@@quinnjim Hello, No, it's a full, non restricted private certificate. My Ercoupe has rudder pedals, and my DPE never bought up any limitations in the test. Apparently, if I didn't have rudder pedals, she could have pushed for a "Limited to aircraft without rudder pedals" limitation, although even that is at the DPE's discretion.
Brought back memories of my first solo - pure exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment. You look around the cockpit and you are all alone. You did it! Now, 52 years later, I want an Ercoupe like yours!
James! Been watching your flights, absolutely fantastic. Happy to see your solo flight here! "I did it!" was a beautiful moment. Most folks don't understand the feeling. There were slightly different solos on my life...Still remember the first fires I responded on as a new captain, both structures and wildland, the size-ups and radio calls, and the huge lump in my throat just before pressing the transmit button...and giving my crew the assignments. Then, doing it all anew, arriving on scene from the air in the Super Huey. Every situation has so many differences. The few who hit the thumbs down button must still be awaiting high school. I understand the accomplishment. Turning a business into a parking lot is the same level of trepidation as turning a vintage Ercoupe into a wad of aluminum. I look forward too the next challenge, lofting into the air completely on my own. Not in a rotary wing 205, mind you, helo drivers are drummers at heart, think you get that parallel, hehe.
I'm really enjoying your Ercoupe videos, and this one was especially meaningful as I soloed in an Ercoupe as well, about 40 years ago. Man, do I miss flying that sweet old plane. I used to call it my bug-eyed sprite of the air, after the Austin Heally Sprite sports car. Nothing like flying on a hot muggy day with the canopy down and the cool air washing over you.
Thanks for sharing. My dad owned N94055 in the early 50's. I really like the still shot of you leaning on the engine cowling, it really makes the Ercoupe look small compared to the way it seemed to a four year old nearly 70 years ago.
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing that. I actually searched for that tail number, there's a nice video on RUclips (maybe shot by your sister?) of 94055 taking-off in the 50's. I left a comment on it!
@@JamesGood Thanks for your interest. My dad flew the plane to Chicago to a business convention, and one time I went with him to Heber Ut, he left the plane at the east end of the runway and we climbed trough a barbed wire fence and walked about a 1/4 mile to a little cafe and had lunch. It seems like one time he cranked the prop to start it. but that was not normal. He really enjoy the plane until one year he had unusual business loses so the ercoupe was gone. ;o)
Very nice job; you made it look so easy! Question: What engine in your Ercoupe? With the separate throttle/mixture controls; O-200? I recently flew w/ my first CFI in his Ercoupe, in the vicinity of Spearfish, SD; his was "Light Sport" qualified, w/a C-85, w/ electric start. A sweet-handling plane!
my father and I and me brother rebuilt a 1947 EC for summer project like working on a model.Took her flying many times in munster indiana back in 1969 to 72 great times nice little airplane.I wonder what happen to her?
WoW! Nice to have your first solo on RUclips. Been a while since I flew an Ercoupe...Is it recommended to keep the carb heat on during final? In case of a quick abort of the landing it seems that may not be a good idea but I could be wrong. Loved the little 'Coupe the few times I flew a friend's. Wish I had flown it much more back then because it was a blast to fly and crosswind landings scared the heck out of experienced pilots and/or passengers alike. I owned a Cherokee Six at the time and flew the same crosswind final, not kicking the rudder until about .5' (yes, point 5') while the Ercoupe just straightens up as it settles down and it doesn't feel like much sideload unless it's a 90 deg. crosswind which can be doubly scary. :)
the carb heat comes on automatically with low throttle. some instructors may teach operating it manually just so the student keeps in the habit. But, you do have to remember to take it off in a go round.
I really like your videos. I have a Private Pilots License but haven’t flown in decades. Your videos are making me get the itch again and I’ve taken a fondness for the retro looking Ercoupe over a Cessna 150/152. You said your plane was made in 1948, what model is it? Does it have metal wings or fabric. Yours looks like metal but I thought they didn’t have metal wings until the 1950’s.
Hey William. Mine came from the factory with rag wings, and they were metalized in the late 60's. You take a 40-50lb weight hit with the metal, but don't ever have to recover them... It's an E model.
Thanks for responding. Ercoupes seem to be an easy plane to fly but how are they economically? How much gas do they use, how big a fuel tank do they have? How much is the average cost of an annual? Being a 70 or so year old acft do you find them easy to maintain or are they constantly breaking down? I’ve been told that boats are nothing more than a hole in the water that you pour $ in but how about an acft, particularly Ercoupes?
