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.