Paul: Can't answer all your questions, but this may help a little:
1 - Do most Ercoupes have electrical?
Most that I've seen have electrical and starters.
Far more have electrical than don't.
2 - What percentage of planes have rudder pedals?
Don't know what percentage have them, mine does.
I may change back to two control after the overhaul.
I've only flown in one without pedals and it was a blast.
So I may take mine back to original.
3 - How difficult is a conversion?
Don't let it having or not having pedals let you pass
up a deal. It is a easy conversion.
4 - How much should I budget for a usable radio and altitude
encoding transponder?
I ran my coupe for a year with a handheld. A STS with a headset
adapter. That's the way it will go back. A good used handheld
is around $250. A new panel mounted VALCOM is $650. Since
you will be flying with the top down check out the VAL with the
build in intercom. A transponder will cost about $750 +- several
hundred.
Look for yellow tagged used. Tropic Aero 1-800-351-9272
sales good used equipment. Nice group to deal with. Great price
on GPS units.
5 - Where might I find books covering Ercoupe? Maintenance manuals?
Call Sky Port - 1-800-624-5312. I just got all the AD's and
Memo's from them, about $40 for all. Also get the parts and
maintenance manuals and everything else they have. I got these
before I found a plane. Helped on the search. Knew a little
about what I was looking at.
6 - At a minimum a description of the various models with original
engines and other equipment would be very helpful.
I don't know all the models, there is several. Basics from my
understanding:
415-C 75 hp model.
415-D 85 hp model.
These seem to be the most readily available. Look at your
usage and budget. If mountains or short fields, look for
high HP and climb rate. Flat land and long fields get a
cruise prop.
7 - I noticed an AD that seemed pretty extensive covering wing
inspection. Are there many aircraft that haven't complied
with this AD?
If it is in current annual, I think the AD must be complied
with. Some may be flying without the annual. The AD was
for inspections, don't be lead to believe that all the
planes have corrosion. Look careful for corrosion, you
may or may not find any, but don't let the AD stop you
from looking.
>I hope I haven't worn out my welcome with too many questions.
Anytime. The folks on this list are nice, unless you say
something about rudder pedals or Cessnas.
Standard Disclaimer:
The opinions express are not necessary mine or the institution
I am confined in.
Jack
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