from corrosion,,,,so do ALL airplanes that are > 50 years old...Some much earlier when improperly maintained..... > > Corrosion is a concern for all machinery, and improper maintenance will > hasten its return to dust....But, Ercoupes are NO WORSE than any other > airplane, and in fact, I believe, a much better original design, stronger > airframe than most similar aged aircraft and equal to current production > models. > > > Cessna and Piper, too, experience these same problems. > > So, to take a position that the Ercoupe airframe is inferrior in some way, as > comparred to other airplanes, (because you bought a pig in a poke), is very > misleading to your fellow airmen (and airwomen) and the general public. > > Yes we are experiencing corrosion problems that have been overlooked for > years. This is not an aircraft problem, it is a maintenance problem. > Unfortunately many have overloked the necessary thorough inspections required > by every airplane; and as a result we now have creeping corrosion showing up > on "inspected - signed off" airplanes. That is a shame, but it is the > responsibility of the owner, along with the mechanic. > > Now, the question arises....Is my Ercoupe ( or Cessna, Piper, etc.) worth > saving or should it be scrapped? That is an individual problem and must be > addressed by every owner at every annual inspection. > > I personally think it is worth fixing mine, even tho the costs are much > greater than I expected...Still when properly inspected and repaired it will > still be a wonderful, safe big boy's Toy for many years to come......and at > about the cost of a new car ( that is only expected to last for 3 - 5 > years...). > > Is the investment in a good Ercoupe/rebuilt Ercoupe a good deal ??? Only you > can answer that question for your purchase or repair. > > BUT, I believe everyone should carefully reflect on his/her purchase of any > old airplane.....realizing that it is very important to have a professional, > dedicated inspector(s) thoroughly review/inspect your airplane (or your > proposed purchase) > so YOU know what is in store for you. Purchasing a pretty new paint job can > be very misleading, as some of you folks have found out - hiding very serious > mechanical and corrosion problems. Sad, but True. BUT, this is not an Ercoupe > problem, or a Cessna , or Piper Problem - but an owner problem. > > I hope you realize your efforts in telling the truth, will be just that - The > truth - about all mechanical devices, all airplanes, all purchases; and the > need to carefully review every purchase - whether it be an airplane, > automobile or home...All suffer from deterioration that CAN be hidden behind > a nice shinny paint job; only to be found later by the new owner. In Truth It > is called Buyer's Remorse. > > Now Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins are issued for obvious > failures....problems recognized after an airplane is in service. > Unfortunately a "paper compliance" does not solve the problem. And new ADs > that addresss\ already recognized problems just cloud the issues. The Owner > is responsible for assuring the airplane is airworthy......the mechanic does > the work; the inspector reviews the work is to standards, and all ADs are > complied with. Service Bulletins should be complied with but are often not > required. In the End, The Owner is legally responsible for the airworthiness > of HIS airplane......and for selecting an appropiate and knowledgeable > inspector /mechanic team to accomplsih the needed maintenance. > > Fly Safe - Have Fun > > Harry Francis > Blacksburg, VA > > __________________________________________________________________________ ____ Send a friend your Buddy Card and stay in contact always with Excite Messenger http://messenger.excite.com ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
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