Fearless Flying - The Ercoupe Story

Рет қаралды 822,160

Күн бұрын

A remarkable history of an innovative aviation design decades ahead of its time. Many said flying the world's first spin proof, two control, tricycle landing gear airplane was like "driving a car."
Late in 1931 Fred Weick, a young NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) aeronautical engineer, invited several of his friends and co-workers to join in a private hobby venture to design and construct a safe, spin proof airplane suitable for the private pilot. During the next five years of experimentation, redesign, and testing, a two control, high flying, pusher design with tandem seating emerged incorporating a unique but unconventional, steerable, “tricycle” landing gear.
In 1936, Fred was invited by Henry Berliner to join his newly formed Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO) in Washington DC. There, Fred would apply his skills and knowledge to design a 100 mile per hour, spin proof private airplane that would be economical and comfortable.
Fred proceeded to create a two-place airplane with an all-metal structure featuring side-by-side seating, doped fabric covering for the outer panels of the wings, tricycle gear and good pilot visibility. After several modifications and different engines were tested, the Ercoupe Model 415-C evolved.
One hundred and twelve airplanes were built until production was halted in 1941 because of World War II. In August 1945 production of the 415C with a 75hp Continental engine was resumed. Almost 5,000 Ercoupes were built until 1950 when ERCO deemed the project no longer economically feasible.
Many other companies including Sanders Aviation, Vest Aircraft, Forney Enterprises, Air Products, Alon Aircoupe, and Mooney Aircraft tried their hand at manufacturing the Ercoupe. All failed, and the tooling was finally sold to Univar Aircraft who still manufactures parts for the various Ercoupe and Aircoupe models.
In February of 1946, Fred Weick received the Fawcett Aviation Award for the greatest contribution to the scientific advancement of private flying. He has since been recognized as a true aviation pioneer. His many aircraft innovations including the “tricycle gear” are incorporated on countless aircraft today; but of all his achievements, the Ercoupe is the most remembered.
FEARLESS FLYING - The Ercoupe Story - Written and directed by Don Abbott
Research & Editing by Gary Schlintz
Special thanks to:
The Board of Directors Ercoupe Owners Club
Bowling Green State University
William Bain
Kim Blackseth
Ed Burkhead
Skip Carden
Syd Cohen
John Cooper
Gene Gagliardi
John Wright Sr.
John Wright Jr.
Kurt Yearout, & Mike Jenkins
Skyport Ercoupe Services
Copyright 2010 Air Campers Association

Пікірлер: 684

@TheGeonam 2 жыл бұрын

Came home from Vietnam a paraplegic and needed something to bring me back to life. A friend offered me a ride in his Cessna 150. After the flight I saw this cute little airplane for sale and found out it didn't have any rudder pedals. I bought the Ercoupe had to modify the brakes. My Ercoupe N87101 was the very first Ercoupe to have disc brakes with a FAA STC. I flew that little plane during some of the best times of my life. After 15 years I failed my FAA physical due to high blood pressure and lost my medical card. My wife and I also had two kids to raise. That little plane is a big reason I didn't end up a drunk, or on drugs or dead.

@wckoek 2 жыл бұрын

You can indeed fly without medical with Light Sports these days and some Ercoupe are certified as light sports, all you need is drivers license.

@drcookedrcooke 3 жыл бұрын

In 1968 My father bought a 1947 Ercoup while he was serving on a B-52 crew at Blytheville AFB in Arkansas. When we drove out to see it for the first time it was sitting in weeds 6 ft. tall and needed a lot of work. He paid $900 for it and boy were we excited to own an airplane. In 1969, my brother and I squirmed into the seat next to our father and flew it to N.C. when our dad left the Air Force. And as time went by we worked to perfect this aircraft into a better than new example. In 1974 my dad and I flew her from NC to Oshkosh, Wisconsin where we won Best Ercoup. My dad's name was Mitch Cooke and he flew this plane out of Twin Lakes airport in Mocksville, NC. We had a lot of fun with this project, and now looking back I think these were the best times spent with my dad. He served our country and he had a great time flying. And I had fun with the easy to fly Ercoup. What a great airplane. I hope N-3265H is still out there somewhere. My dad is passed away and I'm almost 60, but those memories will never fade.

@ConvairDart106 Ай бұрын

I ran the N number and it says your dad sold it in 1975 and it went to Canada. Without knowing it's Canadian registration, I cannot determine it's history since.

@michaeldean4704 5 жыл бұрын

A friend from Iowa gave me my first Ercoupe ride, in a 'G' model around 2008. I earned my sport pilot license, in a 'C' model (N3174H) in 2011. By the way, I'm disabled - from polio - and can't walk. But thanks to Fred Weick, and the Ercoupe, I can fly.

@scotabot7826 4 жыл бұрын

So proud of you Michael!!!! What a wonderful accomplishment!!!!!!!!

@johnniecaldwell1130 4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations my friend!!!! Flying sets you free & I’m sure that’s what it’s done for you!!! you make me smile today!! also my heart 💙 & wings go out to you Michael!!!!!

