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Chapter secretary Steve DeBrosse
The long and winding road since purchasing his 1947 ERCOUPE 415-CD in August 2017.
As many aviators know, when purchasing a 70 year old aircraft this can not only bring joy but a few hiccups along the way. Steve has experienced plenty of both. Many of the hiccups came early and mainly with the engine. At times finding parts proved difficult but eventually solved.
Steve's biggest problem began a few years ago during an annual inspection. The internal construction of the wings was beginning to fail due to multiple broken rib laces, which are designed to secure the fabric wing covering to the metal airframe. A failing wing, especially while in the air, is not a good thing. Steve's joy of flying had to be put on hold while he tried to figure out what to do. Decent Ercoupe wings for sale proved fruitless. With a high time engine and failing wings, was it time to say goodbye and part it out? This dilemma probably kept Steve awake many nights trying to decide what to do. Then in late 2023 Steve located a person right here in northeast Ohio that would be willing to reconstruct the wings making them better than when they came off the production line back in 1947
Now the rest of the story as told by Steve.
1947 ERCOUPE 415-CD
12-17-2023
First progress picture from the wing shop. Good news is the aluminum airframe is in great shape and no sign of rodents at least in the left hand wing that is underway. Pitot and static lines are in good shape, and they will replace the wiring to the landing and navigation lights while they have it opened up.
01-21-2024
This week’s wing progress pics. LH wing is essentially ready for paint/clearcoat. RH wing underside is covered, and the new nav light wire installed. The RH wing does not have a landing light, which makes it slightly simpler from a wiring and covering standpoint.
I am very glad to see the PK screws in place of the rib laces, which should hopefully last for decades!
01-31-2024
Wings are in the paint booth! The shop applied the seal coat and six coats of UV protection. Top coats are expected to go on next week.
02-17-2024
Wings are nearing completion! All fabric is done and primer applied. The shop had me stop by this afternoon to look at some test panels to confirm the final color before painting.
Inspection port covers, landing light frame, and pitot probe
PK screws vs the rib laces on the prior fabric job.
Sample panels. He advised going with the lighter silver so that the flake wouldn’t appear to be uneven over seam lines/screw heads.
Very precise craftsmanship on the curves and edges.
Test panel up against the primed wing ready for the final color coat and clearcoat.
02-23-2024
Final progress pictures from the wing shop. Paint and clearcoat are done, they now just have to sit through at least Tuesday to fully dry before they can be hauled back to LPR.
03-01-2024
Wings are back in the hangar! Was able to squeeze in some carryover vacation time this afternoon, rent a big van, and get them back to LPR! Now just awaiting my turn to have everything re-assembled and inspected.
03-01-2024
New engine arrives
04-26-2024
Wings reinstalled this afternoon! Hopefully next week they can complete the engine swap and the rest of the annual inspection process.
Early Summer 2024
All back together and time to FLY!
July 13, 2024
A nice surprise for Steve
At this year's Discover Aviation Airplane and Car Show
1947 ERCOUPE 415-CD
Awarded Best Legacy Aircraft
A few years of frustration,
But the story ends with one contagious Smile,
And an aircraft ready to fly for another 70 years.
