Scare Coupe - Part 1

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 325

  • @anthonymontague962
    @anthonymontague962 Рік тому +9

    I would love for you guys to show the Ercoupe in a more positive light. Not that you were hard on the poor little thing. But it was kinda like picking or poor little "Herbie the Love Bug" guys. I am a now disabled Veteran who learned to fly in an Ercoupe in 2007 while stationed at Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks Alaska. Man I loved that little plane. If you get one of the earlier models you can drop the windows and cruise around in your little convertible "Bug". I would love to come and show you guys how this thing can really fly. But this time, get a C, C/D or E model. They have the slide down windows, which keeps you much, much cooler. I also became an A&P after years of working on all of the Army's helicopters. But, the Ercoupe was still more fun.
    The safety features designed into this airplane were astounding for the day (there are far too many to mention, so I won't list too many). It was the very first certified airplane in history to have "tricycle" landing gear, in fact that name was given by the Ercoupe designer Fred Weick. He later worked for Piper and had a hand in a little known line of aircraft called the Cherokee. No matter, the stall is prevented by limiting the up elevator travel. If the airplane cannot reach a pitch attitude at which a stall occurs, well, then, theoretically, it won't really stall. Try it again, on approach, stay at 500 feet agl., about 1/4 mile off the end of the runway on approach, carb heat, retard the power fully, pull full aft elevator and hang on because it will sink like a rock. Then either release back pressure or blip the power when near the ground, and viola! A beautiful landing, but it will scare the crap out of you so ya might wanna check your shorts!. Next, the pitch of the aircraft when properly maintained, while on the ground is a negative pitch (angle of incidence) which is about 3 degrees to the negative. Try it, land at 90 knots indicated, release the back pressure and it will stayed glued to the runway. Lastly, but not, the rudders do not move inboard as such, they each and separately move outboard during the process of turning. The H-Tail configuration allows the propeller slip stream to have no affect on the vertical stabilizers. Pretty cool right? I'll bet I could make any grown man or woman cry, suck their thumb and wan't mommy by demonstrating the airplane in a true crosswind scenario with no rudder pedals and a 15 knot direct crosswind. The expression given by the hard core "ruddies" would be epic and probably Emmy material. The reason for its outstanding crosswind is a secret, but not really, its in the landing gear design. I could go on and on about this gem of an airplane.
    If'n y'all wanna know more, contact me and I can put you in touch with a lot more information. Not much, I mean the POH is like 3 pages with only one being truly relevant. Right?!
    Tony

  • @ronharrison6552
    @ronharrison6552 Рік тому +31

    I’m 76 years old. My DAD had one when I was young enough to sit on my Brothers lap. He would take us flying out of Wayne Major airport in Romulus Michigan. He bought the plane in pieces and brought the wings home to aluminize them. I guess the weight factor was not a problem back then. He liked to go up North fishing with another flying buddy, land in farm fields and camp out. Fought under Geo. Patten and would scuba dive under the ice. A real man’s man as they say. May he rest in peace.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +2

      Great story! Did your dad order the airplane out of the Sears catalog?

    • @hakimclarkiisasmr1046
      @hakimclarkiisasmr1046 Рік тому +1

      ​@@airspeedaltitudeWOW!!!!! I'm very impressed!!!!!! You had some rhythm in your voice at 11:49-11:50 😇😇

  • @av8rshane491
    @av8rshane491 Рік тому +47

    When I was a young lad and had just got my A&P license I was working at a FBO at Chino airport and the shop was rebuilding a ercoupe that had an engine failure on departure out of Cable airport and got heavy damage. When the repairs were done it had to be flown before returning it to the owner and I was elected to do it as I was the only one in the shop with a pilot license except the manager who didn’t want to do it. When I was done with checking out all the flight parameters it was time to return for landing. There a a crosswind and the first two attempts I noticed as I flared I was in a crab which means I was a little sideways on the landing and went around. The manager was watching me and had a handheld and told me to just don’t hold it off and just drive onto the ground even if you are not aligned with the runway. When learning to fly an airplane with rudder pedals you are taught to always aligned the longitudinal axis of the airplane prior to touchdown . They built the landing gear on the ercoupe to take the side load and the mains are trailing link so it was a non event when you just plunked it on the ground and it would straighten right out. To this day when I see an ercoupe or someone brings one up I flash back to that day 46 years ago. It was a fun little airplane.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +5

      Thank you for sharing your story and your insight. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3, which cover a lot of what you talked about. Cheers!

    • @av8rshane491
      @av8rshane491 Рік тому +2

      @@airspeedaltitude I will,definitely ck it out. Thanks!

    • @vincentmolloy5660
      @vincentmolloy5660 Рік тому +3

      That's very true Shane. That undercarriage is very robust and found its way onto Mooney aircraft back when Mooney bought out Ercoupe. Something to be said about that.

    • @rodmartin8569
      @rodmartin8569 Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude check out the Ercoupe on UA-cam "EAA event at flabob 2006" The way an Ercoupe is suppose to be landed in a strong crosswind.

    • @tpelle2
      @tpelle2 9 місяців тому +1

      Also, if you look at the nose gear when it is unloaded, you will see that the nose gear extends so that the tire is below the mains (not sure I explained that right). On landing, that is supposed to make ground contact earlier than a "normal" tri-gear airplane like, say, a Cherokee. Some owners decide that's wrong, and the use a steel cable to hold the nose wheel up, but the result is less control at touchdown.
      Fred Weick know what he was doing. Yes, it flys a little differently than your Cherokee or 150, but if you fly it as intended it's really a great crosswind airplane.
      I watched a video once on UA-cam of a fly-in somewhere out west, and they had a wicked crosswind. Every airplane made really hairy landings, but then came an Ercoupe (Original spelling, by the way. Fred Weick's company was Engineer Research Corporation.), and other than a little jerk where the airplane aligned itself with the runway, which it was supposed to do, it was a perfect landing.
      The deal with the tall nose gear was to let the gear align itself with the direction of travel over the ground, regardless of yaw, then the rest of the airplane will follow.
      B-52 pilots would probably feel right at home.

  • @garyo9853
    @garyo9853 Рік тому +17

    Great video! Dangerous for a pilot to fly that knows nothing about an Ercoupe. I restored one from a basket case and learned to really love flying it. 85 hp 1946. I took a flight instructor up in an over 30 mph crosswind because he wanted me to show him how it could takeoff and land safely. It freaked him out landing sideways. A pilot really needs to know how to handle the Ercoupe.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +4

      Well said! Once you understand it's characteristics, it's a joy to fly. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment!

