ERCOUPE

This is a 1946 Erco "Ercoupe" -- it started out as a "C" model, but was later upgraded to a "D" model.

LINK to Ercoupe history and information: www.ercoupe.net

I've always wanted one of these, but never found the "right" one. Well, you know as times are tough, the right one would come along. Well, I didn't have the cash when this one came available...So I decided to put on my best salesman-hat and see if I could get my dad to pony up for it. He was sold quickly, it was my mom that was the tough one in this deal. So, anyway, we got Dad to speak for buying it--under the pretense that he would use it to fly from his airpark home to his airport-based workplace. My brother, Rich, was unemployed at the time, and he agreed to ferry it home from the owner in South Carolina. Rich brought it to Austin. I started flying it -- and I like it so much that Dad has had a hard time getting it to his house. It's still in my hangar today. Oh sure, we let Dad fly it -- once!

Here I am over Central Texas -- top-down in late November! I love this part of the world! This picture was shot by Linda Jernigan from Bill Coltharp's C-150. This little coupe is quite a performer. It would get off the ground quicker, climb faster, and out cruise the C-150. This one was "right" for us because it has the 85hp Continental engine, fabric wings, and no rudder pedals (like it was from the factory) -- too much fun!!!!

View of Lake Travis -- December 1, 2002

Taking Linda Jernigan (student pilot) for a ride.

A composite photo of the front office - this is a SIMPLE airplane!

In its new home -- nice huh?

I really like it. Dad, can I keep it for a while more?