@Lucius1958 4 жыл бұрын

@Neil Carpenter I remember an Oscar Brand album of aviation-themed songs from back in my childhood. In one song, "Light Planes On Parade", the Ercoupe (by then renamed the Aircoupe) is mentioned: *"The Aircoupe's just a flying car, except it's got no doors;* *It's made with built-in bravery they never sell in stores.* *It doesn't have any pedals, so it drives your feet insane;* *That's the reason why, if you want to fly, you can always find a plane!"* kzfaq.info/get/bejne/odemgLVltprPfJ8.html

@garylucas6511 3 жыл бұрын

Neil Carpent

@longreach207 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! Truly a remarkable example of perseverance. 🛫❤

@Bigrockets101 5 жыл бұрын

My father had one. I flew in it many times. When I was 10 he would let me fly it all the time. In a good headwind you could go backwards over the ground. Dad used to joke the Ercoup didn’t have an airspeed indicator it only had a clock.

@craiga2002 3 жыл бұрын

Or with really high headwinds, use a calendar!

@lesbrown9338 5 жыл бұрын

I loved my Ercoupe. I believe it would be worth mentioning that the fuel system was operated by pumping fuel from the wings to the center gravity flow center tank. If you lost a fuel pump, you still had a full center tank. Thanks for a wonderful video.

@joaquinfabrega 3 жыл бұрын

When I was a kid my father began to rebuilt an Ercoupe in our home parking, this video brought great memories. Congrats

@jaimefabrega9635 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! I do remember our father’s Ercoupe project!

@viperphlyer4708 2 жыл бұрын

My first flight, at the age of 14, was in an Ercoupe. In my memoirs, I describe the takeoff thusly: The transition was magical. One instant we were a high-speed tricycle, rumbling and jouncing across the pasture. The next we were a graceful aluminum bird floating through the air, wings dipping slightly back and forth, nose climbing above the horizon, the rush of air around the canopy accompanied by the constant drumming of the engine. I looked out the right side and watched as the ground sank away under the wing, the fence and power lines at the end of the pasture passing beneath us. I was flying! And I was hooked for life.

@tap0019 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched this video at least five times and almost feel like I can tell the story to others verbatim! Thanks so much Don for making it!

@AfricanFlightStar 5 жыл бұрын

After 43 years in aviation, this is one of the best documentaries I've seen on a light aircraft model. Thank you Don and your team, for putting this all together and making it available for us all to enjoy, I learned a lot about, and have a much greater respect for, an aircraft that I always felt was pretty darn cool. 😊👍🏼🙏🏻

@genestatler2514 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, AfricanFlightStar. You said it all much better than I could.

@garykullack2314 2 жыл бұрын

yes, very well done. THANKS

@garykullack2314 2 жыл бұрын

super

@tripacer8259 2 жыл бұрын

Well said and I totally agree!

@arnoguy 5 жыл бұрын

My dad flew me and my mom from west Texas to San Francisco when I was about 2 (I'm 72 now and he's 96). He told me I spent a lot of the time on the floorboard under my mom's feet during the trip. Another thing I remember is him telling me how he had to circle and circle to get over the mountains. He flew F6F's in the Pacific and owned at least 3 other planes the I can remember (Cub, Tripacer, 182). Thanks for your story.

@jockellis 5 жыл бұрын

Was he on a carrier and which one?

@arnoguy 5 жыл бұрын

@@jockellis Hormet VF11

@jockellis 5 жыл бұрын

arnoguy My Father was duty officer for VF-81 on the Wasp’s first cruise.

@arturoespinosa8985 5 жыл бұрын

The Ercoupe was the first plane I flew in (as a passenger) when I was 14 years old. It was owned by a friend of my dad, in Havana, an experience that I will always remember, my father as an aviation fanatic, was in love with this little plane. Thank you for putting together this historic documentary.

@davidbynum7183 5 жыл бұрын

This video brought back some wonderful memories. My father owned a 1946 Ercoupe and taught me how to fly at 8 years old. His Ercoupe is still around today. I researched the tail number and found its location. Thank you for this wonderful video.

@garykullack2314 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I know where my '46 is today, over in Clearwater Fl & I go over once and a while and pet it...

@Kevin_747 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. I learned to fly in a Champ and retired as a 747 Capt. Any Ercoupe is a welcome site on my airport. They're an important part of General Aviation history.

@robertborchert932 5 жыл бұрын

Indeed! Years ago my brothers and I were at the EL Toro MCAS, I believe...don't think it was at March AFB, for the annual air show. Jets and warbirds spanned the tarmac. We found a beautiful polished aluminum Ercoupe, a sight of joy! Just had to go for a close long look. My father flew with all of us in N3134H, a 1946 415-C, when we were wee lads. Seeing a pristine Ercoupe that day was beautiful. The owner was surprised at our excitement over his bird.

@geraldmurphy6400 5 жыл бұрын

If memory serves me, Sky King's niece Penny had an Ercoupe named the Powder Puff. Sky's first had a Cessna P-50 and ultimately a Cessna 310 named the Songbird. The TV show, as a kid, that first made me want to be a pilot.

@douglasrodrigues9329 4 жыл бұрын

It was a T-50, not a P-50, also nick named "The bamboo bomber."

