Ercoupe 415 Cost of Ownership

The Ercoupe 415: Simple, Economical, and Timeless

The Ercoupe represents one of general aviation's best values. Produced from 1946 through the 1950s, the Ercoupe 415 combines exceptional fuel economy, benign flying characteristics, and affordable purchase prices. The two-seat aircraft features a Continental C-85 or C-90 engine producing just 75-90 horsepower, yet delivering economical cross-country capability and legendary stick-and-rudder flying.

The Ercoupe appeals to recreational pilots and vintage aircraft enthusiasts seeking affordable ownership and operating costs. With purchase prices in the $25,000-$35,000 range and operating costs under $100/hour, the Ercoupe makes aircraft ownership accessible to many pilots. This comprehensive guide examines the financial realities of Ercoupe 415 ownership.

Why Pilots Choose the Ercoupe 415

The primary appeal is affordability combined with excellent economy. The Ercoupe 415 costs $25,000-$35,000 to purchase and operates at under $100/hour all-in. The aircraft is mechanically simple with conventional systems. The Ercoupe is famous for forgiving stall characteristics and excellent visibility. Flying an Ercoupe is pure stick-and-rudder flying with minimal avionics.

Secondary advantages include classic design, historical significance, and a dedicated owner community. The trade-off: limited payload, modest speed (85-100 knots), and vintage airframes requiring careful maintenance.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Condition

The Ercoupe 415 market is dominated by vintage aircraft. Pricing varies by condition and restoration level:

• Early Production (1946-1947): $18,000-$30,000 - Original condition, basic systems
• Mid-Production (1947-1948): $25,000-$35,000 - Improved systems, good condition
• Late Production (1949-1950s): $28,000-$40,000 - Final variants, often better condition
• Fully Restored: $35,000-$45,000 - Complete restoration, like-new condition
• Average Market Price: $28,000-$35,000 for well-maintained examples

Key Price Factors

• Airframe Condition: Corrosion history significantly affects value; clean airframes worth 20-30% premium
• Engine Time: Fresh engines add $3,000-$6,000; engines near TBO reduce value $3,000-$6,000
• Interior/Paint: Restored interiors and fresh paint add $2,000-$5,000 to value
• Vintage Status: Early-production examples command premium for collector interest

Financing an Ercoupe 415

Down Payment and Financing Challenges

Financing vintage Ercoupes is problematic. Most banks and aircraft lenders have minimum loan amounts of $50,000+. With Ercoupes priced at $28,000-$35,000, traditional financing is often unavailable.

Financing Options

• Cash Purchase: Most common approach; low purchase price makes cash accessible
• Personal Loan: Some pilots use personal loans (higher rates, shorter terms)
• Specialty Lenders: A few aviation lenders offer short-term financing at rates 8-10%
• Owner Financing: Some sellers finance their aircraft directly

Insurance Costs: Affordable Coverage

Liability and Hull Coverage

For a $30,000 Ercoupe 415:

• Liability Only ($100K): $300-$500 annually
• Full Coverage ($100K liability, $30K hull): $900-$1,400 annually
• Low-Time Pilots: $1,200-$1,800 annually
• Typical Cost: $1,000-$1,500 annually

Insurance Advantages

Ercoupes are inexpensive to insure due to low hull value, simple systems, and benign stall characteristics. Insurance is typically one of the lowest fixed costs for Ercoupe owners.

Fuel and Operating Costs: Exceptional Efficiency

Fuel Consumption - The Ercoupe's Greatest Strength

The Ercoupe 415 burns approximately 5.3-5.4 gallons per hour at cruise—exceptional fuel economy that rivals modern trainers. At current 100LL avgas prices:

• At $6/gallon: $32-$33/hour
• At $6.50/gallon: $34-$35/hour
• At $7/gallon: $37-$38/hour

Over 100 annual flight hours at $6.50/gallon, fuel costs only $3,400-$3,500 annually. This exceptional efficiency enables economical recreational flying.

