The "better idea" concept that Ed refers to is similar to
many"discoveries" or "awakenings". Bringing awareness and
understanding as to the process of infection (and associated necessity
of "proper" hygene by medical providers) and the importance of vaccines
was similarly objected to by those complacent in their ignorance and
irritated by their additional responsibilities in accepting and
implementing such new "ideas". The stridency with which such ideas
were spread (and mandated) was, indeed, much like historical religious
"preaching". Those open to new ideas benefitted first and most among
their contemporaries. Each was, in turn, "converted" into a
"believer". Over time, humanity benefits (not so much in the third
world).
Yes, the Ercoupe is a 1937 design that was radically different and
advanced for its time. The "contemporary" Aeroncas, Champs and
Taylorcraft designs were more representative of the mindset and
technology of the time. From 1941 to 1945, in military aircraft
procurement specifications, use of a tricycle gear went from
"acceptable" to "desirable" and, ultimately, to mandatory.
The very presence of tricycle gear on the many P-38, P-39, P-61, B-19,
B-24, B-25, B-26, B-29, B-36 and the great majority of subsequent jets
saved the lives of many allied pilots solely because of their improved
ground handling qualities. The Beach Bonanza of the late forties was,
I believe, the first postwar trigear design of significant
production...of enough further "distinction" with it's V-tail (later
abandoned) as to also be the subject of design and handling
controversy. .
Postwar Cessnas, Luscombes, Swifts, etc. were obsolete from a design
standpoint from the first off the assembly line. Even later trigear
designs like the Gumman "Yankee" demonstrate flight characteristics
some deem "responsive" that I deem vicious. Any pilot not out to
"prove something" wants in his/her aircraft a willing partner to
explore the sky...not an adversary ever waiting to pounce and kill upon
the slightest lapse of judgment.
The Ercoupe design of 1937 DID essentially eliminate the "stall-spin"
that was a primary cause of civilian aircraft fatalities (and which
continues to contribute to that toll even today). There existed, in
essence, a life and death difference between the operational "manners"
demonstrated by a proficiently flown airworthy Ercoupe and most other
civilian production designs well into the sixties.
Fred Weick's stillborn 1947 twin engined Ercoach looked a lot like the
Aero Commander of the late fifties and thenceforth. His four place now
being completed by Marvin Dunlap would have competed well with the
North American Navion. Given the benefit of 20-20 hindsight it should
be obvious that the aviation industry shot itself in the foot when it
did not embrace Fred Weick's ideas and put his brilliant mind in front
to lead the parade into an "air minded" future.
In the early fifties the CAA/FAA was setting up to address again the
ongoing problem of stall-spin accidents. A contemporary contacted Bob
Sanders, at the time involved in completing the last few Ercoupes to
come off the line, as to his interest in participating. He declined,
stating that if he did, his "words would not be fit for paper". He
KNEW of the injustices done. Ahhh, what might have been but for the
shortsightedness of industry and the feds.
It remains a fact of life that the Ercoupe is still looked down upon by
many in the aviation "community". It is also true that these are NOT
the "best and brightest". So, yes...I proudly "preach the gospel" of
the Ercoupe, it's manufacturer and it's designer to any and all who
will listen. The sole cure for ignorance is knowledge, and any society
that rewards ignorance over excellence is destined to become a footnote
in history.
"Pants on the ground, hats turned around" people are "in yo face" dumb.
Hostility and stupidity insure their unemployability. Few are pilots.
Regards,
William R. Bayne
. |-(o)-| .
(Copyright 2010)
--
On Aug 19, 2010, at 13:47, [email protected] wrote:
The quote "I know the nose-first, bounce, PIO situation is a well
known event in flying circles. I suggest it's limited to less well
designed aircraft." We have an airplane that was designed in what?
The late thirties? Less well-designed aircraft than the Ercoupe?
It's an airplane, not a religion.
Bart