@kbjerke 5 жыл бұрын

BRAVO!!! Excellent video! As an aircraft maintenance engineer in Canada, I had the pleasure to annually inspect only one of these treasures, but gained an appreciation for the simplicity and ruggedness of the design. I'm retired now, but remember the 'coupe fondly.

@pappybo49 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this documentary of the Ercoupe. It brings back fond memories of flying both examples (with and without rudder pedals) as a kid. We had both at the FBO where I worked as a line boy and my boss would let me fly them pretty much whenever since they were a “blight on the industry “ and no one else wanted to. I thought they were a blast to fly and I enjoyed every minute! Thanks again for the memories of a really beautiful little plane.

@quinnjim 3 жыл бұрын

I have several hours in an Ercoupe. A truly unique flying experience. Flying with the windows down is a thrill.

@SeekerFor1000 4 жыл бұрын

I couldn't stop watching. Very well made and a fascinating story!

@DCGULL01 5 жыл бұрын

Wow!!! I'm (almost) speechless. Tremendous research about a lesser known craft that still flies in safety today. Way ahead of its time, beautiful in a vintage 1950's sort of way, a classic craft treated poorly by the GA community at large. It really is a designed safety craft that MANY of its ideas should have been incorporated into newer craft over time. Thank you so much for a well covered history of the 'lil Ercoupe- past due recognition for an airplane ahead of its time!

@lrstaf6 5 жыл бұрын

If I had, had the money in 1959 I would have been an Aircoupe owner. I loved the aircraft, but couldn't raise enough money to swing the deal. I still love them. Thanks for this video.

@kevintyrer45 5 жыл бұрын

That was an epic documentary on this plane. Im 54 from South Africa & can't I have ever seen one live. I love its lines :) "SAXSY"

@scottgressitt 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Don, and everyone associated with the Ercoupe. I hope I get to fly one day soon.

@66fstbk2 5 жыл бұрын

I bought my first aircraft in 1974 ... a 1946 Ercoupe 415C with rudder pedals, 85hp continental and extended baggage compartment for $3900 ... I loved that plane and would buy another today if the chance ever came up.

@chrisblake1918 5 жыл бұрын

When I was growing up, and my father ran the airport in Jacksonville NC, I loved that airplane. As a child, and even today as a 64 y.o. old fart.

@johnblack4257 4 жыл бұрын

Great story! I first flew this plane In 1948 when I was 8 years old. My first flight. I was forever hooked on aviation and now after 25,000+ hours starting with the Navy and then United airlines have this airplane to thank. JC

@WorldWideMoose 5 жыл бұрын

So happy I found this video, my Father was the CFO at Alon in McPherson I have fond memories of being 12 years old and washing the plane. I have 8mm home movies - now digital - of the day they released the 4 seater plus some black and white photos of the 4 seater. That 4 seater was one of the most beautiful airplanes ever made....

@joerogers4227 5 жыл бұрын

My brother John Rogers was a great fan of the ercoup. I can remember flying with him in the late 50's in his 1950 ercoupe. He later sold it but when he found it crashed in an Alaska airfield he recused and rebuilt it. He made many a modifications to his plane. All were approved by the FAA. One paticular one was adding extra fuel tanks in the wings to give extend range when he lived in Alaska. He want more range because of longer distances that Alaska challenge all aircraft . His wife, a retired FAA inspector Betty still has the plane.

@Tony-123 5 жыл бұрын

Would that be John Rogers ??? He used to do the annual on my ercoupe. Hell of a good guy.

@richardsmith4187 5 жыл бұрын

My first "ride" was in a Ercoupe around 1964, hung out at the local airport and was able to get rides from time to time. I still remember that first ride and from then on I was hooked at 12yoa. and have had a lifelong passion for flying. Great story on the Ercoupe.

@jackterry7664 5 жыл бұрын

My 1st was somewhere around 1950. I use to go up with my dad, and anyone else at the local airport. i was 10.

@missourimule553 5 жыл бұрын

Just an FYI, back in the mid 1980's I worked for Forney's as their chief forklift driver (located on Laporte Ave. in Fort Collins, Colorado). There were many old buildings at the time, some of which were filled with various products Forney's made but eventually quit selling. In one of the warehouses tucked way back in a corner were pallets of Ercoupe propellers and steering wheels, along with other parts. It might be worth investigating whether those parts are still there.

@josehuguez6772 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent documentary! The level of research, script and production proves it was a labor of love. Thank you for creating it and sharing on KZfaq.

@ThePianoMan1953 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mr. Abbott for the wonderful video. I learned to fly and soloed in a Mooney Cadet in 1975 and didn't know until watching your fine video that its production was tied to Ercoup. I loved the Cadet. The best part was that I was paying $15/hour wet!

@CasaErwin 5 жыл бұрын

Wow!! What nostalgia. In 1953, I co-owned on Ercoupe. There were 6 co-owners in our "club". Booking time got to be a major problem, so I sold my share to other 5 for $300.

@TheScreamingFrog916 5 жыл бұрын

Dad flew me around in one of these when I was a kid. Good times. I remember him explaining the unique control system. This brings back good memories...