Maintenance and Reserves

• Annual Inspection: $800-$1,500 (vintage aircraft may require more work)
• Routine Maintenance: $10-$15/hour for vintage aircraft
• Engine Reserve: $5-$8/hour toward 1,800-hour overhaul
• Oil and Misc: $2/hour

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $50-$70/hour including fuel ($35), maintenance ($12), and reserves ($7).

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar/Tie-Down: $50-$100/month ($600-$1,200/year)
• Insurance: $1,000-$1,500
• Annual Inspection: $800-$1,500
• Accessories/Misc: $300-$500

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $2,700-$5,200

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year (Cash Purchase)

Aircraft purchased for cash at $30,000:

• Depreciation reserve: $600 (2% annual for vintage aircraft)
• Fixed costs: $3,900
• Fuel (100 hours × $35): $3,500
• Maintenance (100 hours × $12): $1,200
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $6): $600
• Annual inspection: $1,200
• Total Annual Cost: $11,000
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $110

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year

Same aircraft, cash purchase:

• Depreciation reserve: $600
• Fixed costs: $3,900
• Fuel (150 hours × $35): $5,250
• Maintenance (150 hours × $12): $1,800
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $6): $900
• Annual inspection: $1,200
• Total Annual Cost: $13,650
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $91

Ercoupe 415 vs. Comparable Aircraft

Ercoupe 415 vs. Cessna 172 (Four-Seat Trainer)

A Cessna 172 owner budgets $180-$220/hour. An Ercoupe 415 owner budgets $90-$120/hour. The Ercoupe operates 50-65% cheaper while sacrificing payload and speed. For recreational flying priorities, the Ercoupe wins decisively on cost.

Ercoupe 415 vs. Piper J-3 Cub (Tailwheel Trainer)

A Piper Cub owner budgets $100-$150/hour. An Ercoupe owner budgets $90-$120/hour. Both are economical, but the Ercoupe's retractable gear enables higher speeds (85+ knots vs. 50 knots). The Ercoupe is more practical for cross-country missions.

Is Ercoupe 415 Ownership Worth It?

At $90-$120/hour all-in operating cost with a $28,000-$35,000 purchase price, the Ercoupe 415 represents outstanding value for recreational pilots. For budget-conscious aviators seeking affordable aircraft ownership, an Ercoupe is hard to beat. The combination of low purchase price, exceptional fuel economy, and simple operation makes flying accessible.

Ercoupe 415 ownership makes sense for recreational pilots flying 100+ hours annually for leisure travel and building experience. The aircraft is ideal for pilots prioritizing economy and simplicity over performance.

Next Steps to Ercoupe 415 Ownership

1. Test fly multiple examples. Experience different vintage examples to assess condition and handling
2. Get pre-purchase inspection. Budget $1,000-$2,000 for thorough airframe and engine evaluation
3. Review maintenance records. Confirm annual inspections are current and documented
4. Evaluate airframe condition. Have mechanic assess corrosion and structural integrity
5. Obtain insurance quotes. Confirm costs before committing to purchase
6. Research available aircraft. Monitor Trade-A-Plane and specialized listings

Sources and Citations

1. Flying Magazine (2024). "Ercoupe 415-C Aircraft Features" - Aircraft reviews and profiles. Retrieved from flyingmag.com
2. AOPA (2025). "Ercoupe Fact Sheet and Ownership Information" - Aircraft guidance and resources. Retrieved from aopa.org
3. Ercoupe Owners Club (2025). "Operational Cost of Ownership" - Community knowledge and cost data. Retrieved from ercoupe.org
4. Plane & Pilot Magazine (2024). "Ercoupe Articles and Reviews" - Aircraft specifications and features. Retrieved from planeandpilotmag.com
5. Controller.com & Trade-A-Plane (2025). "Ercoupe 415 Aircraft Listings" - Current market pricing. Retrieved from trade-a-plane.com

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance premiums, and maintenance expenses vary by location. Vintage aircraft ownership requires specialized knowledge—always work with experienced mechanics and inspectors familiar with classic Ercoupes.