An Aircoupe, Love, And Life’s Circle By Mike Dennis CEO, President and Founder Oregon Aero, Inc. “Holy opportunity Batman, look at that!” My Alon Aircoupe from thirty years ago was listed for sale in Barnstormers at a price that guaranteed it wasn't gonna be on the market long. My assistant, Gayle, attended Sun ‘n Fun in my place when I got trapped by a project in Philadelphia where I sat killing time in a hotel, prowling airplane ads. Gayle, a true airplane nut, had soloed an Aeronca Champ and built a HiMax airplane kit just to understand how planes are built. The HiMax project was her idea of how to educate herself, but she had no interest in flying it and gave it to a friend when she left North Carolina to come work for Oregon Aero. She told me of how the Champ had provided a moment or two of tailwheel excitement and cooled her enthusiasm for solo flight. I suggested she find an Aircoupe, friendly, straightforward, easy, and fun to fly. “Learn how to fly in that, then you can advance to more challenging airplanes.” The first Alon Aircoupe in my life, owned by someone who had neglected to make his payments, was in need of repossession and located on the airport in Chelan, Washington, a state away from where I worked. The boss came to me and said, “Hitch a ride with the charter flight going to Seattle, drop off the passengers, fly to Chelan, take a bolt cutter for the canopy lock, this set of passkeys for the ignition, and, well, steal the plane, then fly it home.” “Cool, sounds like fun,” I said, and conveniently forgot to mention I had fewer than 25 hours on a student ticket, Continued on Page 3 Coupe Capers Coupe Capers Volume 46, No. 7 Volume 46, No. 7 July 2017 July 2017 Mike and Jude in 1988 Mike and Jude Today Mike and Assistant Gayle Crowder preparing for the last leg home from Florida
Transcript
An Aircoupe, Love, And Life’s Circle
By Mike Dennis CEO, President and Founder
Oregon Aero, Inc.
“Holy opportunity Batman, look at that!” My Alon Aircoupe from thirty years ago was listed for sale in Barnstormers at a price that guaranteed it wasn't gonna be on the market long.
My assistant, Gayle, attended Sun ‘n Fun in my place when I got trapped by a project in Philadelphia where I sat killing time in a hotel, prowling airplane ads. Gayle, a true airplane nut, had soloed an Aeronca Champ and built a HiMax airplane kit just to understand how planes are built. The HiMax project was her idea of how to educate herself, but she had no interest in flying it and gave it to a friend when she left North Carolina to come work for Oregon Aero. She told me of how the Champ had provided a moment or two of tailwheel excitement and cooled her enthusiasm for solo flight. I suggested she find an Aircoupe, friendly, straightforward, easy, and fun to fly. “Learn how to fly in that, then you can advance to more challenging airplanes.”
The first Alon Aircoupe in my life, owned by someone who had neglected to make his payments, was in need of
repossession and located on the airport in Chelan, Washington, a state away from where I worked. The boss came to me and said, “Hitch a ride with the charter flight going to Seattle, drop off the passengers, fly to Chelan, take a bolt cutter for the canopy lock, this set of passkeys for the ignition, and, well, steal the plane, then fly it home.”
“Cool, sounds like fun,” I said, and conveniently forgot to mention I had fewer than 25 hours on a student ticket,
Continued on Page 3
Coupe CapersCoupe CapersVolume 46, No. 7Volume 46, No. 7 July 2017July 2017
Mike and Jude in 1988
Mike and Jude Today
Mike and Assistant Gayle Crowder preparing for the last leg home from Florida
July 2017 Coupe Capers 2
By Larry Snyder Coupe Capers Editor and Executive Director
Convention-al Wisdom… I’m home from the 2017 Fred & Dorothy Weick National Fly-In at Dickson, Tennessee, and I think now is a good time to describe to the membership how much it takes to put on such an event.
Each year, some person, and usually his/her family and friends, too, put out the effort to arrange an airport where 20-40 airplanes can land and tie down. There needs to be facilities on the field for folks to gather out of the heat and to have a technical seminar and club meetings. There needs to be lodging for 100 or more people and transportation to get pilots to and from the lodging to the airport and special events. There needs to be special events and a fly-out. There needs to be a site for a
banquet of at least 100 people with A/V facilities for a speaker and emcee.
The hosts need to worry about little gift items in the registration bags, name tags, peoples’ choice ballots, tickets to meals and events, T shirts, and lots of other things I’m sure I’ve forgotten.
On top of all that, your hosts spend months planning ways to keep 100 people happy and entertained, then they sweat for four days desperately trying to keep everyone happy and satisfied. And they watch the weather incessantly. The tension is incredible.
Many of you go out of your way to thank the hosts and all the folks working like mad to make the convention a good one, and that is greatly appreciated. One thing that is fairly unique with EOC conventions is that we move from site to site each year. That means that there is almost always a new host and new team and new accommodations to deal with, so basically each convention is like a first one! That provides us great opportunities to see new places and do new things, but it also requires patience on our part as each site’s hosts learn as they go.
I want to express the club’s sincere and deep appreciation to Jim Chism and David and Debbie Winters who made an amazing effort to make the Dickson fly-in a success. Thanks from all of us in the EOC!
Alon Returns Home After 30 Years Continued from First Page
hadn’t flown a solo cross country (actually, hadn't been on a dual cross country, either) and had no idea what an Alon was. My mindless enthusiasm was rooted in two things. I was nineteen, and had been in love with airplanes since my mother made and flew a paper plane for me.
The caper went like clockwork, and I learned to love the little Coupe. Later, for a promotional stunt, we took a secretary with no flight experience and soloed her in the plane after only one long day of instruction. It made a splash in the local paper, and we picked up a couple of students from it.