@kirbylee57 5 жыл бұрын

I had a Ercoupe in the nineties, along with a Cessna 172, and a 175. The Ercoupe was the most fun, and cheaper on gas, it was also easiest to fly. Wish I could find it. Can't remember the N number expect that it had a H, a 0, a 7, and I think a 4. It left from Arkansas, and went to Texas painted white with a red stripe. I got to talk to Mr. Weick at a Ercoupe fly-in, just south of Russleville, Arkansas. Some called it "The Chicken Ranch Fly-in, because it was at a huge chicken ranch, complete with a Saturday night ho-down and all the fried eggs you could eat for breakfast. He was a very nice and interesting man to talk to, with a remarkable memory.

@samsham7200 4 жыл бұрын

My first aircraft was a 1946 Ercoupe. I loved it. Sunny Sunday, 90 mph, canopy open and elbow on the frame. Remember one time landing at Battle Creek. Looked over to see two F-15s and two A-10s holding short waiting for me to putt putt in for landing. Bet they used more fuel waiting than I did the whole time I owned it. I went on to an L-17 after that. High performance, retractable, variable pitch...what a difference. Weick was a genius with the ‘coupe design!!

@johnsherman7289 4 жыл бұрын

Simplicity really is precious, isn't it?

@wallymartin3961 5 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this. Thank you! I was born in 1940 and grew up near a private airport, Pearson airport, in my hoimetown of Vancouver, Washington. Seeing the special look of the Ercoupe flying over is one of my tender childhood memories. Thank you again!

@johnsherman7289 4 жыл бұрын

Pearson has some historical significance went there for a fly-in once.

@chipwillis 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I found this! I used to ride my skateboard to South Columbus Airfield and watch all the time. One day an older gentleman was trying to pull his plane out of the hanger but couldn't get it past the door guides. He yelled over to me, Hey Kid! Can you come give me a hand? I was about 15 or so and gleefully said yes. He showed me where to grab on the prop and we pulled it out easily. He asked if I would like to go for a ride and I yelled yes! Soon thereafter we were doing circuits over my neighborhood. He let me fly it some too! This was around 1979 or so. South Columbus airport was very active for a while, and I pretty much watched planes in the pattern over my house all day. Thanks for this memory and preservation of a legendary aircraft.!

@cruisinthefifties 5 жыл бұрын

I bought one in 1966 for $2200, great airplane and N67M is still flying. Mine was a 1946 'Erco' 415C Aircoupe w/ metal wings and 75HP.

@MrWaalkman 5 жыл бұрын

As late as the early '80s I could have bought one for $5000. But being 6'5", I would have had to fly with the canopy open. :)

@dryan8377 4 жыл бұрын

@@MrWaalkman omg so right! You can't get two adults into a C150 for years now! Merica got fat! Well, tall too, so there's that.

@Allan_aka_RocKITEman 4 жыл бұрын

@@MrWaalkman >>> So there IS an advantage to being *5'5"...😝*

@MrWaalkman 4 жыл бұрын

@@Allan_aka_RocKITEman From up here, yeah. :) I also can't fit in a Triumph Spitfire either, which is a car that I've always wanted to own.

@MrWaalkman 4 жыл бұрын

@@dryan8377 Sorry for the late reply, I just saw your comment. I flew with a friend in a 152 and that was the most terrified that I have ever been in a plane. Meadow Lake airport, at 6877 feet doesn't lend itself well to under powered aircraft, and we weren't getting much in the way of lift. We were however, quickly running out of runway...

@kevgardner8548 3 жыл бұрын

25 years ago I was at an airport and an older gentleman wearing an Ercoupe ballcap came up to me to admire my RV-4 that I’d built. After answering his questions, I asked do you own an Ercoupe? When he answered yes, I asked if he was interested in swapping rides. We did. I’d always admired that “little B25” looking airplane. The ride he gave me did not disappoint. What a wonderful design!

@ricg2011 4 жыл бұрын

Well done video. A number of years ago, I put down a deposit on my first airplane purchase...a ‘46 Ercoupe 415C. About 2 weeks before I was to pick it up in Ohio and fly it back to Chicago, my wife was diagnosed with cancer. Obviously the need for all available funds for treatment of her illness necessitated asking for my deposit back, thus cancelling the sale. My wife made a full recovery, and Ill always remember the flight I took in that Ercoupe, which , at the time, convinced me to buy it. As a 2-service veteran (Both Marine Corps AND Navy), Ive been around many interesting aircraft, and as a pilot I have logged time in a dozen or so different planes, but none captured my personal flying interest quite like the Ercoupe, and I still have a Polaroid photo on my desk of the one I almost owned.

@giltender 3 жыл бұрын

I’m ferry flying an aircoupe across Canada right now and I absolutely love it! What a great airplane!

@bravocharlie639 2 жыл бұрын

It's possible that you have accidentally misspelled it but I've always pronounced it that way. I don't know of a Bear Cubs born to fly but an aircraft equipped with a steering wheel and no Rudder pedals is to me; an Air Coupe. I did however, mispronounce Bombardier for a long while.