  • @ajtimm6181
    @ajtimm6181 Рік тому +29

    I used to own this very plane and loved every minute of flying it. Fred’s design was spot on and this airplane doesn’t need rudder pedals. In fact, it’s MuCH better without them. Because the rudders are very ineffective. Plus, I’m a tall pilot and loved the leg room!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +5

      Ha! It definitely has some leg room! Very cool to hear that you used to own this very airplane. Thanks for watching!

    • @vincentmolloy5660
      @vincentmolloy5660 Рік тому +3

      Unfortunately I bought mine with the rudder mod already done. AJ is right, who needs rudders anyway. One less thing to worry about 😂

    • @ERusstbucket
      @ERusstbucket Рік тому +1

      Having time in coupes with and without rudder pedals, the Alon version of the rudder pedals would be my preferred option, followed by no pedals, and my least favorite is the rudder pedals from the prior manufacturers.

    • @davidhakes3884
      @davidhakes3884 Рік тому +1

      My Old Dad liked the Coupe too for the room, he was 6ft 8"

    • @lynnkramer1211
      @lynnkramer1211 Рік тому

      Ercoupe rudders work a lot differently than the rudder on a conventional plane.
      these folks haven't got a clue about Ercoupes. OMG what a clown show. @@vincentmolloy5660

  • @waynetokarz174
    @waynetokarz174 Рік тому +9

    Owned a “46” for a few years and loved it. Gave a lot of free rides and let a lot of people fly it! The design is perfect as is.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Right on! Couldn't agree more. Thanks for watching and for sharing!

  • @planelst
    @planelst Рік тому +7

    My first lesson was in a 46 Ercoupe. It was a docile stable aircraft and fun

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That's wonderful! Thank you for watching and for sharing!

  • @Tadrjbs
    @Tadrjbs 4 місяці тому +1

    FYI, the nickname "Scare" Coupe does not refer to rudderless pedals. It was the fabric covered wings model of the Aircoupe. It utilized "PK Screws" to attach the fabric to the ribs. When airborne the low pressure on top of the wings created a look the resembled a upholstered couch as you could see every button of those screws. That was the part that was scary. Most of them now are traditional recovered or metalized wings.

  • @coreyandnathanielchartier3749
    @coreyandnathanielchartier3749 Рік тому +11

    Interesting video of an equally interesting plane. Note to student pilots: If you aren't sure if your airspeed indicator is accurate, go to a safe altitude and ease it into a stall in clean and dirty configurations. Better to find out for sure at 5000 ft. than on the turn from base to final.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Excellent advice! Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment!

  • @aaronboulais4498
    @aaronboulais4498 Рік тому +7

    Your a natural on camera Dan! Thanks for taking us along for the ride 👍

    • @MrKswildman
      @MrKswildman Рік тому +1

      I had one for several years, they are extremely hard to spin. I wished I still had it. Mine was a 1946 Ercoupe 416-C, with fabric wings.

  • @stanleybest8833
    @stanleybest8833 Рік тому +10

    Ercoupe is actually refined and meticulous. A friend had an Ercoupe and an airport. Like it for what it is, not what it isn't.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That's fair! And a nice way of putting it. We do love the coupe - definitely unique!

  • @skippmclovan1135
    @skippmclovan1135 Рік тому +3

    That is one purrrrdy little aircraft ...have always thought they were really easy on the eye compared to other contemporary small aircraft. Most enjoyable video - thanks..! : )

  • @fooey9013
    @fooey9013 Рік тому +6

    Don't fight the wind on landing. It is made to land in a crab as it has trailing link gear. The second you touch down it will align with the runway. It will land fine with nose way off runway heading. So there is no crosswind when you crab into the wind until you touchdown and it goes straight.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Indeed, but easier said than done, LOL! At least it was for some of us. It just feels foreign at first, but you are ultimately right, and this fact is pointed out in STICK & RUDDER. We do address that a bit in the 3rd upcoming episode. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

    • @pilot49588
      @pilot49588 Рік тому +1

      You are right... Flying the Ercoupe in Iceland where the wind is often blowing like crazy, the Ercoupes I flew there were awesome in crosswinds.

  • @MemphisBBQ640
    @MemphisBBQ640 Рік тому +3

    My flying club has an Erco 415-C with an 85hp Continental and a rudder pedal conversion. It took me about 20 hours after my checkout to feel really comfortable in it. I found that I needed a LOT of rudder input because it didn’t have a lot of rudder authority. I also learned (the hard way) that the climb gradient is unnervingly flat and that the airplane has the glide characteristics of a crowbar; pull the throttle back, and it comes down RIGHT NOW.
    Through trial and error (mostly error!) I worked out that this particular airplane (I don’t know if all Ercoupes behave this way) prefers 80mph with power throughout the pattern: 2200 rpm on downwind, 2000 rpm on base leg, 1800 rpm on final, all at 80mph, and it’s very well behaved, anything other than that and it comes out of the sky like a grand piano.
    For an O-200, I'd recommend lowering those power settings by about 200 rpm, but do what works for you...
    Throttle back to idle as you flare, and it practically lands itself. Crosswind landings are a piece of cake; hold a crab all the way down final and touch down in the crab; the trailing-link gear takes care of the rest.
    I probably would have called it the Scarecoupe, too, if I’d thought of the name, but once you figure out how it’s different from other airplanes, it’s a lot of fun to fly.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      FAVORITE COMMENT SO FAR! Haha! But seriously, really cool of you to share your initial experience and how you worked it out with the specific power settings. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

    • @MemphisBBQ640
      @MemphisBBQ640 Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude You're most welcome; I'm looking forward to seeing your experience flying a 'Coupe equipped with rudder pedals!

  • @ZCHRL4
    @ZCHRL4 Рік тому +3

    had one for awhile...fun to take people flying for sure. Because the main gear actually casters a little, you land the airplane with what crab you need to keep it centered on the runway....

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Yup! That's what we've learned, no small thanks to many other folks like you who have shared their experience. It's such a cool airplane and we actually had a blast flying it and putting these videos together. Thanks for watching!

  • @MrGlideral
    @MrGlideral Рік тому +8

    I soloed in a J3 cub in Honolulu and bought a 415C Ercoupe in 78. Thanks, I was able to relive the experience (trauma) of your self check out. Once ya get use to it the extra speed (compared to a J3) fuel burn and purchase cost (3k in 78) made it a great first airplane. Did I mentioned its kind of a chick magnet.. I was able to visit all the islands and always had company.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Ha! I can see it being a "chick magnet" LOL. Thanks for watching!