“1966 Alon Aircoupe for sale, Winter Haven, Florida.”
Winter Haven? This is too weird; Gayle is staying in a rental house in Winter Haven. I’ll forward the ad, suggest she call the seller, think about buying it, and I’ll offer to be a partner if she needs it.
Minutes later the phone rang. It was Gayle; breathless, she gushed, “I called him, I'm just a mile or so from the plane, I’m going there Saturday to fly it, and recognized the paint scheme, it’s your old Coupe, isn't it? Someone called from Alabama and is waving a check at him, but he said he’d wait until I could look at it. I have half the money. I called my husband, Chris; he’s fine if you buy half. We’ll be partners.” There’s something magical about her Virginia accent and personality. Everyone loves Gayle, and Jim and Donna were not immune. After the flight, they took her home to discuss the possible purchase. “Your boss sent an email, told us he courted his wife in 5684F thirty years ago, used it as the test bed for the products that became Oregon Aero, and suggested you should complete your flight training in an Aircoupe. Now here she is, living down the street from the home you’re renting. Wow, it feels like this is supposed to be your plane. It's yours if you want it.”
On Monday, I flew home to Portland, Oregon from Philadelphia, Gayle from Orlando. Tuesday, we attended to business needs, Wednesday we wired the money, and on Thursday Jim called to let us know 5684F’s hangar will turn into a pumpkin at the end of the month. “Would it be possible to come get it before?”
I'd been monitoring the weather. A string of tornadoes had just marched up the center of the country leaving an unsettled but mostly clear forecast for the next few days, so I asked Gayle to see if we could get tickets to Orlando for the next day. A half hour later she called. “Yup, got us the last two seats on a non-stop from Portland to Orlando.”
Continued on Page 11
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL
ERCOUPE CARAVAN INTO AIRVENTURE!
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2017 DEPART FROM WATERTOWN
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, WI (KRYV) Lat/Long: 43-10-10.7000N / 088-43-23.6000W
BRIEFING AT 0930 HRS, CDT WHEELS UP AT 1100 HRS
FOR THE LAST TWENTY-FOUR SUMMERS A GROUP OF ERCOUPES FLEW TOGETHER INTO
THE EAA CONVENTION AND PARKED TOGETHER. EVERYONE WHO FLEW IN SAID IT
WAS GREAT, AND PEOPLE ON THE GROUND WERE REALLY IMPRESSED.
LET'S DO IT AGAIN! WATERTOWN IS ABOUT 47 STATUTE MILES
SOUTH OF RIPON, 3/4 HOUR SOUTHWEST OF OSHKOSH, NORTH OF CHICAGO AND
NORTHWEST OF MILWAUKEE. SYD COHEN WILL GIVE A DETAILED BRIEFING AT 9:30 AM IN THE FBO CONFERENCE ROOM AND HAND
OUT INBOUND PROCEDURE CARDS. WE WILL FLY IN TRAIL, ABOUT 500 FEET APART, 1000
FEET AGL. IF WE LAND TOGETHER, WE PARK TOGETHER JOIN US! BE PART OF AN EXCITING EVENT! WATERTOWN AIRPORT HAS FREE CAMPING, FREE WIFI, A COURTESY VAN AND MOTELS AND RESTAURANTS JUST A CITY BLOCK
AWAY. Holiday Inn Express Watertown...101 Aviation
Way…1-920-262-1910 Super 8 Motel Watertown…1730 Church
Fourth Tiger Flight Aircoupe Comes Home By Benjamin Gillam
At the risk of over generalizing, I lump pilots’ perceptions of the Alon Aircoupe into two categories. There are those pilots who dismiss or talk down about the Aircoupe and there are those who have flown one. I'm in the latter category, and I'm a fairly recent convert.
I first started flying the Alon about 5 months ago with the Tiger Flight Foundation. It didn't take long to fall in love with the mission, the comrades, and the airplane. I realize I'm preaching to the choir, but its beauty is its simplicity. Just like a truly beautiful woman doesn't need an elegant gown and jewels to be appreciated, neither does the Alon need elaborately complex systems or dazzling speed to be thoroughly enjoyed.
After flying with the Tigers a few months, several of my squadron mates opined how nice it would be to have a fourth ship. It's more than the old adage that "more is better", having 4 in formation adds many opportunities and possibilities that just don't exist with 3 ships.
So the search began. After many phone calls and many more emails and texts, I settled on N6361V. She was an all white Alon living in Connecticut. We settled on a price and the sellers went above and beyond to make sure she would be ready for the trip back to Georgia. Not only was she cleaned up, but she was picked up with a fresh annual and transponder check.
Their field is just east of Bradley near Windsor Locks. It is a narrow private field surrounded by trees. The sellers picked me up at BDL and we drove over to see their pride and joy. It did not disappoint. The highlight was the engine compartment. It was clean without just having been cleaned. No runs, no drips, no errors! We first did a thorough walk-around and then after pouring over engine and aircraft logbooks it was time to fly. A frontal passage had just taken place. The altimeter was rising, the skies were clearing and the wind was no longer gusting. There was a quick discussion and we came to a decision that I would take it up solo for a pass around the pattern. She started on the first pull and after a steep learning curve with the electronics I taxied 50 feet to the end of the runway. I sat at idle for an extended time to let her get warm then did the run-up. Once again everything was flawless. Now it is time to fly! Take off roll and lift off were normal, but once above the tree line I realized how much stronger the winds were versus the surface wind. On
downwind looking down at the straight two lane road they call a runaway, I gave myself a quick pep talk and ran through checklists. I could've turned base well before the end of the runway and still had an adequate final due to the winds. The airplane was AWESOME! The aileron control actuators were new and felt it. The Vernier throttle was tight and the Continental was responsive. I made one low pass then around the pattern again for a full stop. Absolutely FANTASTIC!