@dlkline27 5 жыл бұрын

I'm not a pilot but am an avid airplane enthusiast. To me, the Ercoupe has the most pleasing to the eye lines of any light aircraft. I've built two models of it. Excellent video!

@garybarton3843 4 жыл бұрын

Were they flying models? I'm returning to building models after a 30 year layoff. Stick and tissue, rubber powered and now I'm going to look for some plans.

@dlkline27 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, old Comet rubber powered stick and tissue models. I still have the last one. Great hobby. Enjoy!

@Purlee100 5 жыл бұрын

In 1947 a New Zealander called Harry Newton, who had flown Wellington and Mosquito Bombers with the Royal Air Force during WW2, went back to his farm in NZ, but, missing his girlfriend, returned to England, to find she had not missed him quite so much and had moved on. Wanting to get home, he found that he could not fly by airliner for about two years and could only go by ship if he worked his passage as a stoker. At a trade show in Brussels, Belgium he purchased an Ercoupe, s/n 4780, from the agent and flew it home to New Zealand, a journey of some 15.500 nautical miles, which he accomplished in 17 days, (although he spent two days in Malta on the way, so he could have averaged 1000 miles per day). The aircraft landed at his home town of New Plymouth, and remained, for many years, the smallest aircraft ever to cross the Tasman Sea. It was sold to Auckland Aero Club in 1948 In 1951 it was damaged in an accident at what is now Auckland Airport and was considered beyond economic repair. A Mr Peter Beck spent some 10 years restoring it and it has returned to flight. It was re-purchased by Harry Newton's family and is still flying out of New Plymouth. It is registered as ZQ-AQX and was built as NC94669 being registered as OO-EXC in Belgium. Incidentally, the official cause of the accident was listed as ''stalled and crashed on landing''!

@rogerwilco4736 5 жыл бұрын

I have a photo my father took of OO-EXC and owner Harry Newton on Rongotai aerodrome soon after it arrived in New Zealand

@tap0019 4 жыл бұрын

My dad never told me that his introductory flight and first 5 lessons in April 1948 were in an Ercoupe. I just bought one last week, and wish my dad a former ATP pilot with over 15000 hours could be here to see it. Unfortunately he passed away in 2010. I feel like buying this plane and teaching my son how to fly is a family tradition. God bless!

@leelafarlett4401 4 жыл бұрын

Are you going to buy one and teach your son how to fly, or have you?

@tap0019 3 жыл бұрын

@@leelafarlett4401 I bought one now over a year and a half ago. We are getting close to graduating her from Hangar Queen to Flying Girl. My son has helped me a lot and is looking forward to learning to fly.

@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28 2 жыл бұрын

With all due respect, if your father never told you his introductory flights were in an Ercoupe, then how did you find this information out? Genuine question. Thanks.

@ScottsafriendofGod 4 жыл бұрын

I grew up hearing my father talk of the safest most forgiving aircraft ever built... the safest he ever flew... the Ercoupe. Thank you for producing this fine movie about an amazing airplane.

@atreyuprincipalh4043 5 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL VIDEO, I FIND THE ERCOUPE TO BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LITTLE AIRPLANE!!GOD BLESS!!

@gabrielibarra5551 5 жыл бұрын

Ree

@wayneschenet5340 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve always loved the design of the Ercoupe. In fact as a young boy, my first model plane build in 1952 was an Ercoupe!

@Johnwilldo 5 жыл бұрын

So well done. My first airplane ride was in an Ercoupe that my cousin had just recovered the wings. Later in life I was able to get my Aand P ticket, my private and commercial licensealong with, flight instructor ticket. . I logged about 1100 hours teaching and 1500 total hours before retiring from that adventure. Never got another ride in an Ercoupe!

@krazmokramer 3 жыл бұрын

I was present, as a spectator, at the national Ercoupe/Aircoupe fly-in in Newton Kansas in the very early 1990s. I grew up in Wichita, but had never seen an Ercoupe/Aircoupe until that fly-in. What a machine! Reminded me of my 1963 Corvette that I had sold a few years prior to finance dental school. The Ercoupe/Aircoupe owners were very happy to share their knowledge and flight experiences. It was a great weekend in Newton! Thank you for this enlightening video history.

@crazybrit-nasafan 4 жыл бұрын

As owner of the cockpit section of 1946 Ercoupe N3188H I have found this fascinating. I certainly learnt alot. 88H was written off when a pilot inexperienced on type fell foul of the limited flare and hit hard and short. Many thanks and Hi to all 'Coupe' owners and enthusiasts.

@N8844H 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent work, Don. My first airplane was N99495, a 415 C/D. Loved it, and learned firsthand how you could, with effort, steer yourself into something that resembled a groundloop in a strong crosswind.

@sfremgen 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. When the footage gets to the Alon, one that was pictured there was N5475E, and that's the one that I got my PPL in during 1968-69. Great little airplanes.

@buffalobob121 4 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this video production, and it filled in a lot of missing information for me. I was a riveter and (as my engineering studies progressed) later a draftsman for AirCoupe when it was at the Carlsbad, NM airport. That experience opened my eyes to aviation, prompting a lifelong interest and a career at NASA in Houston. Thanks, Mr. Abbott.