  • @onepropmind
    @onepropmind Рік тому +11

    Holy crap, great production, awesome idea for a show (multiple pilots in a weird airplane), and wonderful quality! Beautiful aircoupe!

  • @donfernau2871
    @donfernau2871 Рік тому +2

    I had a 1968 Alon A2A. Mine had rudder peddels. 90 hp. Continental. In fact I obtained my private with it.

  • @CatRacer1A2A
    @CatRacer1A2A Рік тому +7

    My Grandpa had a 46 Ercoupe that he flew for many many years.
    Unfortunately my 6'2" frame wouldn't fit without being firmly pressed into the dash.
    It was a beautiful airplane. Fully polished. Sadly he sold it when his health began to fail.
    We lost him this last summer.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      So sorry for your loss. Sounds like you had some amazing memories in the Ercoupe. Thank you for watching and thank you for sharing!

  • @thedevilinthecircuit1414
    @thedevilinthecircuit1414 Рік тому +5

    What a great video! I flew one of these in the late 70s. It's an extremely lightweight aircraft; the closest similar flying experience for me is a three-channel RC airplane (throttle/rudder/elevator) because it bounces around in the slightest breeze and it feels like you never have complete control. Despite Its full-size-model-plane vibe...it's a real joy to fly. I think that's due to the toy-like feel.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Well, thank you for that lovely comment! We'll keep them coming. Appreciate you watching!

  • @ardyzink7928
    @ardyzink7928 Рік тому +9

    Be proud! You've finally performed and experienced an "Ercoupe Landing." I think that the actual sales point was not that it wouldn't stall .... it was that it wouldn't SPIN. (Because you can't cross the controls.) But ... I'm sure someone managed to do it somewhere....somehow. I would not volunteer for that event.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +3

      Ha! Indeed. We are proud! The Aircoupe was fun, despite the discomfort. And yes, as you pointed out the claim is that it was "spin resistant" but what we question is this: how can you be spin resistant if you're not stall resistant as well? Is a stalled wing not required for a spin? I guess our point is that it could be easy to confuse the two. In any case, we don't want to volunteer for either event as well!

  • @ThomasGrillo
    @ThomasGrillo Рік тому +5

    Definitely a different kind of plane. Might be a good aircraft for paraplegics. Thanks for the video.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +2

      Apparently it became a popular platform for folks with certain disabilities. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

  • @jamesvolkel6438
    @jamesvolkel6438 8 місяців тому +1

    I've flown it before with no trouble.
    Loved flying it. Loved having the top down. And my arm out the window.

  • @Bass.Player
    @Bass.Player Рік тому +1

    I restored a 1946 415c Ercoupe back to almost completion before selling it. It had a C85 with a gas STC and rudder pedals. I have never seen one with an 0200 in it?

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That must have been a cool little restoration project! Thank you for watching and for sharing!

    • @4-7th_CAV
      @4-7th_CAV Рік тому

      That is the same year and model Ercoupe that I used to fly out of Detroit City Airport back i 1979-80.

  • @randallwinch3815
    @randallwinch3815 Рік тому +1

    I bought an ercoupe, then took lessons, they have trailing wheel mains designed just for crosswind landings. Took my flight test to get my license in a 235 piper with little training so I would not be resricted to ercoupe. Flew the coupe for many years, wish I still had it, but graduated to a piper arrow could not afford two airplanes at same time

  • @tragedytrousers1769
    @tragedytrousers1769 Рік тому +2

    I owned a 66 Alon. Mine did have rudder pedals. I actually met the designer Fred Weick a Aviation legend. Was fun flying with the canopy open. I had a full instrument panel including a wing leveler. Airplane will straighten right out landing in a full crab.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Wow! Thanks for sharing - so cool you met Fred! That's amazing! We really appreciate you watching and for sharing your thoughts. Cheers!

  • @fredneale32
    @fredneale32 Рік тому +3

    My Dad flow a natural finished Ercoupe. It was a beautiful and unique aircraft.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Awesome! Thank you for watching and thank you for sharing!

  • @ErcoupePilot
    @ErcoupePilot Рік тому +3

    Great video. I owned a 1947 Ercoupe N3968H for 10 years flying out of Fullerton & Chino (1999 to 2009) and am flying formation in RV's these days (West Coast Ravens & Dawn Patrol). I've landed at Williams Gateway Airport in an honest to gosh tower called 30 knot direct cross wind (I was following friends in RV's). It was 'exciting', but it has been done. Keeping it to 20 knot max cross wind component is probably a smarter idea. Yes they feel weird landing and taking off to the tail wheel guys, but bottom line is IT WORKS GREAT!!! There is a video of multiple aircraft including me landing the Coupe at Flabob when the Santa Anna's were gusting to 20+ knots taken by a guy who fly's a Bellanca - it is entertaining to watch the Ercoupe land where others struggled! I flew it to OSH and back along I-80 over the Sierra's to Elko, and then to Rock Springs via SLC. Also flew it to Arlington and back, and Sequim and back several times. Great little airplanes as long as you don't need to carry too much or go fast. Just enjoy the heck out of flying them with the canopy open and have a great day!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for watching and for sharing this story! I think we may have seen you buzzing by Flabob in an RV formation this past Saturday? I (Jeff) was out there over the weekend with EAA. In any case, that's really something with the crosswinds - the couple is a robust little bird and as many have pointed out, it's still going after all these years. I've been personally fascinated with them since I was a kid. See you around!

    • @ErcoupePilot
      @ErcoupePilot Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude Hi Jeff, Yes, I was in the flight of RV's Saturday morning. I was flying # 4 in the slot in the yellow and blue RV-9A. We rehearse a 4 to 7 ship air show routine most Saturdays over Lake Mathews then debrief over breakfast at Corona, Flabob, or Hemet.

  • @kdrapertrucker
    @kdrapertrucker Рік тому +1

    Great visibility.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      We agree! They're also just cool looking. Nothin' like a coupe. Thanks for watching!

  • @fooey9013
    @fooey9013 Рік тому +2

    They are designed not to spin due to the aileron rudder interconnect. "they are not suppose to stall" is incorrect. All airplanes can stall when they get slow enough.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Well said! And we are, in fact, aware. NO airplane is stall proof. Personally we wouldn't trust that this airplane is 100% spin proof either. Anyway, thanks for watching and for leaving a comment!

