Alpha Aviation has earned an STC for the O-200A engine on Ercoupe C, CD, D, E, and G models.
The approval culminates a 25-month effort seeking authorization that allows owners of Ercoupe 415C and CD aircraft to replace aging, out-of-production TCM C75 and C85 engines with the readily available TCM O-200A series powerplant without the loss of Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) eligibility, according to Alpha Aviation officials.
The TCM O-200A engine brings numerous benefits, including increased power of up to 30%, a stronger crankcase, improved motor mounts, and the Marvel Schebler MA -3SPA carburetor, which is designed with an accelerator pump for easier starting and lower maintenance, company officials note.
During the certification process, the previously approved installation instructions and drawings were updated, company officials noted. Items changed included a simplification of the right front baffle rework, a wiring change that allows the red electric fuel pump warning light to glow at any time that power is up in the aircraft and fuel is not flowing to the header tank, the development of an FAA approved Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS) to enhance safety, and FAA approved instructions for continued airworthiness to ensure all maintenance tasks are identified, company officials explained.
Beginning in February 2020, Alpha Aviation will have available the recently amended STC documentation packages and PMA approved hardware kits, which include the fuel pump, fuel pressure switch, and miscellaneous items required to accomplish the fuel system modification. The engine, propeller, and associated hardware items remain the responsibility of the installer, as the STC permits the use of new, rebuilt, or continued time components to accomplish the TCM O200A engine installation.
The STC and hardware kits are priced at $799. A push button starter kit is available for an additional $44.
I want to add a electric back up transfer pump to my C85 Ercoupe for safety on an Alaska Adventure can I use the STC for the 0200 Mod?
Being interested in the possibility of a Cessna 120 LSA, it was revealed that a Cessna owners group jumped through all STC hoops to bring the C-120 into LSA compliance and was refused FAA certification for their effort. C-120 LSA certification may be something Alpha Aviation can now accomplish for the benefit of those interested in C-120 LSA ownership.
Alpha Aviation take note
Hi Hugh – I will get with Don and see if he’s interested in pursuing that. He’s the driving force behind our STC’s. (IA / A&P)
If you have any information on which group that was please email me at [email protected].
Great, practical & convenient solution.
Finally, logic is applied to the modification process and the intrinsic value of improving technology and performance, of a proven airframe. Trust me, I know how the modification process works and the pain, suffering and dollars involved in the effort. If the FAA would ever step out of their comfort zone and re-establish the field approval process-or better yet-allow deviation from age old TC data sheets for the improvement of safety or performance, you would see a resurgence of vintage, mainstay airplanes. How many Tcrafts, Cubs, 120’s, and a handful of others would benefit from a common sense upgrade like this?! Whoops, I said, “common sense” and we all know this is counter to the concerns of protecting one’s government retirement. Thanks for pushing your STC across the finish line and thanks for keeping the price affordable.