@gtc1961 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent job! When I was learning to fly at the Bayport Aerodrome on Ling Island, as grass strip, there were probably a half dozen Ercoupes on the field, all of them were parked in a row on one side. It was kind of cool to see them all there, some never flew, others were meticulously maintained some flew once a month. Eventually they all disappeared and now there are none left.

@janozkk 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, did about 20 hours on an Ercoupe, might buy one in a few years.

@danielbaker6374 5 жыл бұрын

I'm just now llearning about Airplanes. The story about the Ercoupe reminds me of story of the Tucker automobile which was way ahead of its time.

@ctsteve1967 4 жыл бұрын

THE STORY LINE IS NOT EVEN CLOSE

@michaelmartinez1345 4 жыл бұрын

To Daniel Baker, the Tucker car was a very innovative design, like the Ercoupe was... The availability of parts and supplies before & after WW2 was limited, but the Ercoupe marched on with a privately developed engine, fabric covered wood structures (metal shortage), and the Tucker used an improvised surplus (but new) aircraft engine (post-war automotive engine shortage), after WW2 - much like the Ercoupe. The Ercoupe and the Tucker were both known for their performance and safety... The Ercoupe and the Tucker were both very unusual & recognisable designs: The Tucker for the 3rd 'steerable' headlight, rear engine, 'Pop-Out' windscreen; and the Ercoupe for the anti-stall / anti-spin characteristic, the recognisable empenage , and the first practical use of the nosewheel 'Tricycle' type landing gear... And both companies were at extreme odds with the larger/much more financially (& politically) powerful competitors, because of their unconventional , yet far better designs.... Both companies finally succumbed to the relentless political / financial pressure that their much larger competitors continually provided, because of their unusual-yet superior designs that the larger companies refused to supply to their customers... Yes, Very similar stories indeed....

@billfarley9167 3 жыл бұрын

Having no rudder pedals is not what I would call an aircraft ahead of its time.

@arthurbleich1765 4 жыл бұрын

Not a pilot but was fascinated to learn about this unique aircraft. Thanks.

@MrWingtip 5 жыл бұрын

My father had one and I got to fly it frequently. Flew great and I am a big fan. Thanks for the great video.

@williammitchem8274 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this fantastic history of the Ercoupe. Been waiting along time.

@timoreilly5568 3 жыл бұрын

My dad had an ercoupe . At the age of 3 I remeber him blowing up balloons amd throwing them outside via the open canopy. He has a tight grip on the back of my pants as was standing on the seat. With no rudder pedals i could fly around and pop all the balloons! Once we had one foul the oil cooler and had to land. It was a simple fix but my mom put a stop fo it... Ill never firget my dads face as i fold her all about it. I remember his ercoupe had its wings changed to metal from fabric and he would navigate with something called a superhomer. Thanks so much for this great video. Blue skies!

@ercoupe1erco649 5 жыл бұрын

So well done, Brings me back to the 70"s when I owned N3843H for ten years. Closing in on 70 now but there may just be one more coupe for me.

@scottcates 3 жыл бұрын

Go for it ;)

@richardmourdock2719 5 жыл бұрын

When I was a kid in the fifties and sixties, I wanted to fly desperately and my Dad considered buying an Ercoupe (which until this vid I thought was pronounced Air coupe). I remember getting in the one he was looking at as he too wanted to learn to fly... but ultimately, he declined saying, "he had two boys that one day would want to go to college" which we ultimately did but all these years later I feel a bit guilty he sacrificed what he wanted to do because of my brother and me. I did ultimately learn to fly, have over 2000 hours and IFR, but still desire to try an Ercoupe.

@douglasrodrigues9329 4 жыл бұрын

The later versions were produced by a new company named Alon. The plane originally was built by Ercoupe. When Alon bought Ercoupe the name was changed to the Alon Aircoupe with a sliding canopy. Rudder pedals was added, but the hp never changed. Later, Mooney bought out Alon and produced it with a single vertical stabilizer, and I believe a 100 hp engine and called it "The Mooney Cadet." The weight must have increased because it was very under powered. I've flown all three models.

@BikingVikingHH 4 жыл бұрын

Richard Mourdock What did you get your college degree in?

@juliewoods6534 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed the video. My dad got his private pilot's license in a Cessna 172 when I was about 12 years old. Some time later when I was about 14 he told me he was going to buy an "Aircoop." He located one in another state and told the seller if he would fly it to Houston he would buy it at an agreed price. I asked him if he was concerned about buying an airplane he had not seen or flown before if he was concerned about it's safety. He said "son if he is willing to fly it here it must be safe." He enjoyed it for a few years. He let me fly it once it was in the air. He kept pointing at the altimeter. I guess I was flying too high.

@ahashdahnagila6884 3 жыл бұрын

I knew a physician in Parker, Arizona, 30 years ago, who had his 1946 all-metal Ercoupe hangered at the airport, about 2 miles from where I worked. He showed it to me, one Saturday, as I remember. It was a real beauty.

@robbhalverson7725 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you so much. My son flew as a Young Eagle with Sid in his Ercoupe. Now we are both taking lessons at the same airport he keeps his Ercoupe . Yes.....I am bragging. Sorry.