Administrative work was taken care of later that night. All that was left was a 965-mile trip. Hats off to the sellers.
Two stand up guys that I feel I'll be friends with for many years to come. They took pictures and with moist eyes they watched me depart. My initial destination was Altoona, PA. I checked in with Bradley, got flight following and was off. I was mesmerized by the smoothness of the aircraft. Pure delight! Then, 45 minutes into the flight at 4500 feet I felt a stutter. I waited and started the clock. There it was again. I pulled the carb heat. I was well below the freezing level and in severe clear weather. Thirty seconds
later the stuttering continued and became worse. Talking with NY center I informed them that I needed to find a runway. He pointed out Danbury CT at 10:00 and 12 miles.
I pointed the nose there and informed him I would be climbing to get on a profile if things worsened. Switched over to tower and started a descent. Over 3 minutes after the first chug and passing through 1500', the engine cleared and returned to it's buttery purr.
Continued on Page 5
5 July 2017 Coupe Capers
New Alon Aircoupe Joins Tiger Flight Team Continued from Page 4
It was an uneventful landing into “the bowl” of KDXR and I taxied to the ramp. I had a long discussion with a mechanic and a couple of long run-ups. Satisfied, and with a solid plan mapped out, I launched again. Fortunately this was the only burp the entire trip. My next stop was Schuylkill County airport in Pennsylvania. Another uneventful stop was highlighted by a rather large turkey who almost lost his life as I was about to flare.
Back airborne my comfort level increasing I altered my plans. It was just too beautiful of a day not to fly down the Shenandoah valley!
From here it became pure flying pleasure. Gorgeous weather, a beautiful plane and an adventure awaiting. At 100 kts there is plenty of time to pick enroute destinations and then change them as you see fit. Since every 2.4 hours or so I would feel the need to land, my next stop was Grant County, West "By God" Virginia.
As I clear the runway, literally the only plane on the ramp is another Alon Aircoupe! Really, what are the chances! Inside, the sage manager and I struck up a lively conversation. Using our hands, of course, we talked flying and airplanes while I ate lunch. Vienna sausages and apple sauce were never better!
Back in the saddle of my trusty steed I went through a saddleback on the ridge and continued down the next valley over. Looking ahead there were several airports from which to choose. Two hours later, as the ridge dropped off beneath me, Mt Airy North Carolina was straight ahead. Another fantastic pit stop! Coffee, quick
charge on the devices, more welcoming new friends and of course 100LL, and I was airborne again. I had VFR flight following now and was feeling closer. The adventure continued down to Pickens County South Carolina. The airport was empty but fate brought me a fellow pilot who drove me to a nearby hotel. He also came to get me there next morning! Aviation friends new and old are the best friends!
One leg left to fly! Of course I had been in touch with my squadron mates throughout the journey and they had been busy planning a welcome. My girl was eager to go again the next morning and we headed due west. Once again I just thoroughly enjoyed the simply pleasures like a dawn launch with the sun at my back. Getting close I switched up to Tiger tactical, and sure enough a flight of two was airborne to provide escort. I made three-plane fly ins from deployments with the Navy years ago and they never get old. My "Ghost Rider" took the lead and as we came to the overhead the call for "smoke, now" was made. I broke left and the two ship continued straight to set up for their own pattern. Once on the ground, sparkling grape juice poured and the excitement of having a fourth Tiger was settling in.
Every minute of flying was a treasure. The views and freedom reminded me why I truly love to fly. But so much more than that was the new friendships made. There's a bond that pilots have. We understand that our hearts all yearn to be aloft and we find comfort in that kindred spirit. It's not unlike the travelers of old but our mode of transportation is so much cooler! Realizing I'm now biased, but the Aircoupe is the coolest of the bunch!
"Four's in"
July 2017 Coupe Capers 6
New European EOC Director Takes Over Replacing Robert Rombouts Dirk Vervacke wites: I have recently taken over from Robert Rombouts as European Director for the Ercoupe Owners Club. A big thanks to Robert and all the work he has done in the past!
Born in 1970 and married with two children, I spend my working days doing projects in various industries with somewhat of a focus on chemistry, polymers and pharmaceutics.
Even though I work all over the world, the last two years have mainly been spent in Belgium. This gave me time to contemplate buying my own aircraft. From contemplation to purchase took just under three months.
In 2003 I picked up flying at the Royal Zoute Aviation Club in Belgium and have mainly been flying the club’s Robin DR400-120 (OO-TOY and OO-KDI). I also flew the Cessna 172 (OO-WVS) but I prefer low-wing flying, a preference which is not backed by any rational analysis whatsoever. After having had several minor defects in flight with the club’s aircraft, it was time for my own little bird. After a long process of thinking about what aircraft to buy, I decided on the Ercoupe because I wanted something that could double as a demo for my aircraft polishing project (ongoing since 2005). Looks were more important than speed and load capacity. The Ercoupe is definitely a head-turner and having one of those with a polished aluminium fuselage does the trick perfectly.
I bought my 415-G (N1659Z) in October 2015 and had it shipped to Belgium where it remains on the N-register. Its home base is Kortrijk-Wevelgem Int’l Airport (EBKT). We have a 1900m asphalt runway, all services for a business jet airport, lots of maintenance facilities and yet it is Class G airspace.
Unfortunately, a medical event in December 2016 banned me from driving until mid-June 2017 and from flying until further notice. Being grounded gives me some time to think things over. If it all would turn out for the worse and flying would not be an option anymore, then I would switch hobbies and construct an astronomical observatory – my second interest after flying.
