Ercoupe Flying Movie - First Flight

Disabled pilot modifies and flies 1947 Ercoupe

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• ercoupe
• disabled
• pilot
• Kim
• Blackseth

[KimBlackseth]

It was a engine related failure. NTSB was unsure on exact cause. I have sense built and m flying a new Ercoupe...

Kim

[KimBlackseth]

A friend crashed my Ercoupe on Dec 15th and its was totaled, but no one was hurt. I was not in the plane.

I bought the salvage and another 415C and am creating a very nice 415C that is modified for my disability. It should be complete by June 1st...

[skipjackbj]

I come from a family of Ercoupe flyers. I started age 10.

Anyway, is this a "C"model? Or CD? Or D.

Good luck. Keep away from inverted flight! Just kidding.

[KimBlackseth]

Thanks! It's a "C" that was converted to a "D" in 1971

Kim

[MacGyverGTP]

That is awesome! Now, I am sure it's an uphill battle with the FAA no? I am very impressed!

[KimBlackseth]

Thank you. The FAA has been tough, but fair so far. The 3rd class medical for my licence was the tough part. The plane is going through its first annual this week, so we'll see if anything unexpected with the AP/IA is an issue.

Thanks Again

Kim Blackseth

[bigfefu]

kim...congrats from buenos aires... i love the air or ercoupe...now much more. never stop flying!

[michaelpilot1000]

@KimBlackseth

Yes, those are prob number one cause of accidents in Ercoupe. Everyone needs to understand those continental engines are old. You can only rebuild engines so many times. And age, corrosion, heat and use just finally show up. Fuel systems and lines. Another big factor. Sheesh , even flying them in the 1970's we were very aware they were 30 plus year old aircraft.

If I could find a decent Ercoupe. I would do a complete re-build. Frame up.

Only way to go really for peace of mind.

[michaelpilot1000]

@KimBlackseth Do you have films of the replacement Ercoupe on youtube.

I was checking NTSB reports. 2008 sure was bad year for Ercoupe accidents.

I found one of my family's old Ercoupes we sold in 1972 was listed. Out of 3 that we owned. Only one is still around. It was actually bought by orginal buyer from 1946. He and his wife in their 80's came to Oregon from PA. And flew it home. I had located the airplane in 2004 and was planning to make offer to owner at that time. I wasnt quick enough

[Costified]

@KimBlackseth Hey Kim, great story! My family owns a 1946 Ercoupe 415C. You said on a comment that you had some troubles with the medical. I was curious if you knew that, with a 1260 lb gross weight, that the Ercoupe could be certified to fly light sport. No medical required as long as you don't have a denial. You can even get an STC for a GW of 1320 lbs. Only downside is no night flight :( Best of luck to your flying.

-David,

Comm- ASEL, Instrument; AGI- Advanced; A&P- IA

[86chanko]

god bless your a hero to  me

[86chanko]

@KimBlackseth i am going to learn in an ercoupe with rudders in 2 weeks what caused the wreck

[stzimmerman]

I certainly wanted to say how inspirational this video is! I love the Ercoupe and it makes me sick to read that it crashed, what a shame. Hope that you're able to get it or another one going again! Thanks for sharing this video.

[Jamesfromnyc]

Sorry for losing your plane. I'm curious why it crashed. I am considering one of those myself as its light sport and in my price range.

Thx

[AUPilot3]

Very, Very cool.......ncie job!