@johnsherman7289 4 жыл бұрын

I've flown over a dozen Young Eagles, it made me feel special.

@monteladow159 4 жыл бұрын

Been flying for nearly 54 years and have seen a lot of Ercoups/Aircoups but never had the opportunity to fly one. This story/documentary has given me a much better understanding of the "little airplane that could!" Thank you for putting this together, I very much enjoyed it!

@edwardkie380 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for putting this together and publishing it so many others can see it WoW ... Very informative and I really learned alot .. good job. A & P mechanic retired Phoenix AZ

@SmokeFlame1 5 жыл бұрын

I flew one once in Sherbrooke, Quebec, I owned a BD-4 at the time and had flown in to Sherbrooke to visit relatives. I parked by the Ercoupe and started talking to the owner. We traded rides. It was great fun but I kept searching for the rudder pedals absent mindedly. By the way, great history video. Really enjoyed it.

@davidburch4165 4 жыл бұрын

My very first ride in an airplane was in a 1948 Ercoupe. I was about 10 years old, and the pilot kindly allowed me to steer it across the wide apron to the taxiway. Having grown up around aviation, I knew about the basic controls of an airplane, and the pilot explained to me the virtues of the pedal-free Ercoupe. I'm vision-handicapped and can't fly myself, but I'll always have a soft spot for the wonderful little twin-rudder ship that imbued me with a lifelong love of flying.

@davidstudy9141 4 жыл бұрын

Owned a 1/4 interest in a 415c some years ago and I enjoyed it very much. My buddy and I would stick our arms out on final when I would come in two high. Our version of flaps! It worked great!

@slam854 4 жыл бұрын

I did very much enjoy this video. I have been a type 1 diabetic since 1966 and fell in love with the Ercoupe at the Santa Paula, CA airport. They had one for sale and I was making arrangements to purchase it in 1985. The sales rep said you should call the FAA and see if you can get a license. I did and they just laughed at me. Things have changed since, thank goodness. Light sport aviation has been created and I almost bought a Rans Coyote II just 2 years ago. With no hangar space available I walked away. Whenever I see an Ercoupe I try to get a ride.

@SCTV59 2 жыл бұрын

Owned and flew N99391 twenty years ago. 350+ hours in coupes! Gave Paul Prentice a ride in my coupe one beautiful winter day in Bowie TX and also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Fred Weick back in the 80's at a FLA Ercoupe fly in. Blue skies!

@vincentmolloy5660 2 жыл бұрын

I completely rebuilt one myself years ago. Its done very little time since then. Has 100hp and fuel injection too. Amazing little plane. Thanks to all who made this very informative documentary.

@AN2Felllla 5 жыл бұрын

Ok... the Ercoupe is one of my favourite aircraft now. :D

@ctsteve1967 4 жыл бұрын

HOW MANY DO YOU OWN?

@grochomarx2002 5 жыл бұрын

An excellent biography of a aircraft that should be remembered in aviation history. Thank you for posting this to youtube.

@adamchess4543 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the work on this great documentary . I think people should always choose safety and practicality over looking cool, after all it is your life.

@23BobTexas 3 жыл бұрын

What a great documentary! My first airplane ride was in a 1947 Ercoupe (Dallas, 1977). In the eighties, I met Alverna Williams at an airshow in Fort Worth.

@Allan_aka_RocKITEman 4 жыл бұрын

When I was MUCH younger, a coworker and his brother owned a 1966 Alon 'Coupe. They gave me a couple of rides in it. It was *FUN!!!!*

@johnsherman7289 4 жыл бұрын

The Ercoupe is the Goldie Hawn of airplanes.

@robbourassaguitarist 4 жыл бұрын

My dad and I used to fly one on the weekends. I got my first chance to handle the plane at 5. I remember it like it was yesterday. I could barely sleep that night being so excited.

@sonshinelight 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Mr Abbott. As an early teen, my first ride in an airplane was in an Ercoupe. As most I thought it was pronounced Air Coupe. This was in the early '70s at spring bank airport west of Calgary. Mr Chapman even let me steer it. Boy let me tell you was I nervous. Been a wing nut ever since.

@oldeyeball 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, what a story. I remember the first Ercoupe I saw, it was always parked by itself and I seldom saw it in the air. I thought it was very cool!

@maxsmodels 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent documentary. I have flown in many of Fred's designs (rode with my dad in an Ercoupe as a kid) piloted a Pawnee and pretty much every version of the Cherokee:140/150/160/161/180/235/200 & 201 Arrow, fixed gear Saratoga and Cherokee Six.

@ralikdiver 5 жыл бұрын

Greatly enjoyed this presentation. I've never had opportunity to fly one but my Father loved them.

@escaragami 5 жыл бұрын

Oh, how I enjoyed it. That was a dream not reached for me. Thank so much.

@markhull1366 5 жыл бұрын

Thank You for this great video. I think this is the best "start to finish" documentary on this great aircraft. I hope to be able to restore and/or own one someday soon.