With the European Directorship I plan to facilitate people who want to organize fly-ins or other events around the Ercoupe and inform everyone about the ins and outs of the Ercoupe without duplicating efforts or creating new platforms where existing platforms are already doing great. The first period will definitely be a matter of finding my way and carving out the space in which I can be most effective within the Ercoupe community.
The first proposal that came my way is a fly-in in Speyer, Germany in the summer of this year. A date still has to be picked after which everything will move quickly.
The best way to contact me is either via e-mail
on [email protected] or via mobile on +32 479579799. You can mail or talk to me in Dutch, English, German, French or Spanish.
The Ercoupe Owners Club wants to thank Robert Rombouts for his dedicated efforts to support the Ercoupe Community in Europe! Tireless volunteers like Robert are hard to find! – Larry Snyder
7 July 2017 Coupe Capers
The Dayton Air Show By Bill James
The show began with a lovely lady exiting a Cessna 206 from about 8000 feet and quickly releasing a tethered American Flag that surely must have been over 800 square feet in size . . . I’ve never seen a larger one!
My call from Sheila Wallace verifying my media credentials were on the way started my planning to attend/cover the Dayton Vectron Air Show held on June 24th and 25th. While this show is not a ‘Sun Fun’ or ‘Air Venture’ type extravaganza, it is a great 2 day show with top of the line performers and a well run operation. This years’ show featured the Air Force Thunderbirds show team. My biggest interest this year centered on a flight demonstration of our newest military fighter . . . the F-35. All I can say is, staggering! First of all, it is the loudest take off I have ever heard from an aircraft. The aerial demonstration of the F-35 leaves you a little better feeling as to our military strength. The flight performance of the navy F/A-18 Super Hornet was amazing. The Air Force T-50 was an impressive performer also. In quick smooth succession the show crowd witnessed acts by Rob Holland and Sean D. Tucker . . . skills best described as heart stopping yet, ‘Poetry in Motion” performances. The all woman ‘Misty Blues’ parachute team did not disappoint in their excellent jump precision, . . . This old man had to fight back tears when the F-35 and our WWII most famous fighter, the P-51 joined up, wingtip to wingtip, for their Heritage flight with nostalgic music… magnificent! Unfortunately, the Thunder Birds suffered an accident in practice the day before the show (landing accident, weather related) the pilots were not badly hurt but the #7 plane was lost. The Saturday show for their act was cancelled. Other performances included a B-25 reenactment of the Doolittle Raid in WWII. All the performances were excellent. The many static display aircraft were nearly all ‘hands on’ and there were a large choice of birds to touch; including a B-1 Bomber. Our military was well represented. No airshow can reach ‘top notch’ status without crowd pleasing announcers. The Dayton Air Show took no back seat in this department. The show featured Rob Reider and his co-announcer Danny Clisham. I kid thee not . . . . These two could get you excited announcing availability of $4.00 HOT DOGS! Outstanding!
I have a suggestion for all Ercoupers in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and others: Watch for next years’ VECTRON DAYTON AIRSHOW and take it in . . . you won’t be sorry. Attendance was impressive but not oppressive . . .Nice. Also, Fly Ins to the show were welcome! The airport remained open for most of the show and KDAY was not at all busy. All planes, large & small were warmly welcomed by Dayton tower. SEE YOU AT AIRVENTURE . . . . .
Ercoupe Parts Precision Services has purchased Skyport.
Our new name will be
Skyport Aviation A division of Precision Services, Inc.
409 Sweet Pea Lane, Swansea, SC 29160 803-360-2061 [email protected]
Major Credit Cards Accepted, 45-day money back guarantee
Parting out over 100 1941-1967 Ercoupes, Forneys and Alons.
Largest used inventory anywhere Ercoupe STCs and STC kits from Alpha Aviation
Manuals, both owner and maintenance Check out our web site:
airworthiness. All used parts from damaged aircraft are sold as-is.
July 2017 Coupe Capers 8
Welcome, New EOC Members!New EOC Members John Richmond 6651 Kurt Farm Rd. Dublin, VA 24084 Clay McCutchan 11175 Highway 90 Milton, FL 32583 [email protected] Daniel Christine 15551 Whitehall Ln. Orland Park, IL 60462 [email protected]
James Polk 12434 W. Morning Dove Dr. Sun City West, AZ 85375 [email protected] Larry Wells 10913 Liberty School Rd. Azle, TX 76020 [email protected] Harley Howery 65 Jasmine Ave. Clovis, CA 93611 [email protected]
Beth Hewitt 605 Danley Drive, Ste 8 Fort Myers, FL 33907 [email protected] Gayle Crowder 447 N. 2nd St. St. Helens, OR 97051 [email protected] Allen Staff 23 Berrima Rd. 3084 Rosanna, Victoria Australia [email protected]
Ercoupe Ride Brings Back Fading Memories By Felix Boston
Last summer I moved from the San Francisco east bay to Georgetown, Texas. My realtor kept telling me his dad first flew in an Ercoupe in 1950. I love living in Georgetown. The main thing I miss about California is out monthly Ercoupe fly-ins. I remember on pilot named Buzz whose Ercoupe had rudder pedals and we always harassed him that he didn’t have a real Ercoupe!
The early part of April my realtor’s dad came to visit in Georgetown and I had the pleasure of taking an 85 year old man with a slight case of dementia around the pattern a couple of times. He had not flown in an Ercoupe since
1955 and a general gviation airplane in 1986.
The look on his face during the flight was priceless!
