Sean, I fly a 90 hp. Forney in southern NM at 4200 ft. and moved here a year ago from a paved airpark N. of the Springs at 7000 ft with 3800 ft. paved. I have to agree with Jim McClean's comments. If the strip is short and has obstacles, you probably don't want any plane with a smaller engine. I am able to get off in less than 2000 ft at nearly gross wt. at 4000 msl and can sustain a rate of climb of about 200 ft/min at 80 mph indicated at 2300 rpm. There happens to be a 100 hp C150 operating from here also and the performance of the Forney is much better. I believe the shorter wing with less drag accounts for this, which is just an opinion without foundation. I have flown from high elevations for the last 15 years and now when I go to a lower part of the country (elevation speaking of course) it scares me how short the runways are. Our airpark runway is one mile of graded desert with another 20 unobstructed miles beyond. When I fly in the summer heat, I normally don't fill up completely in an attempt not to tempt fate too much. Airspeed is the key. Keeping the nose low after liftoff keeps the airspeed up which is safety in the bank. If obstacles are not a factor, climb out is not something that must be done all at once. If you say "I think I can make it" you are allowing that you might not. The outcome should never be in doubt. I think the 'coupe's are as good as any of the smaller engine sized airplanes and have no worry flying one at these intermediate altitudes. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Sean S. Fendt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Friday, November 12, 1999 5:31 PM Subject: Questions before buying an Ercopupe...
>Hi, > >I'm a private pilot that may have an opportunity to purchase an >Ercoupe. I've been doing a lot of research, and love the information on >your web site. I still have one question for which I haven't found a >direct answer. As owners and operators, you all should know these >aircraft the best, and have the most reliable information. > >I'm located in eastern colorado. How well would an Ercoupe perform at >an airport elevation of 5500 feet? Especially a gras strip? I've been >told that performance may be similar to a Cesna 150. Given that, (my >private training and check ride were in a 150) I would believe that >avoiding hot summer afternoons, and flying solo or with a light >passenger, I should be fine. I would love to get some opinions about >operating at my altitude before pursuing this much further. > >Thank you in advance, >-- Sean S. Fendt >
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