----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Larry, I DID have the Alon rudder pedal kit which steers the nosewheel using the pedals. I've written a lot on the subject at http://www.ercoupe.org and click on the FAQ link on the left column, then skim down to the places which discuss pedals. In short, I had them and I continually thought about ripping them out. It's OK to have them. The plane is STILL certified as "characteristically incapable of spinning" WITH the pedals, just like without them. The designer did expect to sell half of the Coupes with pedals but was overruled by marketing. Should you take a plane that DOESN'T have pedals? YES! ABSOLUTELY! Coupe WITHOUT pedals are just fine! They fly great. I can tell you that I did NOT keep the ball as well centered with my pedals as the linkage does automatically. Without pedals, you lose the ability to use slips to adjust your approach so you'll need to fly well controlled approaches. There are some alternate, Coupe-only methods of approach adjustment discussed in the FAQ. Not having pedals is NOT a big deal. Coupes can still control their approaches to operate out of very small airports under widely varying conditions. Crosswinds are NOT a problem without pedals. In fact, Coupes with pedals only have enough rudder surface to land wing-low up to about the same crosswind component as a Cessna 150 or 172 (about 15 mph direct crosswind component). Flying in GREATER crosswind conditions is not a problem in a two-control Coupe - you just land nose-high, in the crab. You let the main wheels touch down while holding a fingertip, light grip on the yoke. When the nosewheel touches, it'll swivel instantly and the yoke will jerk. Then you lower the nose and roll out, controlling the rollout easily. Cautions: 1. Make sure the tail ** on the ground ** is near the official height of 75 inches and no lower than 72 inches. (Discussed in the FAQ.) 2. Just like others said in their posts, BE SURE to get a Coupe knowledgeable mechanic to inspect BEFORE you buy!!!!!!!! DO NOT SKIP the corrosion inspection!!!!!! Inspect the wings through the inspection ports and take off the wings to inspect the center section. A mistake on this can cost you well more than $5,000 or, if parts run short, you may not even be able to repair a corroded center section. Don't skip this pre-purchase inspection!!!! (Once it's passed the inspection, take care of it and you shouldn't have future problems - just like any other airplane.) Have fun flying, Larry. Ed Burkhead http://edburkhead.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: Larry Hutchinson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:04 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [COUPERS-FLYIN] To rudder or not to rudder ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- I know this is probably not going to generate much in the way of an definite answer but I need a bit of help. I am about to purchase a "coupe" and I just found out it does NOT have rudder pedals. Now I know that should not come as any big surprise but in the back of my mind I was convinced I needed pedals. You see while I'm not exactly a green horn when it comes to airplanes I have never had the fun of flying in one of these fine machines. I guess what I need to know is it really all that big of a deal? Is it worth the investment in time and money to convert or should I just leave well enough alone and go fly the thing. If I were to convert can anyone give me a ball park estimate on cost. Thanks [EMAIL PROTECTED] ========================================================================== == == To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers/ ========================================================================== ==== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers/
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