$21 PER PERSON PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 20
YOU MAY SEND YOUR CHECK TO: SYD COHEN
705 KENT STREET WAUSAU, WI 54403
9 July 2017 Coupe Capers
December 2016 Coupe Capers 10
For Sale - 1949 ERCOUPE FAA Registration Number N415G
Serial Number 5052 Manufactured April 14, 1949
A flawless example of the type! Call 917-297-1111 or contact [email protected] for more info or an appointment. Aircraft located at 7FL6, Port
Orange, Florida.
Advertisement
11 December 2016 Coupe Capers
Alon Aircoupe Returns Home after Many YearsContinued from Page 3
Thursday evening, my friend Tom stopped by my hangar (we live across the runway from each other), and I described the plan to fly to Orlando and pick up what Gayle had already named, “Little Red.”
“You’re going to cross the country, VFR, in an Aircoupe? Wow, see you in a week or two.”
“No, the flight plan has us back here by noon on Monday, and we need to be, it's supposed to start raining by 1 pm and not stop for the rest of the week.”
“Yeah, good luck with that,” he said over his shoulder.
The adventure begins!
Jim and Donna picked us up at KORL, Orlando, Friday evening, and gave us their new pickup to go grocery shopping. Out of respect for her two tiny nine-gallon wing tanks and unwilling to use any of the six gallons in the header tank, I planned frequent fuel stops. We were wheels up from KGIF, Winter Haven, at seven am, with fuel stops at KGBE Decatur, GA, M95 Fayetteville, AL, KBVX Batesville, AR, KFSK Fort Scott, KS, and planned to tie up for the night at KRSL Russell, KS if the weather allowed. It did, but we watched with trepidation as towering thunderstorms grew in all quadrants while the nice man from the motel loaded our stuff in his van.
As we drove away, Little Red looked small and lonesome against the backdrop of mean weather. It didn't help that I'd forgotten to bring tie downs, and there were none on the ramp. Later, the thunderstorm bore down on Russell, put on a spectacular lightning show, blasted the power substation, and turned out all the lights in town for two hours.
Concerned, we were back at the airport before sunup where Little Red sat right where we’d left her. I swear she was smiling, happy to see us before the heat of the day arrived and spoiled our good luck. We took off in the dark, and a half hour later, we watched the weather turn red, yellow, and green on an iPad as the sky fell on Russell. We sailed blissfully on, pushed by the miraculous westbound tailwind we’d enjoyed since Florida.
Day two, we fueled at 82V Pine Bluffs, WY, KRKS Rock Springs, WY, U10 American Falls, ID, and ended the day at KMAN Nampa, ID, where we spent the night at my brother Jim’s place. Off nice and early on Monday with a stop for fuel at 9S9 Lexington, OR, it would be a race to get home before the forecast rain arrived.
A Turbine Thrush, the first airplane we’d seen in the air, landed after us at Lexington. Then we skirted the first rain in the mouth of the Columbia Gorge, flew over my home at WA87 Parkside, WA from where we could see our destination, Little Red’s new home, KSPB Scappoose, OR, across the Columbia River.
Two and a half days of flying, we landed at 12:50 and were a little disappointed to have the adventure end. The rain arrived ten minutes after Little Red had been tucked away in her hangar and, as forecast, continued for the rest of the week.
My wife Jude and I hadn't seen Little Red in twenty-eight years. We celebrated our thirtieth anniversary this month, and the Aircoupe of our youth and romance returned packed with unexpected and highly emotional energy. Another of life's big loops closed when, together, we sat once again in 5684F and wept surprising tears of joy, and relived the pleasant memories of a long-ago time that suddenly felt as close as yesterday.
Four airplanes in the hangar beside the house, Little Red at Scappoose, a glider in Hawaii that waits for me to take a busman’s holiday*, fifty-five years, and seven thousand hours logged after my first lesson, people ask me the same question, “Are you still ‘into’ aviation?” Silly question, I never was, it’s in me. Aviation, for some of us, is more than a hobby or interest, it's an inexplicable addiction. I’m not alone, my friend Bill owns an Ercoupe fleet, and when asked why he has eight, answers, “Because I can't afford nine.”
*A “busman’s holiday” is a vacation or form of recreation that involves doing the same thing that one does at work.
AIRVENTURE 2017 ERCOUPE MAINTENANCE
FORUM MODERATED BY
KEVIN GASSERT & SYD COHEN TUESDAY, JULY 25
8 AM – 9:30 AM IN THE VINTAGE HANGAR
December 2016 Coupe Capers 12
Members’ Ads Buy – Sell - Trade
For Sale – 1946 Ercoupe 415C, Light Sport, N99310, #2893, $25,000. TT 2328 hr, 50 hr SMOH, C75, Titan ECI Nickel alloy cylinders, new Slick mags, 50 hr on McCauley rebuilt prop, spin-on oil filter, newer fuel pump, Brackett air filter, fresh fabric wings, rudder pedals, Belleville MLG springs, Cleveland brakes, new main tires, King KX-145 nav/comm, venturi driven artificial horizon, directional gyro and turn/slip indicator, 121.5 MHZ ELT, intercomm, mogas STC (but have used 100 LL only), 1260#, shoulder harness, all logs since new, all Ads complied with, no corrosion, and miscellaneous parts and pieces. York, Ne, (KJYR) hangar. Current annual. Motivated seller – accepting offers. Contact Wayne Woldt, 402-450-6170, [email protected] .