    • @WoutervanTiel
      @WoutervanTiel Рік тому

      You can stall at any speed.

    • @fooey9013
      @fooey9013 Рік тому

      @@WoutervanTiel Yup, right you are!

  • @jackbonanno8186
    @jackbonanno8186 Рік тому +1

    I have flown several Aircoups, fun plane. The drawbacks of coupled rudder is a simple fix. A kit is made to add ruder pedals.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Indeed! Thank you for watching and for commenting!

    • @jackbonanno8186
      @jackbonanno8186 Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude Aircoup is a very sturdy airplane. 1975 I almost bought one from a TWA pilot, his logs showed one major repair, a previous owner knocked 4 feet off the top of a telephone pole in fog with the landing gear. Able to land, it was repaired and recertification. I could have bought it then for $2500.00, and waited too long.

  • @williamleadbetter9686
    @williamleadbetter9686 10 місяців тому +1

    I've got plenty of time in a 150, 152 aTri-Pacer a cub, Citabria,a champ and Ercoupes. After a few minutes in the air just because the way the various airplanes are rigged you just sort of know what to do. The airplane tells you how it wants to be handled if you know how to listen.
    Ercoupes are a pure blast to fly with top down on a beautiful day they are flying like you dreamed of as a kid.
    I've got to try Pacer right now but if I could afford two airplanes you better believe the other airplane would be an Ercoupe

  • @tsbrownie
    @tsbrownie 27 днів тому +1

    So you're never going to slip hard against a strong crosswind, or to make an emergency landing on a short space.

  • @hudsonhollow
    @hudsonhollow Рік тому +1

    We brought one of these to perfect condition at the aircraft mechanics school I attended in 1968. It took us awhile to complete all that was needed. Parked it out on the apron and lightning hit it and it caught fire and was a complete loss. Never got to fly it!!!!! I almost bought a coordinated control Piper Tri Pacer back in the day that would fly but had to be recovered before it could be legal. Didn't have the time or a place to do that so I let it go on by. It actually had rudder pedals if I remember correctly, but the yoke would also control the rudder.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Hit by lightning!? Oh man... that's a crazy story. So sorry you never got to fly it. Thanks for watching and for sharing your story!

    • @hudsonhollow
      @hudsonhollow Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude It wasn't my plane. We just did some major repairs to it. Lots of blood sweat and tears only to see it destroyed. Cool little plane. Sixties, we put roll and tuck and shag carpet in it too. 😝

  • @RyanMcDonald
    @RyanMcDonald Рік тому +1

    I have Alon Aircoupe N5650F. Mine came from the factory with rudder pedals.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      So it's one of the later models? Very cool! Thanks for watching and for commenting!

    • @RyanMcDonald
      @RyanMcDonald Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude All of the Alons were from 1965 to 1967. All came with rudder pedals from the factory unless you ordered one with special instructions to delete them.

  • @zapa1pnt
    @zapa1pnt Рік тому +1

    Question from non-pilot: What is the little tube, standing vertically, in front of the windshield?

  • @Ma_Deuce_338
    @Ma_Deuce_338 Рік тому +2

    My coupe had rudder peddles... it just had no real rudder authority. Great little ship. Wish I still had it. I bought the airplane as an alternative to renting a school ship for flight training. Not knowing at the time how unique it was and licensed in it... you were rated for it only. I flew the wings off of it. All of his observations were accurate. Although for me having zero time there were no issues having nothing to compare it to. 50 years after the fact, I was the target customer for the concept. Steer it like a car, forgiving flight characteristics, great visibility added up to be a lot of fun for me. Landing just let her yaw into the wind. Paint her on, chop the throttle and steer down the runway. I had difficulty when I bought my Cherokee which had rudder authority. That was a whole new box of cornflakes to learn!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      This is such a great comment! Thank you for sharing your experience and insight! This adds so much to the 'coupe conversation here at A&A. You're not alone in mentioning that the coupes with rudder kits didn't have much authority. Also interesting that when you transitioned into the Cherokee, you mentioned some difficulty getting used to it. Makes sense if you came from having so much time in the coupe and had not experienced other airplanes. Thank you so much for watching and for engaging with us!

  • @RamadiTaxiDriver60M
    @RamadiTaxiDriver60M Рік тому +2

    Almost bought one with rudder pedal STC. Got a Grumman instead because it met my needs better but still like the Coupes.

  • @albertogarciaarango2411
    @albertogarciaarango2411 Рік тому +1

    Very nice video congratulations

  • @airplanegeorge
    @airplanegeorge Рік тому +1

    they make a rudder peddle kit for that thing, can't do much/anything about the trike gear but damn nice little toy.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Yeah, we are curious to fly one with the "rudder kit." It's definitely a fun little toy. Despite our jokes, we really do love this airplane. Thanks for watching!

  • @brentdykgraaf184
    @brentdykgraaf184 Місяць тому

    Snowmobiler here. My main ride is big bore and very fast. Sets the skis back on the snow at 55 m.p.h. This coupe is like me riding my grandson,s Bravo 250 Yamaha. So light..so quirky.. you love it. Makes me giggle every time i flick that little snow machine around in a ditch!. Looks like a blast.! Hyabusa riders can still enjoy a moped!

  • @scotabot7826
    @scotabot7826 Місяць тому

    That is one really nice super clean Ercoupe!! Wow!

  • @daviddubbin3451
    @daviddubbin3451 18 днів тому

    Just watched the videos now for the first time. My father (now deceased) approached me 45 years ago asking that if he bought an ERcoupe and paid for me to get my private pilots license, could we go flying together. Gee dad. Let me think about it (for a micro second). He was close to 50 at that point in his life and unfortunaley, he could no longer hold an MOT (Ministry of Transport) flight medical. He had flown J3s for his flight training in his youth in the mid to late 40s. The aircraft he wanted to buy had been owned by a freind of his who had recently succumbed to Cancer. He bought the plane. I did my training, soloed in 35hrs, did my check ride at 65hrs and had my tie cut that day. My dad and I enjoyed many hours of flying the circuit and short cross countreis at/from and to our local airport (YBW). The Ercoupe is the ultimate example of "flying all day under the shade of the same tree". It is very tame but as has been pointed out, the cross wind landing of this aircraft is more than different. YBW has north/south and east/west runways but seldom do the winds follow the compass and at an altitude of 3940', Density Altitude is always a factor. Because of the winds, cross wind landing are the norm. Absent of any isolated rudder control you do crab the aircraft right down to the pavement. That's where the real fun begins however. As soon as the mains hit the aircraft will rapidly (some think violently) stop the crab and at that piont, the nose has to be down because your control is now "ONLY" by way of the steerable nose wheel. So you have to be ready to "LET" the plane GRAB the yoke and correct itself from the crab wing level position to the having to steer it straight down the runway mode. This takes a lot of getting used to and does scare the Hotel Echo Lima Lima out of a bucket load of folks. Besides that, I flew C-FIIT for many years and hundreds of hours. I got to spend many of those with my dad and gained great reward from watching him continuing enjoy his life long passion even if only from the right seat. The ERcoupe is very unique and in my mind, a great plane for someone who just wants to go flying. It is ultra-simplistic. You won't go anywhere quickly but in this plane, the journey is the reward. Hope this helps. Cheers!

