Buckeye Pietenpol Association
Newsletter:

Mailbag and musings . . . Issue #55, BPAN

- email, late '96 - Thanks for the info., sorry I did not send the name. It is George Jenkins (215 Hermitage Drive Radnor, Pa 19087 Phone 610 688 7923. Do you have any club members in the area of either Radnor (near Philadelphia) or Williamsport -- my other home?

Dear Grant, Thanks for the back issues and help with the wing rib problems. I appreciate your contacting Howard Henderson and getting his thoughts on this as I'd considered trying to contact him myself. Also, I've received a good bit of advice from Vi Kapler (1033 Forest Hills Dr., SW, Rochester MN 55902) and purchased his three-piece wing plans. (Very straightforward and easy to understand.) The back issues were very timely. I was assembling Hatz ribs today and remembered reading an article in an early BPAN about testing lumberyard wood simply by whipping it like a fishing rod. If it didn't break, it was assumed OK. I didn't get my wood from the lumberyard. I bought it from Wicks, but some of it didn't look too good. I'd marked some of the wavy grain spots when it came in, but decided the "whip test" couldn't hurt. First I tried a nice looking piece; it passed. Then I tried whipping a questionable looking piece; it broke right in the middle of my wavy grain mark. Two more tries yielded the same results. Some of the pieces were about to become Hatz ribs, so I'm very grateful for the timely and practical advice from the BPA. Tomorrow I'm going to either work on the Piet rib jig again, or just start building ribs, now that I have enough info to feel confident of my work. Sincere thanks, Daniel M. Breon P.S. - My ribs were both a good bit different than the drawing you sent, but I think my jig's pretty close to right per plans now. I come to the same conclusion as you, they're probably all a bit different.

Ed Green (706 Springview, Thermopolis WY 82443) wrote Nov. 11, 1996 ... "I've been contemplating build a 'Piet' for sometime now and now seems the right time. At any rate, I'm planning to use a Corvair engine. Any information anyone can give me on converting this engine would be most appreciated. Also, anyone wishing to correspond with me about construction tips would be most helpful as well. I have access to the Internet so I do visit BPA from time to time as well."

email - Subj: Re: "Plans on the Shelf" From: ISAPAT@aol.com - Grant: I'm getting that weak feeling every time the new issue of BPA Newsletter comes out, and take another look at the plans on the shelf ... next to another wooden wonder set of plans, mainly, the Jodel D-11. I have been working on a power plant that would be very nice, failing a Model "A" Ford of course, in the Piet, and would also serve most admirably in a D-11. It is a, well, a hybrid. It has a case from a Continental A-65-8 bored (by an aviation shop) for C-85 cylinders, new oil pump, flanged crankshaft .020 over, and bearings, (early model, small holes) new cam shaft with the fuel pump lobe sawed off to fit the case, new pistons, all for a C-85, and reconditioned cylinders taken from a C-125 engine, originally in M. B. Taylor's "Coot" Amphibian before being replaced by a Franklin, (same as the C-85 cylinders) new valves, lots of new hardware, reconditioned parts, and good stuff. It will be an "A-85-8F ... ?" Name to be chosen. It is coming along well, but ran we (my guru and me) into a glitch, and I've had to scrounge up a new A-65 rear accessory case which a friend down in Texas is sending me. Until that comes, is cleaned up and inspected, the project is idling. If that should turn out to be N. G., I may go "new." Meanwhile my L-2M has 385 hours on the clock or better than 100 hours per year...but then, I'm retired. My email address may be included with your list. Paul Taipale (Box 471, Bellevue WA 98009-0471)

Gerald R. Ramler (36 Kilian Drive, White Park MN 56387) wrote in November: I am building a Corvair-powered Pietenpol from plans bought from Orrin Hoopman in March of this year. ('96) Got the fuselage up on wheels and hope to fly it next Fourth of July if all goes well. Having trouble getting information on the Corvair motor.

