Justin,

Regarding the Alon, why do you say "Too bad we couldn't open the canopy in
flight." ? The only restriction is that you must not fly over 100 mph. Are
you disagreeing with the POH, or are you just saying that it is difficult to
open once your flying? I own a '65 Alon and I have opened it and closed it
while flying. Granted, it is easier on the ground with two hands, but it's
not a huge task in the air.

Just asking for clarification.

Mitch
N6369V




"Justin Case" wrote in message
news
Sorry, but I'll reiterate what I said and will not agree with most of
what this poster states.

On 26 Aug 2003 20:11:09 -0700, Bob Fry wrote:

I have an Alon Aircoupe, just returned from Oshkosh to California.
Great airplane, but for long trips it's impractical for two people.
Though an acquaintance flew his Alon from California to Barrow,
Alaska, then to the Florida Keys with two people. Also to Maine
(separate trip).

Justin Case writes:

You'll probably want one that has a
new center section recently (last 20 years) and make sure the wings
are impeccable on the inside. Some spars are suffering from
intergranular corrosion which probably originated at the manufacturing
company

New or replaced center section is not necessary, but do check for
corrosion. Get one with the recent AD done.

Most of the good ones have has the center section replaced. It's a
good idea to look for that since it'll cost about 10K to have one
replaced.

If you're looking at a 75 hp,

Don't look at one, not with one of you over 200 lbs. Get 85 hp
minimum.

This guy doesn't know what he's talking about because he obviously has
not flown one with a 75 and the proper fan in front. I'm over 200 and
my 75 consistently outran the 85's.


Forneys with the 90 hp engine. When you get into the Alons and
Mooneys, remember that you can't fly with the canopy open, which is
one of the most endearing traits of this little "driver".

This is untrue. The original Ercoupes had an unusual window
arrangement where the two halves slide vertically into the fuselage,
and these can be left open at any speed. Plus some have a center
metal section which serves as a sunscreen. The Alons (Aircoupes) have
a more normal sliding canopy which slides backward. More accessible,
but you can't fly faster than 100 mph with it open. You can open and
close it in flight with just a little struggle.

When you're flying the Ercoupe you're at full throttle. More times
than not, you're over 100 mph. If not, you're aircraft is a doggie.
I don't want any struggle when I'm flying.

Rag wings
are better than metal, no pedals are better than pedals.

Again, not necessarily. This is more individual preference. A
Coupe's rudder are not too effective, so even with pedals you can't
slip it much. Plus, those Coupes that came from the factory without
pedals, then had them added, have an odd trait: You still steer on the
ground by turning the wheel. Confusing as hell I think.

Not at all personal preference. The metal wings add 35 pounds to the
airframe. Remember, weight is your enemy. The whole wing spar AD
started when corrosion was found in the metalized wings and spread to
what it became.

about 70 pounds to the airframe!!! Good luck. $10 to 15K should get
you a good one.

Geez, not in California. The Ercoupes (older models, much more
common) run $15K-$20K for a good one here; add $5K for an Alon or
Mooney version.

Mooneys are too high, you could buy a real one for what they ask.
Everything in CA is too expensive, so the residents expect it. We
just sold a pristine 415C for 11.5K in TX. If you pay more than 15K,
you should expect a show winner.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Alon Aircoupe is the most efficient
non-modern certificated airplane around for its engine (90 hp). With
my cruise prop I get 100 kts cruise, that's not much less than a
beatup C-172. But I can still fly with the canopy open on a hot day
if I want like a Cub with the door open. A blast to fly, but very
safe.

The Alon with the 90 is extremely powerful. On a hot TX day (+90) two
200+ pounders had no problem getting off the ground. Too bad we
couldn't open the canopy in flight.