They are about the lowest cost way into owning an aircraft, I think. Costs will all depend on how carefully you select one to buy, I guess. Pre-purchase inspection by an independent, competent Ercoupe knowing A&P will be your best chance of finding out what you need to know before you jump in. My IA charges $600 for the basic annual inspection, but that's never all that's needed. I would budget $1K to $2K for annual, more for the first few. Mine is not constantly breaking down, but you need to stay on top of things to get to that position, changing things out before they break. Things certainly wear out... An aircraft is obviously a huge hole in the sky that you keep throwing money into. :) But great fun! I'll do a video on the economic side of owning the Ercoupe. Fuel wise, plan for 6 gph, about $30 an hour, less if you have ethanol free mogas near you..
Like I said in my original post I already have my private pilots license but haven’t flown in decades and would need to reacquaint myself with all the new FAR’s. The last time I flew hardly anyone had a personal computer much less knew what one was. Can you recommend a web site type of ground school that I can use to learn/relearn the regs on my own time before I spend $ to go back through an actual classroom type ground school? I also plan on joining the AOPA.
Very cool! (No pun intended) Silly question; at these temperatures you are flying with carb heat on from take off to landing, correct? Dew point doesn’t play?
Hey Gerry. No, carb heat only on once we're in the down-wind, and I take it out on short final. We're very dry, over here, minimal risk of carb heat on most days. When I hear the temp/dewpoint is close on the AWOS, I do put it on a little earlier though, and keep it in longer.
That was a while back. But congrsts..congrats... they did not cut your shirt. That is a tradition. Go and do it again..Just kidding. But if u get up this Way I will buy you a beer. Chaplain Billy
No, we're all left traffic at Nevada County. We share a frequency with another airport (Rio Vista), which has right patterns though. I think you probably heard one of their calls.
Hi I would like to know do you fly out of San Joaquin Valley California? cause Im very interested in the ercoupe and have been for many years I don't hold a Pilot Certificate but in couple of years I'll be retired and I'm seriously considering becoming a pilot would you recommend this plane. It seems very reliable and not to complicated.
Hello Rafael. I fly out of Grass Valley, CA. Foothills of the Sierra, to the East of the valley. With regular maintenance, my Ercoupe has been very reliable. I think the Ercoupe is a fine way into the aviation world, they are relatively affordable to buy, operate and maintain. You're correct that they are not complicated, which is a good thing!
Hello Rafael Torres my name is Norbert De Vargas I live in Stanislaus county I’m also in love with the ercoupe , I’m retiring next year and also want my pilots license.
Thanks everyone for the kind comments. BTW, as of July 19th 2017, I passed my check ride. N94805 brings another certified pilot to the skies!
Is your license restricted to Ercoupe only? I'm looking at one of these, but the lack of rudders can affect the Private Pilot license (I've heard).
@@quinnjim Hello, No, it's a full, non restricted private certificate. My Ercoupe has rudder pedals, and my DPE never bought up any limitations in the test. Apparently, if I didn't have rudder pedals, she could have pushed for a "Limited to aircraft without rudder pedals" limitation, although even that is at the DPE's discretion.
What's better than the first solo? First solo in a vintage aircraft!!! Congrats!
Thank God we have James Good and family as part of the flying community in America!
Brought back memories of my first solo - pure exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment. You look around the cockpit and you are all alone. You did it! Now, 52 years later, I want an Ercoupe like yours!
Just watched your final 2021 Oshkosh episode, then immediately viewed your first solo video again.
You’ve come a long way, my friend.
I've just come across this James, your giggle at one point really tickled me as I did the same thing on my first solo!
James! Been watching your flights, absolutely fantastic. Happy to see your solo flight here!
"I did it!" was a beautiful moment. Most folks don't understand the feeling. There were slightly different solos on my life...Still remember the first fires I responded on as a new captain, both structures and wildland, the size-ups and radio calls, and the huge lump in my throat just before pressing the transmit button...and giving my crew the assignments.
Then, doing it all anew, arriving on scene from the air in the Super Huey. Every situation has so many differences.
The few who hit the thumbs down button must still be awaiting high school. I understand the accomplishment. Turning a business into a parking lot is the same level of trepidation as turning a vintage Ercoupe into a wad of aluminum.