email, Nov 23, 1996 From: Dr bob 33@aol.com "During the Summer, I corresponded with you about a Pietenpol project that was left behind by my friend who died in June. You very kindly advertized it in your newsletter and it was sold to Steve O'Donnell of Viola, Wisc who responded to the notice you published. Steve came here to Columbus, NM this week and took it home. Steve's profession is custom building furniture; he couldn't stop praising the craftsmanship in the project! The project is nearly complete. Fabrication of the engine mount, covering and assembly are all that are left to do. The work to date was done by Jim Doherty, WWII B-25 pilot in the Pacific Theater, aeronautical engineer who worked for Piper at both Lock Haven and Vero Beach and for Grumman on Long Island. Jim also held an A&P license, was a Designated Mechanic Examiner and taught at an A&P school for a while. Jim's widow, Claire, is grateful to you for your help. Claire has a beautiful wing rib jig that Jim made. If you would be willing to take on the responsibility, she would like to donate it to your Association for loan to members who need it and who would return it to you for use by someone else, etc. until it is worn out. If you'd like to do this, let me know and I'll send you the jig. Best regards with my own thanks, Bob McGrath (I now have the jig; more on this later. ... gem)

BPA member Mark Bowler (28 Harry Drive, Kentville, Nova Scotia, B4N 3V8 Canada) is the Sec./Treas. of Chap. 1051, "The Scotia Eagles."

Dick Alkire (6760 Oakfield Drive, Dayton OH 45415) is working on a restoration project for the Air Force Museum. It's an AT-10. He's also rebuilding his Aeronca L3B -- and his Lycoming/Tailwind engine. Newcomers might not know Dick -- he's the founding president of the BPA. Some say he did such a fine job, we don't need one anymore.

Dick Staley (21341 Olive St., Lake Elsinore CA 92530) wrote Nov 23 "I have truly enjoyed the information found on your web site regarding those remarkable designs by B. Pietenpol and the way it has been put together by Grant MacLaren. The enclosed check is to place my name on your roll to be among those interested in preserving the 'grass roots' of aviation and to receive the newsletter. My wife and I attended last months Copperstate Fly-ln at Mesa, Arizona and I did not see a Pietenpol there--maybe next year. I'll be checking your members page to find someone building in my home area so I can see first hand how it's done and also to possibly locate a project in the area of the 'Copperstate' who may be planning to attend there next year. Looking forward to those newsletters and keep up the good work. Best regards, Dick Staley

email Nov 28, 1996 From: latimer1@ix.netcom.com "After almost two years of playing "hunter-gatherer", I was able to start glueing part "A" to part "B". In just two months of leisure time building I've got the fuselage together and the seats in so I can sit in it and take flights of fancy. I now feel like I'm one of the "big boys". I owe the fast pace of construction to my good friend and mentor Jim Kinsella as well as all the invaluable tips I've gotten wandering around Brodhead for the past three reunions. It would be impossible to recall all the names but I owe a debt to those selfless souls that answer the same questions endlessly from strangers who may or may not be sincere about building a Piet. The tail is done and ready to mount, so next will be the center section ... or the landing gear ... or more wing ribs ... or should I get busy with the engine ... how about the prop ... maybe I should do more fittings ... then there's that welding that I haven't gotten to. If this wasn't so much fun, it could be real tough to stay motivated. Got my wheels, got my radiator, got a new mag and an "A" with a cracked block!! Rats! Lots of nuts and bolts, tubing and 4130 sheet. Looking for instruments and turnbuckles at the moment. Thanks to: Jim Kinsella, John Greenlee, Bill Rewey, Grant MacLaren, Brian Kenney and Dick Alkyre for all the wisdom and incentive to someday be airborne together in the blue skies over southern Wisconsin. Regards, Larry Williams (3266 Madonna Dr., Edgewood KY 41017-2626)

Dear Grant, I own a Pietenpol that's about 75% done and would like to join the BPA. Please send the two most recent issues. Thank you, Shaun Slade (663 Elliott Dr., Lewisberry PA 17339)

via 12/13/96 email from Ed Janssen - I'll say hi to Harley Dahler for you as I see him every other day or so. I helped him with some finishing touches on a pole barn to house his Oshkosh camper. Such a nice day we should have taken a ride in his Piet -- but had to get the barn done. I'm refinishing my KR-1 in his hanger which is attached to his house. He has about 5 other airplanes in there too -- in various stages of construction/restoration, including his Dormoy Bathtub. It's really a blast to be friends with a guy so immersed in all aspects of aviation. Really enjoy your web pages. Nicely done.