  • @PelvisCashley
    @PelvisCashley Рік тому +1

    What if you need to slip in over power lines on a short field......might be tricky with no way to cross control.

  • @rogerbrant7232
    @rogerbrant7232 Рік тому +1

    I absolutely loved you reaction to the rudderless Coupe ...

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Thank you! Definitely feels weird at first, but we're sure that given time, it's something anyone can get used to. It's a unique airplane! Thanks for watching!

  • @brucemiller8109
    @brucemiller8109 9 місяців тому

    First AC my dad and I flew in when I was a kid. You CAN stall with effort the no rudder type and the rudder type for sure it stalls like another.

  • @Allan_aka_RocKITEman
    @Allan_aka_RocKITEman 6 місяців тому

    Decades ago I knew two brothers who had a 1966 Alon 'Coupe. IIRC, it had rudder pedals added to it.
    They took me for a couple of rides in it. IT WAS REALLY FUN!

  • @vincentmolloy5660
    @vincentmolloy5660 Рік тому +3

    Mine has the fuel injected 0-200 with the rudder pedal mod installed. Makes a big difference in rough weather and on the flare but it still all goes out the widow when the front wheel touches down🤣. Driving with the yoke is hilarious. Nice video. Great little planes

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching and for your kind remarks. We're definitely curious to fly one with a rudder kit one day!

  • @richardfrey3716
    @richardfrey3716 Рік тому

    Air coups always had problems with cross wind landings...I believe a "Kit" is available to give some rudder control ????

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Correct. There were kits available that allowed one to install pedals for independent control. Thanks for watching!

  • @eriklindgren5870
    @eriklindgren5870 Рік тому +1

    Have some pre license time in one. I was told “ if you can drive a car you can fly an Ercoupe” so I did! Was a lot less work than my ‘46 Willy’s Jeep!!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Yeah the old MBs and GPWs were a handful as well, so you got us there!

  • @Flapswgm
    @Flapswgm Рік тому +1

    The Coupe is VERY hard to land in cross winds greater than 15knots. The wing has just enough dihedral to create a lift factor for the cross wind once down and this causes the wing to lift. But if you put in the control to keep the wing down, you turn the plane too. NOT a good situation. In calm weather though, this is a wonderful plane to fly.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Yeah, that pretty much sums up our experience, though we would also note our lack of time in the airplane. Given time, we are certain anyone can become more proficient in x-wind landings in the coupe. And in all fairness, a calm day might have yielded different responses. All in all, though, the experience was fun and it taught us a great deal. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

    • @Flapswgm
      @Flapswgm Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude If you want to see something AMAZING and also Intimidating, look up the girl with NO ARMS who flies that plane like a pro. You won't believe it.

  • @shortribslongbow5312
    @shortribslongbow5312 Рік тому +1

    Always wanted one but never one to be found. Enjoyed the video thanks for sharing.

  • @Britcarjunkie
    @Britcarjunkie Рік тому +1

    Great little plane, because, just as you thought you had it nailed, they teach you the basics of flying all over again.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Well said! Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment!

  • @886888aa
    @886888aa Рік тому +2

    I used to teach in one at 12N back in the 90s. Fun and easy to fly. Was underpowered though with two adults.

  • @A65Driver
    @A65Driver Рік тому +1

    never flown a Coupe, but what i've heard they were designed to be landed crabbed, and the tricycle gear will straighten out on touchdown (?).. would like to give it a try someday...

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      If you have the chance, definitely give it a try! And you are correct, the gear is supposed to take a crabbed landing like you described. The trick (for us anyway) was getting over that mental hurdle because, of course, most of us learned to NOT land that way. Other than a few quirks, there's NOTHING wrong with coupes - great little airplane!

    • @A65Driver
      @A65Driver Рік тому

      I am an old tail wheel guy, so I’m wondering how funky it would be but yes, I would like to give it a try

  • @williamerdman3349
    @williamerdman3349 Рік тому +2

    I had a '46 model and used it to build hours and take my check ride. At 6'4" it was pretty cramped for me. Sure was fun to fly with the windows open and arm on the sill like driving a car. I called it my Little B 12 1/2

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Ha! Love that! Appreciate you sharing that story, and we really appreciate you watching and commenting. Thank you!

  • @givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935

    Didn’t the original Wright Flyer have a similar arrangement? It applied rudder against the adverse yaw from wing warping, far worse than with ailerons. That plane would scare me to death.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      We're not engineers, but as you hinted, the Wright Flyer did utilize wing warping. The coupes, on the other hand, still have ailerons and rudder(s) but the difference (compared to other airplanes) is that they are interconnected and thus controlled, solely, by the yoke. Thank you for leaving a comment!

  • @Ragtime456
    @Ragtime456 Рік тому +2

    Hey Daniel and Jeff,
    Great production and I like the perspective you guys offer all while having a lot of fun doing it. Look forward to more.
    Cheers' N6121A 👍

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Cheers to you! We appreciate your warm remarks and we'll definitely keep on doing more of these videos. Appreciate you!

  • @johnmahanycfi2554
    @johnmahanycfi2554 Рік тому +2

    Hi. Yes i have flown an Er Coupe. I have 2 friends who have Er Coupes. I’ve flown with both of them. Lots of fun!! Great video!!

  • @timsaxer6442
    @timsaxer6442 Рік тому +1

    I learned to fly and got my private in N5682F, i think it was a 1966 model Alon A2. It was a 3-control plane. $11/hr tach time, wet. This was back in 1970. Fun, fun airplane!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That's great! We love hearing these stories. And wow.... $11/hr tach time, wet - hard to fathom that now! Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment!

