Jordan - As a CFII since 1966, he's my 2 cents worth: The coupe is different in many ways from a 152, but only different, not qualitativly so. The lack of rudder pedals on a stock coupe gets far more discussion than is deserves. The airplane was designed to fly just fine without them, handles crosswinds as well as, if not better than a 152. You'll get a lot of advice here on crosswind technique. So good, some not so good. Just build up slowly toward higher winds, the same as you would for any new airplane. The coupe has a higher sink rate, power off, than the Cessna. You don't have flaps, but with the higher sink rate, you don't need them. For the first several hours, keep your airspeed high on final, about 75-80 mph, so you don't fall into the trap of developing a very high sink rate without enough airspeed to flare at the bottom of the glide for landing. After you get used to it, you'll find an airspeed that is comfortable for you on final. I still like it to be about 75. The coupe is a wonderful pleasure airplane. It's economical to buy, operate and maintain, so long as you buy a good specimen to start with. An 85 hp coupe will cruise right along with a C-150. I would recommend fabric wings for many reasons, but the primary one is safety. In the 1940s engineers designed this type of airplane to be recovered every 7 or 8 years, since the cotton and linen fabrics then in use only lasted about that long, even if hangared. Recovering allows the wings to be thoroughly inspected when the fabric is replaced. Modern fabrics, that can last 20 years when hangared are pushing the limit, in my opinion, of how long the wings should go without being opened for a good look. I would avoid metalized wings for this reason. Good luck in your search - this is a great forum, and use it often. Jerry Eichenberger Columbus, Ohio N2906H
>>> "Tom Laird-McConnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 02/08/99 07:25PM >>> -----Original Message----- From: JR [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 05, 1999 6:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Rudder pedals-vs-no rudder pedals If all you experienced "coupers" would help a "wannabe" out, I got my ticket in a 152 , and I would like some reliable input regarding the difference between flying a 152 and an Ercoupe. Furthermore, What about an Ercoupe that is equipped with rudder pedals ? My primary interest is pleasure flying. Jordan [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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