George Pohlman IV (2927 Stillmeadow Dr., Dublin OH 43017) joined us in late November. He's a private pilot who just likes to bore holes in the sky, loves old airplanes and thinks the Piet is the airplane he has the skills to build and fly.

Peter Burghardt (2341 Lancashire St., #1A, Ann Arbor MI 48105) has no intention of building (yet) but is an interested pilot.

Fred Haugen moved to 4126 Dodge St., Duluth MN 55804 at the end of '96.

email 12/22/96 from Tasmania: Simon McCormack (8 Pinsley Drive, St.Leonards Launceston 7250) Tasmania, Australia 394404Simon -- I am building a Pietenpol with an "A" Model engine, all wood construction on fuselarge, wings and tail feathers completed. All 4130 Metal fittings, approx 70% completed ... Spruce undercarriage completed. -- Wonderful! It's great to know that "plans built" Piets are being built all over the world. -- Would you like some details to be included in the BPA sometime. This is the first Piet to be built in Tasmania, a small Island State of Australia. Have an interesting article recently published in our local Newspaper. (All this now on the web, we'll have it in next issue. gem)

Leon Olds (11 Sunset Road, Scarboro ME 04074) wrote in December " had hoped to get some pictures out of my almost-completed "A"-powered Inproved Air Camper but will have to wait a few more weeks. Probably be flying by the end of January -- Brrrr!

email - 12/23/96 - Hello Grant! Thanks for the quick return on the 96/2 & 96/3 BPA newsletters! Now with the 96/4 issue in hand, it won't be to much more time till my "year " is up! Pietenpol people sure know how to make time fly!! ;-) My Pietenpol experience goes back to the late 60's -- when I soloed a J-3 Cub before I drove! -- I had gotten the 1932 and 1933 reprints of the "Flying and Glider Manual" to help me "design" a homebuilt along the lines of the Smith "Termite". All my "doddles" usually had a Pietenpol tail!! In 1970, I went down to Okla State Univ. to work on an Aviation Technology degree. While there, the Pietenpol bug bit a little harder -- to the point that I even got a $25 Corvair engine from a friend of a friend! That next summer I tried to get as much info as I could on the Corvair set-up on the Pietenpol -- all in vain, cause the guy that was storing my engine had to move and he sold it back to a salvage yard!!!! Now I have some barn space, tools and a small collection of airplane bits and pieces for making a Piet (Some of the pieces came from a Flybaby project I bought 10 years ago -- I'm the 4th owner -- fuselage was signed off by the FAA in '72!) Some of the extra wood from the Flybaby will get ripped up for the tailfeathers. I've started asking around about an "A" engine for it but would like to know if there have been any direct drive Subaru (EA-81) Peits flown. They are my favorite "commuter" -- and I have a "donor" car and a spare engine for parts! The "Mailbag" mentioned that Mike Johnson was looking for the May 1989 Kitplane article on "Flying a Air Camper"-- I do have that issue. It was on Mark Anderson's "A" powered Air Camper. If you need the article or a copy let me know! I'll keep checking the BPA web site for new stuff!! Great site!! Mike Conkling (21806 S. Broadacres Pretty Prairie, KS 67570) P.S. If you want to build a Pietenpol, but are short of space go get one of Peck-Polymers peanut scale kits (13" span) at your hobby shop!! The newsletter is a great source for scale documentation!

Vi Kapler (1033 Forest Hills Dr., SW, Rochester MN 55902) wrote in December, telling us he flew his Air Camper 48 hours during the past summer -- and that he's had interest in the hinges he offers ... from as far away as England. The BPAN Internet site is seen all over the world.