I look forward too the next challenge, lofting into the air completely on my own. Not in a rotary wing 205, mind you, helo drivers are drummers at heart, think you get that parallel, hehe.
That must have been an awesome feeling. Getting to know a new friend.
That second landing, perfect touchdown, you cannot make it better than that.
Great solo James. Many hours in the ercoupe have passed since then I'm sure. I love that plane and very easy and cheap to operate.
Thank you, James. Yes, over 700 hours since then, and I still love flying it!
I like the audio on this vid , you can hear the engine, power changes and all the com .
Hey Rodger, that's a good observation. I think I had thee squelch turned down, so more of the cabin sounds come through.
Nice flying my friend
Congrats! First solo is always exciting.
That is one beautiful Ercoupe. And good job!
I'm really enjoying your Ercoupe videos, and this one was especially meaningful as I soloed in an Ercoupe as well, about 40 years ago. Man, do I miss flying that sweet old plane. I used to call it my bug-eyed sprite of the air, after the Austin Heally Sprite sports car. Nothing like flying on a hot muggy day with the canopy down and the cool air washing over you.
Great to see and many fond memories of my first solo.
Excellent video. This brings back a lot of memories for me of my grandfather and his Ercoupe.
Good job! I remember my hands sweating, OMG my hands are sweating! haha
Great Solo and video.
Congrats!!! Nice aircraft and really nice flying! :-)
Beautiful little bird!
So awesome...congrats!
Thank you, Bob!
It was great getting my SOLO... Oh wait, that was you, well it felt like it was me, for a little while. So exiting.
Very proud of you. Beautiful plane and nice flying.
Beautiful plane! Nice flying. Congrats!
Thanks for sharing. My dad owned N94055 in the early 50's. I really like the still shot of you leaning on the engine cowling, it really makes the Ercoupe look small compared to the way it seemed to a four year old nearly 70 years ago.
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing that. I actually searched for that tail number, there's a nice video on RUclips (maybe shot by your sister?) of 94055 taking-off in the 50's. I left a comment on it!
ruclips.net/video/cnDEiJIgdmg/видео.html
@@JamesGood Thanks for your interest. My dad flew the plane to Chicago to a business convention, and one time I went with him to Heber Ut, he left the plane at the east end of the runway and we climbed trough a barbed wire fence and walked about a 1/4 mile to a little cafe and had lunch. It seems like one time he cranked the prop to start it. but that was not normal. He really enjoy the plane until one year he had unusual business loses so the ercoupe was gone. ;o)
Yeah!
Very nice job; you made it look so easy! Question: What engine in your Ercoupe? With the separate throttle/mixture controls; O-200? I recently flew w/ my first CFI in his Ercoupe, in the vicinity of Spearfish, SD; his was "Light Sport" qualified, w/a C-85, w/ electric start. A sweet-handling plane!
Thanks, Craig. Yes, well spotted, it's an O-200. N94805 originally had a C85, but this O-200 was fitted in 1999.
>^. .^< Comgratulations on first solo and your checkride.........
nice and nice airplane. Kinda looked like Colorado to me but Nevada :)
congrats!
Thank you! Was the beginning of a great adventure.
my father and I and me brother rebuilt a 1947 EC for summer project like working on a model.Took her flying many times in munster indiana back in 1969 to 72 great times nice little airplane.I wonder what happen to her?
WoW! Nice to have your first solo on RUclips.
Been a while since I flew an Ercoupe...Is it recommended to keep the carb heat on during final?
In case of a quick abort of the landing it seems that may not be a good idea but I could be wrong. Loved the little 'Coupe the few times I flew a friend's. Wish I had flown it much more back then because it was a blast to fly and crosswind landings scared the heck out of experienced pilots and/or passengers alike. I owned a Cherokee Six at the time and flew the same crosswind final, not kicking the rudder until about .5' (yes, point 5') while the Ercoupe just straightens up as it settles down and it doesn't feel like much sideload unless it's a 90 deg. crosswind which can be doubly scary. :)
the carb heat comes on automatically with low throttle. some instructors may teach operating it manually just so the student keeps in the habit. But, you do have to remember to take it off in a go round.
I really like your videos. I have a Private Pilots License but haven’t flown in decades. Your videos are making me get the itch again and I’ve taken a fondness for the retro looking Ercoupe over a Cessna 150/152. You said your plane was made in 1948, what model is it? Does it have metal wings or fabric. Yours looks like metal but I thought they didn’t have metal wings until the 1950’s.