  • @N8844H
    @N8844H Рік тому +1

    Actually, you don't really need to "steer" the nose down the runway in a X-wind landing. As I recall (from a long, long time ago...an Ercoupe was my very first airplane) the over-simplified aircraft operating manual said something like this: establish the correct crab on final to zero out lateral drift, land the 'Coupe in the crab and trust the gear to track you straight down the runway.
    I also recall (from a long, long time ago) that a strong crosswind would lift the upwind wing and the "natural" reaction of throwing the yoke over to lower that wing would turn the nosewheel and you'd end up steering yourself into a ground loop.
    Fun airplane for sure.

  • @AvgDude
    @AvgDude Рік тому +1

    My only concern about an Ercoupe is that if it were the only plane I flew, it would mess up my flying skills for every other plane. Plus tying the front wheel steering to the yoke could cause nose wheel issues when holding the ailerons in strong crosswinds after landing.

    • @kenthompson3730
      @kenthompson3730 Рік тому +1

      I don’t believe that type of damage has ever occurred in the 80 plus year history of the plane.
      On the ground, the wing has a slightly negative angle of attack. Assuming it is properly rigged, It will not fly, at any speed, until the yoke is pulled back.

    • @AvgDude
      @AvgDude Рік тому

      @@kenthompson3730
      ua-cam.com/video/RevEGsOfcoQ/v-deo.html

    • @drreed917
      @drreed917 Рік тому +1

      Ercoupe would spoil your flying abilities for any other plane? Didn't seem to affect John Travolta. His first plane was a coupe....

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Yes, this was the very premise we wanted to explore. It's a valid concern, and we'll say that transitioning into an Air Coupe can be challenging for some. The reactions we got from most of the pilots (who all have military/airline experience, as well as experience in a multitude of tailwheel airplanes) were genuine. Thanks for watching and for commenting!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That's one of the most remarkable things about this airplane is that it has stood the test of time. It's a unique airplane. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

  • @1945thom
    @1945thom Рік тому +1

    I love this little plane

  • @fatratz2012
    @fatratz2012 Рік тому +1

    not the best one to get your license in I reckon they have always intrigued me as well so I totaly enjoyed this

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      They're definitely an intriguing little airplane. We love them, actually, despite how some viewers are misunderstanding our reactions. And that's all they are... reactions. Opinions. It can be tricky to transition into one of these things if you're used to having rudder pedals, but like anything - with practice - you can overcome it. Definitely recommend trying one out one day - it's somethin'!

  • @ERusstbucket
    @ERusstbucket Рік тому +1

    The Alon version of the coupe is a very nice little airplane. With the C90 engine and a prop halfway between standard and cruise pitch, 115 mph was a leisurely pace for cross country flying, and if needed, 127 mph could be achieved.
    My first 100 hours of ownership cost less than $50 per hour, including fuel, insurance, hangar rent, and maintenance in 2017. Still wish I hadn't sold it.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. This is the sense we get from most people who talk about coupes. They are truly a unique and formidable airplane. And who doesn't love $50/hr?

    • @waynebeasley8700
      @waynebeasley8700 Рік тому

      I agree! I got checked out in a 3 control Alon, and was very impressed…especially compared to the tired gutless 75hp Ercoupe I had flown previously….

  • @pilot49588
    @pilot49588 Рік тому +1

    I flew a couple of them in Iceland... TF-RCK & TF-KBA back in 1968-1969. Awesome little aircraft that is lots of fun to fly.

  • @glenwilliams5818
    @glenwilliams5818 8 місяців тому

    Wow you feel the same way as i do! Love anything that flies!!!!!

  • @wendellmoeller6788
    @wendellmoeller6788 Місяць тому

    Flew one 40+ years ago. It was a KICK! Weird but cool at the same time.

  • @rusty383
    @rusty383 Рік тому +1

    Its really kool little plane

  • @donpardew1349
    @donpardew1349 Рік тому

    When my Dad was a live and owned a flight service a long beach airport (Pardew's flying service ) we had one white and red, I was 13 and flying PA 12's and Tcrafts , but when dad was showing me how to fly the Erocoupe , I got use to no rudder peddles , and after that it was fun to fly . After a week or so we completely restored this plane all new skin, rebuilt engine ( 110) and rudder controls toe brakes . then it was real nice to fly !!

  • @keithcanfield3251
    @keithcanfield3251 Рік тому +1

    As both a private and R.C. pilot, I allways thought the Ercoupes rudder/aileron system would be great in an R.C. plane.
    I did have a chance to fly an Ercoupe years ago but unfortunately it had the rudder conversion.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Interesting perspective. Either way, we hope you still enjoy flying, RC, Ercoupe, rudder, no-rudder, or otherwise. Thanks for commenting!

    • @keithcanfield3251
      @keithcanfield3251 Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude Thanks for the kind thoughts, but I'm afraid I'll just have to be satisfied with lots of fine memories of adventures past.
      I must say, I find flyers to be some of the best people on the planet.

  • @eagleflight06
    @eagleflight06 Рік тому +1

    Great video! Never flown one, I’d love to give it a try some time!

  • @samsharp8539
    @samsharp8539 Рік тому +1

    I would like to build a “Twin Coupe” replica. The original aerobatic TC was a real attention getter. We always tried to ‘loop the coupe,’ but failed miserably. Three degrees above the horizon let us know that the loop was doomed at the beginning. Love ‘em.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      We've heard of the Twin Coupe - that would be cool to see!

  • @camdenschneider4421
    @camdenschneider4421 Рік тому +1

    We have an Ercoupe and the previous owner demonstrated it in 40kts of wind. Welcome to Kansas. 7515C

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Holy Cow! That must have been a sight to see. LOL. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment!

    • @kenthompson3730
      @kenthompson3730 Рік тому +2

      Lots of stories support 40+ crosswinds. One incident involved all airlines cancelling flights due to high crosswinds. Then hundreds of stranded passengers watched as an Ercoupe came in and landed no sweat!