email 12/24/96 from: wd6auy@ez2.net - Good afternoon, Grant. Thank you so much for the newsletters #52 and #53 together with the other info and personal letter you sent me. You method of showing expiration is appreciated - no problem telling when a fellow must re-up! I have enjoyed reading the newsletters (parts twice) and recognize that they are 'keepers'. Looking to acquiring previous copies as time permits. I'll be searching for a builder in my neck of the woods to look over his shoulder. The Fly-In to be held in Corona in April will be the closest one to me so I will plan to attend. Congrats for your web page and the entire format! I've visited numerous times and pick up a bit more info each time. The five cylindre radial looks really interesting. I have flown behind a Kinner in a Fleet and enjoyed every minute!! Wouldn't be surprised if the sound of this new engine is great also. (It sure is! . . . gem) 73's, Dick Staley (21341 Olive St., Lake Elsinore CA 92530)

email: Dear Grant: Hope you've received my BPAN renewal by now and request for T -shirt (any chance of getting a sweatshirt? It's cold in the northwest!) Anyway, I pulled out the old wing rib jig and am prepairing to start making wing ribs for Air Camper #2 I just miss the fun I had building this aircraft. I will either use the Corvair engine I have or obtain an Ford A. I'm still trying to decide on some of the details for the new ship. My award winning Piet NX40772 is flying well in the hands of the new owner with about 30 hrs flying time with no problems. I hope to recieve a ride maybe this summer. It's hard to think of what to do differently on the new one since Piet #1 turned out so nice and really had the look and features I liked. Anyway best wishes to you and your family this holliday season. Craig Aho (23307 45th Avenue W., Mountlake Terrace WA 98043)

email: 12/28/96 nigel.r@netlunx.netline .co.za (Nigel L. Rotherham) Greetings from sunny South Africa! I have just found your web site . . . and WOW! I am a glider (sailplane) pilot and have fully restored a 1951 Jaskolka but would like a two seater for some 'other' fun flying so hence my enquiries re this type of homebuilt. Sorry if sounding dumb, I have downloaded the FAQ but have not yet read them. Hope the design IS a two seater!! Will be in touch soon. Have a GREAT and SAFE 97

Jim Brichan (9307 VanVleet Rd., Gaines MI 48436) tells us he hopes to make it to Brodhead '97. He's interested in Cecil & Gladys King's project.

Bob Long (18616 NW 206 Ave., High Springs FL 32643) sent us a flyer on the Thomasville, FL flyin held in early October. Sounds like fun. Contact Bob for more details.

Virgil Anderson (120 N. 2nd Street, Wallingford IA 51365) emailed us from the Estherville Public Library after finding our home page on the web. He's building a Piet and will send some pics when he's further along.

Tom Mathes (4940 Pecan Drive, Walls MS 38680) has about 100 hours on his Piet, has started on his third airplane.

email 12/29/96 Dear Grant, I just got my newsletter yesterday, it was great. I'm sending my dues for the next 2 years. It seems so soon because the last 2 just flew by and I'm still not done with the Piet. We are in (a new house) and I will have time to work on the project before the weather is nice enough to do outside work. Update -- covering is done through last prep coat, ready for the top coat. Motor mount and reduction drive are bothe done except for cutting teeth on upper drive pulley and making the flywheel. Hope to get that done in the next week two or three weeks so I can move on the carving the prop and then the first flight! Thanks for all the work you do on the newsletter. It really keeps the dreaming and the motivation going. Thanks, Duane Woolsey (207 East 300 South, Provo UT 84606)

email 12/29/96 Dear Grant: I have recently purchased a Pietenpol project that has been started by someone else probably about ten years ago. It is in excellent shape. The fuselage isbuilt for the Corvair engine. I have enjoyed the articles on the B.P.A web site. My reason for e mailing you is for some help in getting info and some e-mail addresses for vendors for props, landing gear parts, and metal parts the hard to make stuff by Lee Stenson. I would appreciate any help in this matter, and would be interested in any info on Corvair powered Piets. My E-mail address is Pthom@juno.com, I also have a fax no. 706-379-1297, or if anyone wishes to write, send to Paul Thompson 7030 east Culberson Road, Blairsville, Ga. 30512. Thank you.

Cecil Blackwood (39334 TR 52, Pomeroy OH 45769) tells us he's "working on a Ragwing Piet for practice; getting tools together. I have Don's plans and hope I can start on a Piet this year. You see, the dream is alive."

Bob Lipper (Rt. 1, Box 1400, Wyaconda MO 63474) tells us he hasn't flown the Piet much; been busy building a LACO Biplane; has fuselage, tail feathers, ribs and other small parts finished. It's powered by an O-300, about the sixe of a Hatz.

