Most 'coupes have a useful load of 400 to 500 lbs. Full fuel is no more than 144 lbs plus 15 lbs for oil - at 400 lbs useful load, that leaves 241 lbs for you and your instructor. In 35 years of flying I've always had lightweight instructors, none over 145 lbs. That leaves 96 lbs for you.
The solution is either a starvation diet, remove tool boxes, the upholstery, or leave out some fuel and take shorter flights. In the example above, if you weigh 196 lbs, you can leave in 44 lbs (7 gallons) of fuel, which will get you around the pattern for approximately 1/2 an hour without running dry. Seriously, you have just discovered another of the Ercoupe's idiosyncrasies. Look on one of the websites to be sure of gross weight for each of the models and typical empty weight. If the plane you are looking at is abnormally heavy and is also one of the low gross models, you may be purchasing the wrong aircraft. Consider other models or learn how (and why) it can be converted to a higher gross weight. Also, if flying near gross, you will probably find it advantageous to have a "climb prop" on the plane. Learn what props are legal and which one is installed on that aircraft. It is possible to have a metal prop "repitched" to some extent, but that is expensive. David N6359V > Thomas Walker wrote: > > How can I safely do dual time in a Coupe? I'm going this > weekend to preview one for purchase. It's a 415CD. I > have zero time in Ercoupes, and a new Private with only > 130hrs. I like the airplane, I've read the tech info on > this site and others, and still need help. The insurance > company won't cover the aircraft with me as PIC until I > have dual time. When I figure the projected take off > weight and what it's rated, I'm way off. How can it be > done safely? > > Thanks for your help.. > > Dick > > __________________________________________________________________________ ______ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________________________ Want to find the best email lists? Check out the Topica 20! http://www.topica.com/topica20
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