For Sale – Amazing Ercoupe 1946 415C light sport fresh annual (4-29-17) good compressions has show quality paint. Restored in 2012, Garmin 496 GPS & Flightline 720 channel COM runs & flies great Ceconite fabric, no rudder pedals, TT airframe 1148.9 SMOH 189.1. Asking $22,500.OBO. Hangared @VG22 Rockfish Airpark call Ron 434-242-2190
For Sale – 1968 A2A Mooney Alon N5497F, C/NB297, TT 2910, 1810SMOH, 300 Since TOP, 4 NEW Cylinders, C-90-16, Spinon Filter, Brackett Air Filter, Factory Rudder Pedals, 10/16 Annual. Avonics: GNC 250 XL, GPS, com, Terra NAV w/GS, Narco AT150 Transponder, Intercom. Canopy Cover, Repainted '05, New: Concord battery, ELT battery, canopy rollers, main gear seals. Always hangered, No corrosion. Lost medical. Asking: $15,000. Ted Hinkley 570-265-971 For Sale – 67 Alon A2 Aircoupe N95CV; C-90-16F engine; factory rudder pedals; TT airframe & engine 1715 hrs; 280 hrs STOH (new Continental cylinders, pistons, rings, etc.); 60 amp alt.; Slick mags (rebuilt APR15); oil tank heater; fire hose throughout engine compartment; spin-on oil filter; 30 gallon wing tank system; shoulder harnesses w inertia
reels; Horizon Instruments electronic tachometer; King KY 97A COM; NARCO AT50A transponder; 121.5 MHz ELT; Flight Com 403 intercom; two place PPT; Whelen strobes; Brittain self-leveler; amp/volt meter; EGT; fire extinguisher; all ADs complied with; MAR17 annual; Bruce canopy cover; $27,000.00; [email protected].
FOR SALE – 1946 Ercoupe 415C, N2268H, #2893, $21,000. TT 3200 hr, 600 STOH, C85, Millenium cylinders. spin-on oil filter, Brackett air filter, 7150 prop, metal wings, rudders, dual fork, Cleveland brakes, MicroAir 760 comm, 121.5 MHZ ELT, Lowrance Airmap 2000c, ANR headsets, intercomm, autogas (100 LL only since STOH),1320#, shoulder harness, all logs and newsletters dating to mid-70s. Middleton, WIC29) hangar. October annual. Fading eyes force 45 yr owner to list plane. Contact Charles Elson, 608-770-2124, [email protected]
Personal ads are free to all members of the Ercoupe Owners Club. NO COMMERCIAL ADS PLEASE! The cost to non-members is $5.00 per month in advance. Repeat ads must be sent in each month. NO PHONE ADS! Ads must be received by 10th of month preceding next month's publication. Send ads to: [email protected]
2017 Nebraska Ercoupe Gathering Wayne, Nebraska, Municipal Airport (KLCG) September 30, 2017 - Rain date, October 7,
Noon fly out to Norfolk KOFK) for lunch at the Barnstormers Restaurant on the airport
Awards for: a. Farthest flown in an Ercoupe b. Farthest Flown in any aircraft
c. Farthest Driven For information, contact Scott Morgan
2017 Coupe Mechanics - A&P/IA These are mechanics who either own a coupe or are familiar with them. EOC Members: AL AP Percy Wood, 3893 S County Rd 20, Ozark, AL 36360 334-654-4126 [email protected] AR AP Mathew Adamson, 1423 Lingo Rd, Lonoke, AR 72086 501-676-1746 AZ AP/IA Henry Pane, 54366W Sioux Rd, Maricopa, AZ. 85139 702-273-0273 [email protected] CO AP Donald Coleman, 1870 10 Rd, Mack, CO 81525 720-635-4194 [email protected] FL AP/IA Lynn Nelsen, 1851 Hwy 630 W, Frostproof, FL 33843 863-635-7916 [email protected] GA AP Jim Greer, 5257 Bowman Springs Trail, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 678-371-7225 IA AP/IA Jay Schumann, 10 1st St SE, Hampton, IA 50441 641-456-9000 [email protected] IL AP/IA Bob Kachergius, 13221 Windward Trl, Orland Park, IL 60462 708-267-7111 [email protected] AP/IA/DME Edward Meyer, 216 Sunshine Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60490 630-251-3959 [email protected] IN AP/IA Arthur Patrum, 10340 W County Road 1000 N, Stilesville, IN, 46180 317-996-4068 [email protected] MN AP/IA Frank Ahlman, 3900 Wells Lake Way, Faribault, MN 55021 507-330-1253 [email protected] AP/IA Ted Kiebke, 22484 Nelson Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-234-1172 [email protected] AP/IA Carl Ziegler, PO Box 594, Hugo, MN 55038 651-982-2972 [email protected] MO AP/IA George Burns, 252 Oaknoll Rd, Sparta, MO 65753-9482 417-300-5930 NC AP/IA John Corbett, 146 Propeller Pt NE, Leland, NC 28451 910-655-5755 [email protected] AP/IA Joseph Jadwick, 611 Goalkick Dr, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 443-802-3243 [email protected] NV AP Willie Topken, 6965 Cox Rd, Fallon, NV 89406 775-867-3069 H, 775-338-5717 C [email protected] AP/IA/CFII Bart Welsh, 539 Upper Colony Rd, Wellington, NV 89444 775-790-3253 [email protected] OH AP/IA Harold Singrey, HES Aero Service, 8778 Old Salt Rd, Williamsfield, OH 44093 440-293-8200 [email protected] TN AP Randy Hirsch, 399 Tallent Rd, McDonald, TN 37353 