Jack Phillips (3601 Country Cove Ln, Raleigh NC 27606-9661) has "a little pile of wing fittings" growing; hopes to finish the wing this spring. Brother Jim Phillips (1801 Fordham, Wilmington NC is building a Hatz.

email - 12/30/96 FR: janv@wilmington.edu (Jan VanDervort) Grant - I don't need no durn 'lectronics book - no car or airplane that I own or ever have owned has ever had or will have electronics!! Well, I guess when my old Volvos finally give up, I'll have to get something electronical - it will have a cell phone in it to call a hook when it won't go no mo!!!!

12/11/96 Craig Aho (23307 45th Avenue W., Mountlake Terrace WA 98043) says he's beginning to miss his Piet; and is thinking getting started on his second -- has the wood and a Corvair mill with prop. "The Piet is the funnest airplane to build." says Craig, and he should know. His first one was a prize-winner and is "flying fine."

12/12/96 Hello BPA! First time member ... long time follower. Please sign me up as a member for the 1997 year. Enclosed are my dues. Let me give you a little background on myself. I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Technology. I have an Airframe and Powerplant license as well as a private pilots license. After graduating from Purdue I got a job at Allison Engine Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. I work in the Technical Publications Department as a Technical Writer. I am currently working on the Illustrated Parts Catalogs for the AE2100 series engines (the AE2100D3 goes on the new Lockheed Hercules C-130J). But enough about work. Let me tell you where I am on the Air Camper. I guess it has been a little over two years when my brother (Bart Conrad) told me that he had bought the drawings for the Pietenpol Air Camper. It wasn't long after Bart told me he had the plans for an Aircamper that I found myself dragging home a 1965 Chevy Corvair. I have the engine disassembled. Spent a lot of time cleaning engine parts ... lots and lots of time! The crankshaft is modified to accept prop shaft (drilled and tapped by hand...came out beautiful). Prop shaft is made along with the prop nut and washer. The crankshaft has also been ground 0.010 undersize. Camshaft has been reground. Have many other small components of engine ready. Waiting for my ship to come in so I can machine the cylinder barrels and the heads. When that happens I am ready to reassemble. I plan on using a Ford Model B carburetor. Does anybody have any input on that? Have one more tube to weld on the motor mount and it will be completed. Tail wheel is near completion thanks to Bart. It is sitting on my workbench waiting for me to take it to the welder I've been working with. Which brings me to question for the fellow BPA members. Where can I find a spring for a tailwheel built per Garry Price's design? I have a catalog from a machine tool supplier that has compression springs but none rated at 190 lbs. How close to 190 lbs. does the spring have to be? I have heard that there is a John Deere spring that will work. Is this true and if so does anybody know the part number for that spring? I need some help in this area. My E-mail address is on the BPA homepage or write me a letter. If anybody has any questions about what I have done so far don't hesitate to drop me a line. I look forward to getting the newsletter in the mail. Keep it straight and level, Barry D. Connrad (4350 Clifford Road, Brownsburg IN 46112)

12/96 "We enjoy the newsletter very much. I am in the finisheing phases of a Pietenpol. I have kept very careful track of it with photogrpahs -- would you be intersted? (Sure would! ... gem) Don't forget to sign me up again. I don't want to miss an issue. Bob Wolk (326 5th Avenue S. E., Cut Bank MT 59427)

John Vahrenwald (1106 Summit Hills Drive, Bettendorf IA 52722) says "Although I don't own one of the wonderful airplanes, I enjoy reading the newsletter and because I live close to Brodhead, I venture over once a year and enjoy the company of the Pietenpol group.

12/27/96 Alex Fasolilli (229 Folts St., Herkimer NY 13350-1242) is purchasing the Air Camper plans and looking forward to starting construction.