Hey William. Mine came from the factory with rag wings, and they were metalized in the late 60's. You take a 40-50lb weight hit with the metal, but don't ever have to recover them... It's an E model.
Thanks for responding. Ercoupes seem to be an easy plane to fly but how are they economically? How much gas do they use, how big a fuel tank do they have? How much is the average cost of an annual? Being a 70 or so year old acft do you find them easy to maintain or are they constantly breaking down? I’ve been told that boats are nothing more than a hole in the water that you pour $ in but how about an acft, particularly Ercoupes?
They are about the lowest cost way into owning an aircraft, I think. Costs will all depend on how carefully you select one to buy, I guess. Pre-purchase inspection by an independent, competent Ercoupe knowing A&P will be your best chance of finding out what you need to know before you jump in. My IA charges $600 for the basic annual inspection, but that's never all that's needed. I would budget $1K to $2K for annual, more for the first few. Mine is not constantly breaking down, but you need to stay on top of things to get to that position, changing things out before they break. Things certainly wear out... An aircraft is obviously a huge hole in the sky that you keep throwing money into. :) But great fun! I'll do a video on the economic side of owning the Ercoupe. Fuel wise, plan for 6 gph, about $30 an hour, less if you have ethanol free mogas near you..
Like I said in my original post I already have my private pilots license but haven’t flown in decades and would need to reacquaint myself with all the new FAR’s. The last time I flew hardly anyone had a personal computer much less knew what one was. Can you recommend a web site type of ground school that I can use to learn/relearn the regs on my own time before I spend $ to go back through an actual classroom type ground school? I also plan on joining the AOPA.
I used the ASA online ground school, worked very well for me. www.asa2fly.com/Private-Pilot-Online-Ground-School-P1689.aspx
Very cool! (No pun intended)
Silly question; at these temperatures you are flying with carb heat on from take off to landing, correct? Dew point doesn’t play?
Hey Gerry. No, carb heat only on once we're in the down-wind, and I take it out on short final. We're very dry, over here, minimal risk of carb heat on most days. When I hear the temp/dewpoint is close on the AWOS, I do put it on a little earlier though, and keep it in longer.
very good , congrats..
vikram patel playing Scott airplane
Good job there. 👍
N2078H here. My old man promised he'd teach me to be a pilot. Turns out he just wanted an audience. Oh well. Coupes are in my blood.
Im about to solo my new ercoupe next week sometime
Great to hear. Exciting times for you!
Full size, or R/C?
@@JamesGood Full size im in the purchasing stage now hopeing to pick it up next week and trailer it home . N99055
@@JamesGood Your videos are my reason to buy A ercoupe I forgot what fun it is to have an open cockpit. Now i just go to get it home to Florida
@@g6rcteam81 Oh wow! that's a famous Ercoupe. :)
James, you sound like a fellow Aussie 👍😀
That was a while back. But congrsts..congrats... they did not cut your shirt. That is a tradition. Go and do it again..Just kidding. But if u get up this Way I will buy you a beer.
Chaplain Billy
How many hours of training did you have before your solo? I know that feeling. It’s great
I solo'd at 9 hours in a 172. Then life got in the way, and I didn't fly much until I got my Ercoupe 10 years later. It is a good feeling!
Nice video.
James good did you train on your Ercoupe for your pilots license?
I did. I started out in a 172, then a DA-20, and finished in the Coupe.
it sounds like you have traffic on both right hand and left hand patterns from listening to the other pilots calls. Is that correct?
No, we're all left traffic at Nevada County. We share a frequency with another airport (Rio Vista), which has right patterns though. I think you probably heard one of their calls.
@@JamesGood and both runway 25! I hear it now
Hi I would like to know do you fly out of San Joaquin Valley California? cause Im very interested in the ercoupe and have been for many years I don't hold a Pilot Certificate
but in couple of years I'll be retired and I'm seriously considering becoming a pilot would you recommend this plane.
It seems very reliable and not to complicated.
Hello Rafael. I fly out of Grass Valley, CA. Foothills of the Sierra, to the East of the valley. With regular maintenance, my Ercoupe has been very reliable. I think the Ercoupe is a fine way into the aviation world, they are relatively affordable to buy, operate and maintain. You're correct that they are not complicated, which is a good thing!
Hello Rafael Torres my name is Norbert De Vargas I live in Stanislaus county I’m also in love with the ercoupe , I’m retiring next year and also want my pilots license.
Ha ha, lovely aircraft eh ? 👍