865-386-5969 [email protected] AP/IA James Summers, 402 Forbes St, Kingsport, TN 37665-2147 423-384-7865 [email protected] TX AP/IA Air Professionals, 17416 Airfield Ln, Pearland, TX 77581 713-569-3023 www.airprofessionals.biz AP/IA Wilburn Tackett, 3612 Dahlia Dr, Grand Prairie, TX 75052 214-956-4900 W, 972-263-4928 H [email protected] WA AP/CFI Richard Pingrey, PO Box 130, Selah, WA 98942 [email protected] WI AP Tim Geldermann, W246n6629 Pewaukee Rd, Sussex, WI 53089 414-588-6542 [email protected] Non-Members: AZ AP/IA Paul Anton, PO Box 246, Salome, AZ 85348 928-859-3401 [email protected] AP/IA Tom Cook, 7339 E Wilshire Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 480-946-1506 [email protected] AP/IA/CFI Parrish Traweek, PO Box 846, San Manuel, AZ 85631 520-664-4812 [email protected] AP/IA Scott Farris, 6230 S. Airfield Rd., Tucson, AZ 85735 520-235-3491 [email protected] CA AP/IA Bobby’s Aero Services, 1641 Sessums Dr, Redlands, CA 92374 909-534-7675 [email protected] AP/IA/CFI John Hammerstrand, Gillespie Field, El Cajon, CA 619-922-1537 [email protected] AP/IA Kurt Norton, Corona, CA 951-529-9983 AP/IA/CFI Tim Quinn 12653 Osborne St. #2, Pacoma, CA 91331 818-422-7185 AP Arnie Rubenstein, PO Box 1664, Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-277-6465 [email protected] GA GA AP Garrett Cobb, Pickens Co Airport-KJZP, GA 404-509-1559 [email protected] IL AP/IA/CFI Ted Lambasio, TWL Aviation, 201 E Birch St, Canton, IL 61520 309-338-5674 Ercoupe Annuals KS AP Doug Hereford, 13031 Harvest Ln, Kansas City, KS 66109 913-461-6038 MA AP/IA Ed Urbanowski, 121 Greenland Rd, Sterling, MA 508-344-8930 [email protected] ME AP/IA Ray Steinmeyer, 2165 West River Road, Sidney, ME 04330 207-441-2397 [email protected] MN AP Greg Mavencamp, Maple Lake Airport-MGG, Maple Lake, MN MO AP/IA Bob/Travis Pritchett, Rolla, MO and Cuba, MO 573-578-5108 NC AP/IA Tom Malechuk, Guardian Aviation, 110 Aviation Dr, Siler City, NC 27344 919-663-3503 [email protected] AP/IA Scottie Rogers, Rogers Aircraft Service-FAY, Hanger Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306
910-323-1245 NM AP Darin Applebay, 9412 Gutierrez Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 NY AP John McCarty, 2638 School St, Varysburg, NY 14167 585-535-7709 [email protected] OH AP/IA Burl Fife, Madison Aviation Service, 1281 US 40 SW Hanger 3, London, OH 43140 614-975-8671 [email protected] AP Jeff Guy, 5300 Beard Rd, Sunbury, OH 740-524-4722 [email protected] AP/IA Derk Kingrey, 8735 Baltimore Phillipsburg Rd, Brookville, OH 45309 937-573-9475 OK AP/IA Mike Hall, 30736 E. CR 1470 - Scott Field, Mangum OK 73554 AP Michael Homic, 6804 Applewood Dr, Edmond, OK 73034 405-928-3277 [email protected] AP Mitchell Williams, 2376 Beechcraft Rd, Chickasha, OK 73018 405-224-8359 [email protected] TX AP/IA Mark Ardizzone, Aeromark Inc, 10015 Vought Ln, McKinney 75071 Aero Co Apt-T31 972-346-2026 AP/CFI Leon Wilburn, 42 Tripacer Ln, Hilltop Lakes, TX 77871 214-437-5878 [email protected] WI AP/CFI/DPE Thomas Cordell, N7063 County Road ES, Elkhorn, WI 5311 262-642-7126 AP/IA Tom Cunningham, TC’s Air Care, Baraboo-Wisconsin Airport, S3440 County Rd BD, Hangar 839, Baraboo, WI 53913 608-355-0850 AP Tom Guntly, 62C, Franksville, WI 262-895-2948 WV AP/IA Larry Stahl, HC 33 Box 56, Petersburg WV 26847 304-257-4435 [email protected]
2017 Ercoupe CFIs This list is instructors who know the Coupe’s characteristics. Below are the CFI’s that have been recommended or who have volunteered to be listed. If you have a name to add, please send it in. EOC Members: CO CFI Leonard Sinclair, PO Box 368, Gypsum, CO 81637 970-688-4178 [email protected] FL CFI Michael Yocum, 448 N Pine Meadow Dr, Debary, FL 32713 386-624-4011 [email protected] ID CFI Douglas McFall, 91 W 600 S, Jerome, ID 83338 208-324-0011 [email protected] IL CFII John Komnick, 18492 Quiver Beach Rd, Havana, IL 309-338-5622 [email protected] MD CFI Jon Buck, 6930 Sykesville Rd, Sykesville, MD 21784 410-353-4926 [email protected] MN CFII Frank Ahlman, 3900 Wells Lake Way, Faribault, MN 55021 507-330-1253 [email protected] NC CFI Tom Rudisill, 107 Hanover Pl, Cary, NC 27511 919-740-6083 C, 919-467-6601 H [email protected] NJ CFII Glen Davis, 802 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 07030 201-656-5428 [email protected] NM CFI Larry Salganek, Fantasy Flight, 3662 Cerrillos Rd Ste 3, Sante Fe, NM 87507 505-471-4151 [email protected] NV CFII/AP/IA Bart Welsh, 539 Upper Colony Rd, Wellington, NV 89444 775-790-3253 [email protected] OR CFI/DE Wolf Emonds, Illinois Valley Apt, Cave Junction, OR. 541-415-0600 [email protected] SD CFI Ernie Clark, 1109 King St., Spearfish, SD 57783 (light sport & tailwheel) 605-642-3642 TN CFI Donald Schultz, Hawkins County Airport-RVN, Rogersville, TN (light sport) 423-578-4981 [email protected] TX CFI Mike Hardin, 5 Silent Wings Dr, Terrell, TX 75160 903-253-2539 [email protected] WA CFI Thomas Hird, PO Box 2770, Yelm, WA 98597-2770 360-400-2480 [email protected] WI CFI/AP Richard Pingrey, PO Box 130, Selah, WA 98942 [email protected] Non-Members: AZ CFI/AP/IA Parrish Traweek, PO Box 846, San Manuel, AZ 85631 520-664-4812 [email protected] CFI Andy Estes, Ddesert Aero, Ak-Chin Airport, Maricopa, AZ 520-431-6844 [email protected] CA CFI /AP/IA John Hammerstrand, Gillespie Field, El Cajon, CA 619-922-1537 [email protected] AP/IA/CFI Tim Quinn 12653 Osborne St. #2, Pacoma, CA 91331 818-422-7185 IL CFI/AP/IA Ted Lambasio, TWL Aviation, 201 E Birch St, Canton, IL 61520 309-338-5674 Ercoupe for rent - LSA, Private, Commercial Instruction MA CFI Ed Urbanowski, 121 Greenland Rd, Sterling, MA 508-344-8930 [email protected] TX CFI/AP Leon Wilburn, 42 Tripacer Ln, Hilltop Lakes, TX 77871 214-437-5878 [email protected] VA CFI James Stover, JLS Aviation, 3380 Shannon Airport Circle, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 540-809-9629 [email protected] VT CFI Sean O’Donnell, Jr., PO Box 281, Newbury, VT 05051 914-588-2574 C [email protected] WI CFI/AP/DPE Thomas Cordell, N7063 County Road ES, Elkhorn, WI 5311 262-642-7126
December 2016 Coupe Capers 16
July 2017 Critical to Aviation Safety Do Not Delay
ERCOUPE OWNERS CLUB P.O. Box 220 Pleasant Grove, AR 72567 Postmaster - Send Address Changes To: EOC Membership P.O. Box 220 Pleasant Grove, AR 72567
EOC OFFICERS Executive Director Larry Snyder 1444 Saint James Rd, Mountain View, AR 72560 870-376-0418 [email protected] Board Chairman: John R. Allen III 24331 Asbury Dr, Denton, MD 21629 443-786-6468 or [email protected] Secretary: Ruth Dunlap PO Box 613, Hamburg, MI 48139 810-923-3110 [email protected] Club Legal Advisor: Russ Jensen 2221 Youngman Ave Apt 304 Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-645-8100 [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Larry Snyder 1444 Saint James Rd Mountain View, AR 72560 870-376-0418 [email protected] Membership Secretary: Lisa Zeevi 212 Breakaway Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (530) MEMBERS (636-2377) [email protected] Webmaster: Josef Zeevi [email protected] EOC FLY IN COORDINATORS National Fly-in Coordinator: Larry Snyder 1444 Saint James Rd Mountain View, AR 72560 870-376-0418 [email protected] Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in Coordinator: John Brier, FL/ME 813-662-1268 [email protected] EAA AirVenture Fly-in Coordinator: Syd Cohen, WI 715-573-7063 syd [email protected] EOC DIRECTORS Region 1: (CT,MA,ME,NH,NY,RI,VT) John Brier 81 Pinewoods Trail, Oakland, ME 04963 207-465-3685 [email protected] Leroy Muise 1904 Bayside Rd, Trenton, ME 04605 207-664-8043 [email protected]
Region 2: (CANADA) Cathy Boyko - 2017 RR #9, 924 Bains Rd Dunnville, Ontario N1A 2W8 905-447-8360 [email protected] Region 3: (OR,WA,AK) Chuck Rosenfeld - 2018 PO Box 3816, Sunriver, OR 97707 541-420-9141 [email protected] Region 4: (ID,MT,WY) Open Region 5: (MN,IL,WI) Syd Cohen - 2018 705 Kent St, Wausau, WI 54403 715-573-7063 [email protected] Region 6: (DC,DE,MD,NJ,PA,WV) Gene Bunt - 2017 3434 Jefferson Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753-4874 732-600-6506 [email protected] Region 7: (CA) Les Slifkin - 2018 1316 Loganrita Ave Arcadia, CA 91006 626-358-5566 [email protected] Region 8: (AZ,CO (W Rockies), NV,UT,NM) 2017 Henry Pane – Interim 54366 W. Sioux Rd., Maricopa, AZ 85139 702-273-0273 [email protected] Region 9: (CO (E Rockies), IA,ND,SD,KS,MO,NE) : Jack Arthur - 2018 58423 867 Rd, Allen, NE 68710 402-635-2465 [email protected] Region 10: (KY,NC,SC,TN,VA) Chris Schuldt - 2017 7613 River Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 703-928-5199 [email protected] Region 11: (AR,LA,OK,TX) Mike Hardin - 2018 5 Silent Wings Blvd., Terrell, TX 75160 903-253-2539 [email protected] Region 12: (AL,FL,GA,MS) Open Region 13: (IN,MI,OH) Marvin Dunlap - 2017 PO Box 613, Hamburg, MI 48139 810-923-0922 [email protected] Europe: Dirk Vervacke +32 479579799 [email protected] Latin America: Daniel Arditi Av Hipoito Yrigoyen 572 Piso 15 Depto F Quilmes, CP1878 Buenos Aires, Argentina [email protected] EOC WING LEADERS AL - Belmer Junior Nix, 205 - 921-2767 AR - Andy Anderson, 870-436-4865 [email protected]
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