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Scott wrote:
I really like to explore - low and slow - back
country. I'd like to be able to get in and out of less than
ideal strips. However, it would be nice to be able
to travel in the 130 -150 knot range for A to B travel.
And lastly, less than $ 50K
Any thought for the ideal do-it-all plane for
this?
Zenith air 701 or 601
Van's RV 9
Built Ercoupe?
Or__________?
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Has anyone
thought about creating a modern reproduction of the
Ercoupe?
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Answering both
your questions, Scott:
*
Airplanes are a design compromise. Make it go fast and it takes too much
runway and power to get off the ground. If slow for less than ideal strips
then it is too draggy to go fast. I suggest reading up on aerodynamics as
much as you can, and associating with amateur builders, your local A&P
school or university, etc. I'm working on my Armchair Aerodynamist degree
myself. Buy airplane plans and look at them. Ask questions on this
list.
* Yes,
there have been attempts. But if you look at the `coupe, you'll see one
specialized casting after one specialized extrusion after another. The
ERCO design came from an era of extremely cheap labor = The Great
Depression. One way it could be done is to take the `coupe as a design
exercise and see how much the structure can be simplified and redesigned for
assembly. I can think of a way to do the main gear using off-the-shelf
instead of buying a foundry, as an example. I truly believe it could be
done, but have No Money to pursue it.
By the
way, congratulations on gaining the Private Pilots Certificate. May you
enjoy it long. Welcome Aboard!
Percy
in NM, USA
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