1/3/97 email Gerard Huber (1555 Hwy 42, PO Box 333, Maplewood WI 54226-0333) says "Piet project is now in my brother's garage and I am looking into the project and finding strange things. Will keep you posted of my findings. BTW what ever happened to the Piet list server. After the bunny like productions and obvious frustration caused for all concerned, I haven't heard anything. Will this thing ever come back to life? I really miss the continual encouragement. (The email list server is not operated by the BPA. We hope it returns with better performance. ... gem)

Carl Adams (165 Loghouse Lane, Mooresville NC 28115) wrote in December "Winter's project, working on the 'A' engine. Made a one inch thick steel torque plate to simulate head torque during honing. Found only .0002 distortion -- far less than a modern day engine. The machinist said it was the best cast iron he had ever seen."

email 1/1/97 luehmann@mail.bright.net (Gene Luehmann) Dear sir, While browsing the net, I came on your Pietenpol page, and did that bring back memories of my childhood. I was born in Minnesota and remember one of our nieghbors building a Piet. He use to come to our place (farm) because Dad had some Ford models T & A parts in our shed. After he finished it, I use to go along with Dad to help him pull the plane to the field he flew it from, which was only about a half mile, but it was all up hill. Dad had a Model A at the time. The plane was built by: Edgar Russert, Lewiston, MN. All I remember, is that it was sold to someone in Wisconsin and that it had a modified Ford engine in it, was built in the early to mid 30's. Edgar Russert has since died, but four of brothers are still living. I am in touch with three of them occasionaly, and I'm sure they would like to know any history of that plane. If any of the group has any info, I would appreciate hearing from them. I just retired after 40 years, from Corp Aviation., and enjoyed 4 light planes along the way. Thanks for any help and Happy New Year. Gene Luehmann, Delta, Ohio (I emailed back to Mr. Luehmann with some info on the famous ship. ... gem)

John Bergeson (1608 E. La Donna Ln, Tempe AZ 85283-3126) enjoys the newsletter and web site. His Piet is on the back burner -- '33 plans, A-65 engine, one-piece wing.

"Slate" Erickson (10525 23rd St. Ct. E., Puyallup WA 98372) would like to see us publish a "catalog" of all those who make and sell Piet parts. It'd make a handy reference tool. Anybody want to compile it?

"Hi, Grant, - Read in your Web "Swap" index that Bernard's Corvair van is 'For Sale'; could I field an idea that I'm sure has occurred to others, i.e., establish a fund to purchase the vehicle as a 'station hack' for Brodhead or EAA/Oshkosh, or both? Perhaps use at Brodhead each year prior to Oshkosh on a shuttle basis (charge a minimal fee for transport between one the other to further defray expenses). Due consideration would have to be given as to which entity would own/service the van as well as other on-going expenses such as scheduled maintenance, insurance, etc. I would be pleased to contribute/ donate $100.00 to kick off the drive, if it hasn't already been done, for the initial purchase, mechanical refurbishment and paint job (I can visualize either the B.P.A. or your "Lo-n-Slo" logos or both incorporated prominently on the sides and Cheshire cat grins peering out the windows (if it has side windows)). Removable seats might also be utilized. Do whatever you think best and it'll be right; the offer holds in any case. Really like the terrific WebSite and glad to see the 'Chat Group' back on-line. You've done your usual top-notch job !!! Best Regards, (Please don't stick my name to the above; I can barely operate this new computer without having websurfers from Mars emailing me!)

Jack & Anne McCombs (2510 Crest Avenue, Cheverly MD 20785) have another homebuilt project to get squared away; may be looking for an "A" or "B"-powered Piet to buy.

Walter Bowe (19059 Kenleigh Drive, Sonoma CA 95476) has his Piet on its straight-axle gear, control system in place and was about ready to start soldering cables. His 26 x 4 wheels were blased and painted, ready for covering before installed.

Hi Grant, Happy New Year! A great web page. Pietenpols at the speed of light! Please add my email address to your list. Taada@ottawa.com Eric-Taada, C-GFCU, Grega GN1, Bytown Flying Club, based at EAA chap 245 @CYRP. Cheers!

Gordy Craner (5084 Epley Ct., Webberville MI 48892) is building a Pietenpol.

email 1/97 Hi again. I thank you for the replys to my email. I work in a community college teaching heavy equipment mechanics with engines as my specialty. I have built a test stand for areo engines capable of measuring torque and thrust. I have a C-80 continental mounted on it and hope to use it for proof of concept and calibration tests when the weather warms up, it's been 30 below Celcius for too long! I'd love to get the Net and stay in touch with people buiding the same aircraft. 'Til then I'm awaiting the next newletter. Thanks again. John McNarry

1/18/97 Nelson Matter (22 S. Main, Caseyville IL 62232) has had plans for two years; visited Wick the other day and got some wood. He and his friends may be building two Piets.