Ercoupe 415D

By John Dorcey

The most diminutive and also the most polished aircraft on AeroShell Square today is Syd Cohen's 1946 Ercoupe 415D. The Ercoupe is one of six aircraft taking part in today's United States Post Office salute to aviation. The Post Office is unveiling 10 new stamps during AirVenture 2005. One of the stamps features the Ercoupe 415.

Syd Cohen hails from Mosinee (WI) and has owned the aircraft for over 23 years. To the best of his knowledge, he is the seventh owner. Powered by a Continental C-85, the airframe is serial number 1519.

Originally a C model, Syd converted it to a D model. The aircraft has a 1400 pound gross weight. The high sheen, which must be seen to be truly appreciated, must make the airplane one of the fastest Ercoupes in the fleet.

The highly polished aluminum skin is, according to Syd, "The result of lots of elbow grease, TLC, and NuVite NuShine II Metal Polish which I use exclusively." The aircraft has undergone a five year restoration process which resulted in 93% of the airframe being new.

Syd and his airplane 'Scampy' were awarded the Best Classic in the 0-100 HP category ay Sun 'n Fun 2005. Syd gives much credit to his mechanic Jack Chmiel, of Wausau Flying Service, who specializes in vintage aircraft repair and restoration with the finished product.

Cohen retired after 29 years of teaching in the Mosinee School District where he taught Industrial Technology, Drivers Education, and Aerospace Science. He has been an EAA member for 31 years and is camping with his airplane in Row 99.

He is active in two EAA Chapters - Chapter 640 in Wausau (WI) where he serves as the Secretary, Treasurer, Young Eagle Coordinator, and Newsletter Editor. EAA Chapter 243 of Wausau (WI) and Chapter 640, Gleason, benefits from his service as Vice President and Young Eagle Coordinator. Syd has given 625 Young Eagle flights, all in his Ercoupe, all one at a time.

Syd also serves as the Regional Director (Region 5) for the Ercoupe Owners Club and is the Wisconsin Wing Leader of that organization. Congratulations Syd on the Sun 'n Fun award and a beautiful Ercoupe.

FMI: www.aviationhalloffamewisconsin.com/in_the_news.htm