[Fwd: Re: takeoff distances]

[Bob Saville]

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Title: Re: takeoff distances

Dave Matthews wrote:
>
> The mechanic where I am taking lessons suggested that I drop the ercoupe off of my list of potential planes to buy.  He said that it tends to use a lot of runway with two people in it.  I don't know what engine he was using as a frame of reference.  How much runway do you use up with say 450 pounds of humans on board and a reasonable fuel load?  How are ercoupes on grass?  I would assume that they do fairly well due to the age of the design and what the normal runways were back then.  Is the erc

>
> Dave
>
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Hi Dave,
        I would suggest that your mechanic do a little research before he
starts badmouthing an obviously very good airplane.
        I fly off of a 1700 foot grass strip with obstacles at the take off
end. I've had my coupe for 13 years and haven't had any problems yet.
        You didn't say where you're at but I'm in Oregon and the weather
doesn't get over 90 to 95 usually but at those temperatures and below I
can take two adults and full fuel and use a little over half of our
runway. Even if I had to use 3/4 of it I'd still have plenty of room to
get off and not even get nervous about it.
        I have the old original 415C with a 75hp engine and I have never
considered getting any more power as I can cruise at 100 to 105 on 4 1/2
to 5 gallons of fuel as it is.  Tell your mechanic to try and match that
with a, let's say Cessna 150 or 152, as that's the plane they usally try
and sell new pilots on.
        Hey, I'm not knocking the Cessna 150's I have a lot of time in them,
they're a great trainer.  Then when you learn more about planes and et
more exposure to what else is out there you want to get out of the
trainer series and get a real plane to go out and purchase. I flew
rentals (Cessnas, Pipers, etc.) for many years before I ever had a
chance to fly an Ercoupe.  I flew it for about 20 minutes and when we
landed I wrote him a check for it. It's the first plane that I really
felt like I was part of it and it would do what I wanted it to do and I
"trusted" the feel of it.
        Maybe the Coupe isn't for everyone, but until someone can introduce me
to a plane I like better, I'll stay with my coupe. 
        I also have a single holer bipe, and it's lots of fun, but if I had to
sell one or the other I'd keep the coupe and sell the bipe.
        I've also heard of CFI's who try and discourage students away from
coupes. Usually, they've never had the pleasure of flying a coupe so
they just believe (and spread) the rumors that coupes just aren't real
airplanes because they won't spin and won't give you a 'whiplash stall.
I've tried to get my coupe to stall and it just keeps refusing. On a
power-on stall in a Cessna 150 you feel like you just topped a 'killer
rollercoaster'.  In my coupe, when it runs out of climb power it just
lowers it's nose gently until power again overcomes climb and it starts
moving forward again. Guess what, NO WHIPLASH and NO STOMACHE IN THE
THROAT feeling.
        In case you haven't guessed yet Dave, I LOVE MY COUPE!!!
If I had been exposed to Ercoupes back in the 50's I'd have owned one
for many more than only 13 years. (I'd have spent a heck of a lot less
money on rentals and lessons too. I don't know if they still do it, but
the FAA used to allow you to get your solo in fewer hours if you took
your training in an Ercoupe.  Probably not now since they haven't made
Ercoupes for about half a century now.
        Lot's of luck Dave in your aviation career and think for yourself after
you've done a lot of research, don't let a mechanic, CFI, or another
pilot make up your mind for you.  You're off to a good start by checking
this web-site.  You'll get a lot of feedback here and it will vary
somewhat, but at least you'll be hearing from coupe owners.  Who else
would know better than an owner?  If I wanted to buy a Chevy, would I go
ask a Ford owner?
        Now, let me stir a little mud into my story..... I would suggest that
if you are still a student and have not soloed yet that you stay with a
3 axis plane (such as a Cessna).  After you get signed off to solo (and
maybe even until after you get your private), then you can go out and
get a plane you'll enjoy more and cost you less.
        Whatever you decide to do, make it your decision, not a mechanics or a
CFI's who has probably never flown an Ercoupe.  The more experience you
have, the more equipped you will be to make your own decision.  What
ever you decide... Fly Safe, Fly Often and enjoy it!!!!!!
        Keep us informed on your progress and your decissions.

Bob Saville
N3396H 415C
Eugene,  OR

PS  I just re-read your letter and I have one more thing to add; Not
only are Ercoupes GREAT on grass, I challange your mechanic to try and
compare his 'what-ever' in a crosswind landing. Ercoupes are GREAT in
crosswinds.
Have you ever seen a B-52 come in for a landing in a crosswind? If so,
just imagine it with a single engine and two tails and you'll know what
I mean.  (We both land sort of 'sideways' when the wind makes it
necessary)

        We have a member in our club wh is 6'7" and I think about 245 if I'm
not mistaken.  I don't know how much his wife weighs in at but after
much research and lots of questions from this website (and other sources
I'm quite sure) he is now the very proud owner of an Ercoupe.

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