  • @scottyoung4307
    @scottyoung4307 Рік тому +4

    Awesome video! An Ercoupe with 100hp is definitely different than the original. I owned the last 1950 415G produced and it was also converted to 100hp. I never remember hearing it was built to not stall, but rather not spin. During the stall, you do have full aileron control though which may be part of the confusion. The split elevator that you flew also handles different than the original elevator. I have landed an Ercoupe in crosswinds that I would probably not attempt in a traditional airplane like a Cessna 150. It was a great airplane to build time in. If you get the chance, definitely put some more hours in it and you will get to appreciate its weirdness. With the 100hp and split elevator, try a short field landing with power and monitor vertical speed like a glassy water landing in a float plane. It’s amazing. I landed (and took off) in my friends 1200ft hay field. I look forward to the next videos!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your insight. We were aware that it was touted as "spin proof" yet the general consensus among pilots (non-coupe pilots) is that is has a reputation for being stall proof (which no airplane is). Good call out on the split elevator. I also wonder if part of the confusion is that if the airplane is "spin proof" do people just assume it's stall proof because in order to spin, one wing must stall to a greater degree than the other? In any case, comments like these are creating great discussion. We look forward to having you watch our next video!

  • @theaccountant5133
    @theaccountant5133 11 місяців тому

    I have flight time in the Alon A-2 Ercoupe, N5475E, N6571Q and N6573Q. All flew very well back in 1968-1969 when I was in North Carolina, Jacksonville with the Marine Corps at NCAF New River. I checked my logbook and see that I have a total of about 50 hours in the little planes. I really enjoyed that plane and it could land on almost a dime. If my memory serves me correctly the power off stall speed was 52 MPH and power on stall speed was 47MPH. No flaps, little rudder authority but a nice flying little machine especially for one person.
    The owners of one of the little planes was selling it to a farmer. I was asked to fly the plane into their extremely sort grass strip. The day I was to fly it I had to fly over the little strip and see if I had enough room to land. The runway wasn't more than 50 foot wide grass and gravel just beyond a 4 foot barbed wire fence. I know it would be close so I flew it at 55MPH until just before the fence, slowed it down to 50 just at the fence and with 3 feet from the ground chopped the throttle. If fell like a rock, stalled. I was on the brakes before it touched the ground. It was an extremely short landing. The buyers were impressed and bought the plane. I flew it out of that little spot just missing the fence on the way out and parked it at the JACKSONVILLE AIR SERVICE (W88) ramp. The plane never went into that runway again. The new owners could not get the plane into that tight spot. They parked it at the new airport (at the time) near Jacksonville.
    As I say, before I listen to this video, this was a great little airplane that gave me hours and hours of pleasure flying back in 1968-1969.

  • @Chompchompyerded
    @Chompchompyerded Рік тому +1

    You going to log that time as time in a "Scare Coup"?

  • @Ichibuns
    @Ichibuns Рік тому +3

    I'm going to buy one for time building. It's a unique aircraft. I rent a Comanche 260 for IFR time. So that's not a problem. Apparently, the Ercoupe was used to help train airline pilots to approach with a crab. When jets came along, they were worried the pilots would hit the longer wings on landing without extra training. I guess the common idea was to just side slip the final.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +3

      Definitely unique! And definitely affordable as a time-builder. Interesting perspective re: airline pilot training. It makes sense because you have to pretty much commit to the crab. Another cool historical thing on Ercoupes was that they were used by Jack Parsons (founder of JPL) to develop jet-assisted take-off units. If you want a chuckle, check this out: ua-cam.com/video/2w0mKobISt4/v-deo.html

    • @vincentmolloy5660
      @vincentmolloy5660 Рік тому

      Jet assist....now there,s an idea 💡 🤔 😂

    • @Ichibuns
      @Ichibuns Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude I'm waiting for the STC

    • @kenthompson3730
      @kenthompson3730 Рік тому

      It wasn’t the 707 wingtip they were worried about, it was the low hanging engine pods. They were afraid the engines would get dragged on a steep slip, hence the crab training.

  • @mkshffr4936
    @mkshffr4936 Рік тому +1

    Coupes are so cool.

  • @davidhakes3884
    @davidhakes3884 Рік тому +1

    First airplane I ever flew and could land and take off, I was 8yrs old. then on to 7AC champ. That is a Beauty of a Coupe.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Love it! And we agree... we were lucky to fly this little coupe. So much fun! Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment!

  • @SteveBull-tg8mi
    @SteveBull-tg8mi 2 місяці тому

    Beautiful airplane!

  • @musoseven8218
    @musoseven8218 Рік тому +2

    I love the look of these little aeroplanes, but I'm not sure I could cope without rudder pedals (I'd have to have one with or add the conversion). I was trying to puzzle a slide slip in one🤔🤔Great video btw✌️👍😊

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +2

      Agreed on both counts! Personally, we feel the airplane would be better with the rudder kid, but others feel that the factory model is perfectly fine. It's all up to the pilot. Thank you so much for watching and for leaving a comment!

    • @musoseven8218
      @musoseven8218 Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude Youre most welcome, an interesting series. Ive heard that many pilots love them as they are, but I suspect that's like flying a flight sim on just the joystick - awkward to say the least. I'm partially disabled but I'd still rather fly with pedals, it gives more control and options. I know that their undercart is tough and cross wind tolerance is good, but with rudder pedals they'd be a fantastic little aeroplane 👍✌️😊💜

    • @kenthompson3730
      @kenthompson3730 Рік тому +2

      You don’t slip. You don’t need to slip. Just land it crabbed, get the nose down and the plane is engineered to automatically straighten itself out.
      It’ll take stronger cross winds that almost any other plane.

    • @musoseven8218
      @musoseven8218 Рік тому +1

      @@kenthompson3730 Interesting. I happen to think though that having the ability to slip is an extra weapon in the arsenal - plus they can be fun💜✌️😉

    • @givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935
      @givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935 Рік тому

      Engineered to automatically align itself after landing ….. you mean it has a (tortured) nosewheel tricycle undercarriage? I’d fit rudder pedals without any hesitation.

  • @colonial6452
    @colonial6452 Рік тому +1

    A great little airplane. My dad bought a 415C at an auction at the Portsmouth, VA airport in either 1960 or 1961 = $1900. N87119.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Wow! Hard to fathom these days... aircraft prices being what they are. Thank you for watching and commenting!

    • @4-7th_CAV
      @4-7th_CAV Рік тому

      Back in 1979-80 I used to fly N87420 out of Detroit City Airport (DET). It also was "rudderless" (even though that is a misnomer) and was a great little plane to fly.

  • @mickgibson370
    @mickgibson370 Рік тому +1

    My brother-in-law had 2 of these. I got to fly the first one! It is like car that that fly!

  • @jonraptor
    @jonraptor Рік тому +1

    Fun airplane, also had that same experience as Daniel of..."this doesn't feel right on landing".

