When Joa inquired about getting his private pilots certificate, I replied with a personal letter describing my experiences acquiring my certificate with no restrictions. To be brief, at the age of 56 I purchased my "Spirit of '46" Ercoupe in May of 1998. Two months later I received my valued and cherished certificate. From my first lesson to the check ride it took 60 days. If I remember correctly I flew 25 times during the second month. I was determined to consolidate my training within a short period of time so that I could take my wife, family, and friends with me as soon as I could. I wanted them to experience the same joy I feel when I fly my coupe. I equate it to driving a MG convertible with the top down. It is totally exhilarating and stress-less.
During my training I inquired at the local FSDO as to any limitations or restrictions. If my memory serves me correct, I came away understanding that there was none. If there was, I would have rented a 3-controlled aircraft to accommodate. Such was not the case. My FAA examiner concurred. Common sense dictates that when you train in a 2-controlled Ercoupe and you want to fly a 3-controlled aircraft you get checked out in it prior to being the sole pilot-in-command. Self-preservation kind of takes priority here, don't you think? I've got about 140 hours logged since May of l998 and about 350 landings, mostly in the Ercoupe. The week after passing my check-ride, I flew with an instructor in a Cessna 172 to acquire the necessary skills for flying 3-controlled aircraft. No big deal! It's kind of like getting your driving license in an automobile with an automatic transmission. Now you've gotten your credentials to drive but you want to drive that little sporty model with a 5-speed manual transmission. You will probably have an experienced driver assist you in mastering the necessary skills. Again, no big deal! I would like to think that I am a very good pilot . I know the basic skills, but my Garmin 195 GPS sure is an invaluable tool which enhance navigation skills. I constantly try to acquire new and old ideas, skills, experiences, etc., via the Internet, magazines, fellow pilots, etc. I enjoy reading the requests and responses on this coupers mailing list. Keep up the good work, you fellow coupers! Be positive and keep a "helping" attitude. If someone doesn't agree with your way of thinking, be flexible to permit his opinion to be read. Don't need to get upset! I almost forgot. I would also like to know exactly where it defines that the Ercoupe cannot be used in the private pilot check-ride. Enjoy the flight!! Dallas Larson N93555 Lakeville, Minnesota -----Original Message----- From: Ron Burke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tuesday, March 23, 1999 11:01 AM Subject: Re: Becoming Licensed In an Ercoupe >This is pure.... well CRAP... > >As of last March the 2 control Ercoupe is listed by NAME as a aircraft you >can not take your check ride in. I know this as I was working toward a >restricted license when the change came. It was not a big problem since my >instructor knew where I could get a Cessna 150 Aerobat. > >I did everything in the Coupe (which I bought before I got my license.) then >2 hours in a 150 to get used to it... (I did have over 500 hours in a >150/172.... but that is another story) >I met the guy for the check ride and bingo... license.... it only took 28 >years... but hey I was busy. > >So please enough of the "in the day" stories, oh they have there place... >but this guy needs some REAL information.... > >Sorry to go off but I almost didn't buy a coupe because of the inaccurate >information that goes around > > >-----Original Message----- >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: Saturday, March 20, 1999 6:56 AM >Subject: Becoming Licensed In an Ercoupe > > >>I'm been reading with interest, for the last several days, the exchanges of >>opinions and experiences with training and testing in a 2 control Ercoupe. >>There is a fellow Couper and friend of mine, who logged all of his solo and >>dual time, and took his private pilot check ride, in his 2 control coupe >last >>summer. His license reads Private Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Land, with >no >>restrictions or caveats. The FAA Examiner was Mike Anderson, out of the >>Minneapolis, St. Paul area. I don't believe that he could jump into any 3 >>control rental, without showing logged time in type to the FBO, (neither >could >>any 3 control trained pilots), but his license doesn't reflect limitations. >>Anyone else know of similar pilots? >> >>Steve >>N87337 >
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