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on 2/27/03 6:04 PM, Larry Hutchinson at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> 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.
>
Yo, Larry
You've already made the important decision, to buy a coupe! Welcome!
Having flown both (but mostly the two-control), I offer the following:
1. Landing: If you're landing at speeds that these small rudders
(which deflect 20º outside and only 3º inside) are effective, you're
probably landing faster than the "book" recommends; differiential
aileron action does most of the work at low speed. I know of no
factory-published demonstrated crosswind capability advantage with
pedals (the "bottom line"?).
2. Turning: The Ercoupe is better coordinated in the "two-control"
configuration (without pedals) for turns than you will normally
achieve
by separating and individually controlling your rudders. (honest!)
3. Cruise: With mixture, speed and trim set hands off in smooth air,
I
really appreciate maintaining heading with foot action, hands in lap,
behind head, or around stewardess. In really rough air, a two-control
coupe "wallows" a bit in coordinated corrections; whereas with
separate
rudders, wings can remain level while pedals correct minor
gust-induced
heading changes. On the other hand, if I had a single-axis course or
heading tracking autopilot to engage, I would not want the (financial
and weight) penalties of the pedal installation.
Were I in your place, I would operate the aircraft "as-is" for a year, try
to find a fellow couper with the pedals to ride with and observe, and only
then make an informed decision. It's a very personal one.
<____|(o)|____>
William R. Bayne
(copyright 2002)
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