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Indeed... close to the ground is where things get very interesting.

  • @publicenemynumerouno
    @publicenemynumerouno Рік тому +1

    Beautiful airplane. I'd love to go fly one.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That's what we kept saying to one another! It really is a gorgeous little airplane. Definitely try one out if you get a chance!

  • @cavu22
    @cavu22 Рік тому +1

    i have owned 5 Alons but all had factory 3 axis controls. Standard with a C-90 they are the best kept secret in general aviation.Safe ,fast efficient and FUN! Fly with the canopy open.My wife earned her PPl in 30 days on it. When I stop flying my Pitts,Eagle,RV6,Sopwith Camel ,i will keep the Alon and fly into the sunset.

  • @wallacejeffery5786
    @wallacejeffery5786 Рік тому +1

    I have flown in one of these . Continental engine. Felt safe

  • @Mike-01234
    @Mike-01234 Рік тому +1

    What would be cool if could find someone who actually ordered one out of the sears catalog and still has it.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That would be awesome! Great idea! If you happen to find that person, let us know!

  • @tommypaget2294
    @tommypaget2294 17 днів тому

    Without a rudder……how would you recover from a spin?

  • @shadowunifer
    @shadowunifer Рік тому +1

    This is awesome! You should have so many more subs for content of this quality!

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Wow, thank you! We are trying! Thank you for watching and for commenting - really appreciate your kind words!

  • @givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935

    It makes sense to a non-pilot. Stalls and spin recovery 100% do not want aileron input. If it gets coordinated entering a turn it will be uncoordinated holding that turn, see how bad the ball was in ordinary flight.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому +1

      Agreed. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

  • @j.w.perkins6004
    @j.w.perkins6004 Рік тому +1

    Hilarious little rig!!! I love the fact that this thing has a full panel complete with an ILS. I can't imagine landing this thing at minimums. Bawahaha! not that the rudders have anything to do with it.

  • @topgunpete1
    @topgunpete1 2 місяці тому

    Love flying the Coupe in between other aircraft. Something to be said for just flying at the end of the runway in a cross wind and keeping it simple. I prefer to land on grass in a crosswind, less stress on the tyres and aircraft. Plenty of Coupe videos on my Channel. ;) ;) Only 7 in Australia, 6 are flying.

  • @Airpaycheck
    @Airpaycheck Рік тому

    Nice bird! Out of curiosity, what’s the max crosswind component?

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      I don’t have the manual handy but I want to say it was pretty high. It was a great bird. Lots of fun!

    • @kenthompson3730
      @kenthompson3730 Рік тому

      It’s been reported at over 40mph. I personally have landed at right at 25mph right on the wing tip (90 degree crosswind). That was the first week I owned it and had about five hours in type under my belt.

  • @brentdykgraaf184
    @brentdykgraaf184 Рік тому +1

    I am not a pilot... YET I find this video amazing. You are flying the safest airplane ever made for decades, and are nervous. Now would you be as nervous in a vee tailed #35 doctor killer, I would guess probobly not, because of rudder peddles. Thank you for proving if Richy and the bopper were in an Ercoup they would still be singing.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Ha! Yeah... we'll have to do a V-tail episode some day. I (Jeff) have not flown one yet. Flying is something that should always be a "gut check" no matter what machine you're flying. We take it very seriously but we also have fun along the way. For a non-pilot you seem to have some aviation knowledge. What are you waiting for!? Haha. Thanks for watching!

    • @Triple_J.1
      @Triple_J.1 Рік тому

      The Bonanza is the General Aviation Piston Single that All Others are Judged against.
      To label it as a doctor killer discounts the fact the type has flown countless millions of hours in perfect safety, many countless millions of miles in Actual, by pilots with less experience than many who killed themselves in the same airplane.

    • @brentdykgraaf184
      @brentdykgraaf184 Рік тому

      @@Triple_J.1 can we just agree to disagree? How much is a new one...what do you mean they quit making them....not the one by which all others a judged....36,s do not coach as often..why is that?

  • @johnmajane3731
    @johnmajane3731 Рік тому +3

    100 hp is a fair amount of power for an Ercoupe. Looks like a very nice example of one.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      It's a great little airplane, no doubt. Our reactions (speaking for myself at least) have much more to do with the unique flight characteristics making us feel like a fish out of water rather than any inherent design flaws. Thanks for watching!

    • @johnmajane3731
      @johnmajane3731 Рік тому

      @@airspeedaltitude I would have the same reaction. I have a lot of tailwheel time and also a couple of thousand hours in my Bonanza. It would be a hard adjustment but I have always liked the look of the Ercoupe. Figure that may be my old mans plane.

  • @daveheath3728
    @daveheath3728 Рік тому

    My Dad owned an ercoupe and we flew over Disneyland when I was 4 yrs. old in it in 1958 . I got to fly one when I was in the Civil Air Patrol . Great little airplane , fun , simple , economical , kinda like a Volkswagen with wings , wish I had one today . Thanks for the memories ! 😎👍

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      That's great! And you are welcome for the memories. So wonderful that you got to fly the coupe to Disneyland. Kind of feels like a Disney story all on its own. Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment!

  • @Triple_J.1
    @Triple_J.1 Рік тому +1

    Rudderless controls have little to do with making a stall-proof aircraft. The fact the elevator power is limited by size and control throw is what prevents the aircraft wing from being trimmed to the stall Angle of Attack.
    Taking this concept to heart, any pilot with a pulse can learn to limit their aft-stick control throw, thereby eliminating stalls in every make and model aircraft that exists.
    There was a lot of talk in the 1930s of stall-proof design concepts and none are too too difficult to implement. What is hard is making a 4+ seat aircraft with limited elevator power, because when loaded at forward CG it might not have the authority to lift the nose gear to flare. And when loaded aft, it could have enough tail power to stall. Therefore the passengers and pilot and luggage and fuel must all be concentrated near the Aerodynamic Center of the wing.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Interesting... and it makes total sense the way you explain it! We hear a lot about how the rudder can make for a "spin proof" aircraft, but not a lot of people talk about the elevator authority. Great comment. Thanks for watching!

  • @richardcox6935
    @richardcox6935 Рік тому +1

    The first time I flew in an Air Coupe I could hardly wait to get out.

    • @airspeedaltitude
      @airspeedaltitude  Рік тому

      Interesting. Did you ever get back in one or was that it for you? They're not everyone's cup of tea, so we can see how you might have felt that way. In any case, thanks for watching and for commenting!