Hey, Jay and I agree on something!

I've owned an Alon Aircoupe model (one of the later ones, only 40
years old) for three years. If you want a 2-seater vintage aircraft
the Coupes are one of the better choices, in my opinion. Why?

- They fly faster than most other 2-seater vintage airplanes, 95-115
mph cruise on 85-100 hp.

- Decent climb rate, 400-700 fpm depending on engine, load and density
altitude.

- Very pleasant manuevering characteristics, not touchy nor ponderous.
Some models with the limited elevator travel won't stall at all,
others have very benign stalls. I can fly at 40-45 mph indicated very
easily without stalling.

- Fantastic visibility. Canopy open on warm days if you like.

- Art-deco look always get positive comments at airports. You're not
lost in the crowd in this airplane.

- The 415C models, the majority of the different variations, are LSA
class (other Coupe models aren't).

- Most Coupes don't have rudder pedals, but if you want them, they're
easy for your mechanic to add (though most Coupers would recommend you
don't add them).

Jay had mentioned potential downsides. There is a lot of neglected
junk out there so be careful when you look.

See these websites for more info:

http://www.flash.net/~dmprosvc/dave/purchase.htm
http://www.ercoupe.com/
http://www.ercoupe.org/
http://www.ercoupe.net/
http://www.aircoupe.com/
http://www.ercoupers.com/
http://www.escribe.com/aviation/coupers-tech/index.html
http://www.escribe.com/aviation/coupers/index.html

Post a message to the last site listed above to see about getting a
ride in an Ercoupe near you.

And for a description of an amazing cross-country in an Ercoupe, see

http://www.jimsladesairlines.com/rothenberg.html
http://www.jimsladesairlines.com/rothenberg2.html

"JH" == Jay Honeck writes:

I've got somewhat of a liking for Ercoupes and its
derivitives. They seem to be inexpensive to purchase, and
somewhat cheap to fly and maintain. For a fairly new pilot, who
just want to fly for the fun of it, are they a good bet?

JH I think Ercoupes are very, very cool. They are the most
JH affordable "classic" airplane out there, and will only
JH appreciate in value. And, hey, there just aren't too many
JH planes you can fly nowadays with your arm hanging on the
JH window-sill!

JH That said, they've had some issues with corrosion (what older
JH plane hasn't?), some issues with maintaining the older
JH engines, and they really aren't very good cross-country
JH machines. (Well, unless you're not in a hurry. And they're
JH still way faster than driving.)

JH The only other real drawback is weight limitations. You
JH aren't going to be able to carry two big people, nor will you
JH be able to carry much in the way of luggage.

JH Still, I'd take one over a Cessna 152 any day!