@flitetym 3 жыл бұрын

Bravo! At long last, a professional documentary of an exceptional man constructing an outstanding design. My only exposure to ERCO was my flights to College Park, MD, looking towards Riverdale, and thinking “... hmmm, look at that dusty, overgrown airport over there!” Thanks to all for this historic production.

@mlp4589 4 жыл бұрын

Got my private license at 21 (soloed at 16) in a Cessna 150... almost 60 years ago... I had seen Ercoupes and generally had the attitude that is was a "cheater aircraft" for disabled individuals. I finally got to ride in one sometime in my 50's. I always had an appreciation for it for the reason I thought it was created... great idea for some physically disabled but discounted it as not being a "real" airplane. Over the years I've flown Cessnas, Pipers, and Areo Cammanders I never considered owning or flying an Ercoupe. After seeing this presentation, I can see what a part of history and an amazing aircraft I have missed because of my stupid prejudice for something I knew nothing about nor had the impetus to learn. It's too late for me now as I can't fly any longer but I certainly appreciate everyone that has kept the Ercoupes flying and maintaining a very important part of aircraft development alive for all to know and better understand as well as enjoy. Thank you all...

@msticks3672 4 жыл бұрын

Remarkable history. Brought back a lot of memories. The first airplane I ever flew was an Ercoupe owned by a family friend (a WWII B26 Marauder pilot). Wonderful memories.

@okcpicker 5 жыл бұрын

Great story! This doc represents a lot of research.

@aaronmaclean4464 4 жыл бұрын

Great documentary! Thank you so much for the time and effort that went into this production!

@ces308 4 жыл бұрын

What a great documentary ! I used to fly one 25 years ago and always loved flying it ! Great little airplane !

@olgreywolf9688 5 жыл бұрын

On September 14, 1967, as a ferry pilot, I flew Alon Ercoupe N6570Q, from Birmingham, AL, to Hyannisport, Mass. Interesting ride. With five refueling stops, the duration of the flight was 13 hrs., 45 mins., starting in early morning hours in Birmingham, and ending well after dark in rain at Hyannispor.t Some duration of this flight, encountering head winds from worsening offshore weather, I sat watching north-bound traffic on I95 (I think it was) passing me! The final hours of the flight were after dark, into the face of an oncoming hurricane off the coast of Massachusetts. Concerned controllers NY Center seemed to be hanging on every word of radio contact during those final minutes as the winds and rain were rapidly inceasing at Hyannisport. But the landing went fine, though a bit dicey. The new owner was on the flight line, pacing back and forth in pouring rain, in an empty parking space alone with a flashlight, as the airport had been shutdown by that time of night. And in spite of the weather, he was like a kid with a new toy. Almost jumping up and down with excitement over his new 'toy'. Nothing would do but he insisted that I come home with him to rest for the night. After we did a quick tie-down, I took him up on the offer. It had been a very long day. With about a thousand hours of logged flight experience by then, I took a hop around the pattern in Brmingham with the first owner, then next day undertook this ferry flight. The airplane was very easy to fly. Just that it tended to be very slow in the air. Docile, very simple control function. I was a very experienced tail-dragger driver by then, so the swiveling nose gear was disconcerting at first, but easy to get in hand. I don't recall the specifics, but the engine was about the equivalent of that of a J-3. I have long remembered this flight as one of my longest 'long-range' experiences. Certainly in such a 'minimal' airplane. It was fun, enjoyable, though my butt needed a long rest afterwards.

@stevefreeland9255 5 жыл бұрын

Well done! Thank you so much for posting this

@billykittner7128 5 жыл бұрын

My Coupe used to belong to Tom Jones ( no not the singer) who was a good friend of Fred. My logs have personal notes they passed back and forth. Including some design ideas Fred had that didnt make to production. ScareCoupes was the term I always heard of them. I think thats just from the screaming tires can make in a Xwind landing. After 24 years owning one it never gets boring.

@johnsherman7289 5 жыл бұрын

I put500 hours onN-3282H and never declined to fly because of winds.

@delord1619 5 жыл бұрын

Love me them old Erp-cups.❤❤❤❤

@GWRick-ld7rj 4 жыл бұрын

My uncle owned an Ercoupe and when I was 17 yrs old he taught me to fly. The plane was so easy to fly, I was able to take off and land after only three flights and later obtained my private pilots license in the same plane with a certified instructor. I've never had so much fun.

@MrParacristo 2 жыл бұрын

I have always loved the look of the Ercoupe. It reminds me of a WW 2 bomber. When I was a student pilot I found an Ercoupe at a private runway. I was amazed and stunned at how exactly beautiful that plane was. I would love to have one and fly it as often as possible. Thank you this special

@AbbottDon 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you find one. It is about as close to being a bird as humans get. Best to you. Don

@williamc.1198 4 жыл бұрын

When I was a young cadet in the Civil Air Patrol in the early 1960s, I often flew in his Ercoupe with CAPT. Perez our of Stinson Field on the South side of San Antonio, Texas. It was a very interesting and kinda' different aircraft as it had no rudder pedals. The rudder pedals were linked to the control wheel and this made if very difficult to spin the aircraft. It was a pretty neat aircraft; but I must admit I really enjoyed flying the T-34A our unit received a year or so later.