Walt try's on an Ercoupe

Well it was Saturday morning in Van Wert (VNW) and I was trying to swallow the last bite of some really dry pancakes when Walter Vogel arrived with his plate. I had to bum a ride when the engine on the 140 lost power on takeoff from Lakefield (CQA) earlier this sunny cloudless morning, but that's another story. I flew with Tim Foster (C-172 owner and prospective member) and Jason Springer (Sonnex owner and prospective member) from CQA in Tim's 172 in some cool stable air. Walter decided to four wheel it because the oil was due for a change in the Savannah.
The talk at the table quickly turned to Randy Thompson's Ercoupe, N2853H, and whether one might be able to fly it this morning. The more we talked the more interest was generated and Walt decided to take advantage of the opportunity and experience the qualities only an Ercoupe affords its pilots.
I'm anxious to hear how he liked it because we had to leave before he returned.

VNW Breakfast

I just received the flyer from Van Wert on their breakfast this Saturday, March 20. It is the community project for Van Wert high school and they do a real nice job with good pancakes. Might get a chance to see the Ercoupe you can't rent.

Excuse the blue hue, that is the way I received the file.

Garmin Panel Upgrade is complete

I found another good deal on a waas garmin, so I added a 430W with a GS indicator.

They installed it free for my kx155 trade in.

I took it in for a bad blind encoder.... came out with the 430W and now dual GS and yes, my GTX330 does send mode C again....

I'm broke once more!

March 14, 2010 Meeting

Chapter 922 met March 14 at AXV terminal building with the following pilots present: Walter Vogel, Neil Winget, Tom Fortman, Richard Murray, Marc Hines, Todd Bills, Marty Bevill, Ken Boyd, Mike Schnell and Gene Will. Also present was one guest, Matt Spitnale.

Marty Bevill, president, called the meeting to order at 2:00 pm. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. The treasurer reported the balance was the same as last month.

Marty Announced that the Luscomb that he was looking at does not meet the Sport Pilot requirements. He also announced that he finally has his membership cleared with the EAA national office.

Dick Murray announced the website is: http://EAA-922.celinaux.com . Neil Winget is still trying to obtain permission for a group to go to the restoration museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Museum.

Mike Schnell announced that the Young Eagles Day will be June 19, with a rain date of June 26. He has pamphlets and logbooks. Members will try to get out information to the schools.

Under new business, Todd Bills has the book, "Week-End Pilot" for members to borrow. There is also an CD, "Decision Making for Pilots" that Marty has available.

Members were reminded that under the sport pilot rules, they have unlimited distance. It was announced that Van Wert will have a fly-in on March 20.

Walt Vogel moved and Mike Schnell seconded the motion to adjourn.

415C

At the end of World War II a multitude of companies were producing aircraft for civilian use, but none was as advanced or uniquely constructed as a model produced by the Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO). The Ercoupe is alone in a class having its rudders interconnected to the ailerons insuring coordinated turns in either direction you turn the yoke. A single brake pedal on the floor is used to stop the aircraft at idle. The nose wheel is also interconnected to the yoke and its direction is controlled by the right or left movement to initiate a turn. Landing is another treat with the aircraft positioned to track down the center line of the runway. In the case of a crosswind this might require a crab angle of five or more degrees. A normal round out above the runway allowing the aircraft to settle onto the surface will cause the nose to yaw in the direction the aircraft is tracking because of the design of the main landing gear. It takes a real leap of faith to keep from trying to lower the upwind wing. When you do touch down and the aircraft aligns its direction with its track you stear with the yoke as you would drive a car. You simply have to experience it to appreciate the imagination incorporated into this aircraft.

This beauty was captured at I74 this morning as its owners enjoyed Sunday breakfast. A model 415C, it is light sport eligible. It has had its wings metalized and is sporting an attractive polished paint scheme.