Buckeye Pietenpol Association
Newsletter:

Mailbag and musings . . . Issue #58, BPAN

We've had to again delay 'til #58 publishing pictures of, and the story about, Larry Harrison's Poplar Piet. Wait 'til you see the "before" and "after" pictures of this one! Some of you have seen it, I know. Larry had it at the 1997 Thomasville, FL flyin.

Issue #57 was mailed a few days later than our usual schedule prescribes. That's because your editor was trying to avoid doing a bunch of costly, special, individual mailings to those who joined us after reading the September, 1997 Kitplanes article. That delay, combined with a seemingly longer-than-usual delivery time by the post office caused some subscribers to get their "October" newsletter in late November. In fact, as this issue (#58) is being sent off to press, many of you still have not yet received #57. "Bulk Mail" was unsatisfactory. So, the USPS changed its name to "Standard Mail" and requires computer sorting by their new "ADC" scheme. To abide by the new rules, we were required to buy new computer software and learn a new mail bundling technique. We jumped those hoops and have been rewarded with longer delivery times than before! Today, I understand, about 20% of us have Internet access. Wait 'til that number reaches about 80%! ... gem

(9/12/97) Hi Grant, Still on a buzz from B'head '97. I've got my rib building factory set up in the basement, but still need some general direction on capstrip size. Past issues of BPAN, your Notebook, tapes of Vi's Oshkosh talks & my own actual on-site observations leave me confused re: capstrip size. BHP plans show 1/2" X 1/4", yet it seems EVERYONE going to 3/8" X 1/4" - is this the "generally accepted" standard now? This will be a wood fuselage, "A" powered ship, 3/4" laminated spar with a/c grade Sitka used throughout. Only major mods will be liquid brakes on tall, spoked wheels & steerable tail. Obviously, I'll want to save as much weight on the wing as possible, but certainly not at the expense of wing integrity or compromise of safety factors. I'd appreciate it if you could steer me to the right Piet guru(s) with the right answer(s). Thanks. Lee Schiek (see 'Good Luck' above for address)

(9/13/97 via email) Hi Grant, Just want to add my email address to the BPA list. I was in Lander Wyo. this summer and saw a real nice steel tube Piet being built by Gene Ferry, another fellow in the same town is building a wood Air Camper; they have been weighing their respective airframes and find almost no difference. When they are finished there will be 3 Air Campers in Lander . I hope Gene sees this and writes up a complete report for the BPA Newsletter, and you would love his story about flying a 65 hp Piet. from Minnesota to Lander Wyoming. Gene is like all the people I have met through BPA -- super nice and friendly. Sincerly, George Fairfield (PO Box 257, Solon Springs WI 54873 - gfairfld@win.bright.net)

(9/14/97) Dear Grant, Well, it finally happened. Three years and ten months after the adventure began, it is finally finished. Pietenpol NX6398 had it's FAA inspection and first flight on September 10, 1997. The FAA inspection went very well with the inspector being easy to work with and quite helpful. He wasn't too sure about the "X" in place of the "Experimental" but after I had him take a look at the BPA's home page, he said "No problem." : -)
First flight went without a hitch. The Subaru worked very well and had the airplane flying in about 80 feet with a 10 mph headwind. Climb was brisk and all the control responses were quick and appropriate. Rigging turned out to be correct with no changes needed to get it to fly in trim. Gordon Nichol, a good friend and pilot did the testing as I am not "current." I hope to be able to fly it this week or the week after. I guess that's enough for now. Thank you so much for all the help. The newsletter and the people that I met through it made it all a lot easier. Thanks, Duane Woolsey (207 East 300 So., Provo UT 84606)

(9/15/97) Grant, I got my BPA Newsletters last Saturday. I enjoyed them very much. I have managed to locate a person in Spokane who is building a Pietenpol Air Camper. I visited him and his plane for about an hour last Thursady. He has most of the wood construction complete and all the hardware as well. He said he has thought about joining BPA and I left him a downloaded copy of the first newsletter. He might join. I ordered my plans today from Don Pietenpol. I can hardly wait to get started. Sincerely, Paul Murray ((318958 N. Highway 2, Newport WA 99156 -- NoRisk@aol.com)

Hugh and Jeremiah Harstin (of Ider, AL and Maryville TN respectively) acquired plans from Don Pietenpol in August. They joined after seeing the September '97 Kitplanes piece.

(9/17/97 via email) Hi Grant, Wanted to let you know that I finally finished my Piet project. N350MB was inspected by the Kasas City FAA on July 9, 1997 and was found airworthy. The inspectors were friendly and helpful and the occasion was very rewarding. My first flight was July 16th and lasted for 42 minutes. All went well and was a memorable event. The Air Camper weighed 660 lbs. and has a useful fuel capacity of 22 gallons. Power is by a 65 hp Continental engine that I rebuilt to new condition. I used the short fuselage so I ended up shifting the wing back 5.75 inches. I had a 100 hours in a Cessna 120 that I owned for eight years up to 1985. To brush up, I logged 2.2 hours in a Citabra before flying the Air Camper. I reconditioned 1500 feet of grass on a half mile ridge on the family farm, built a hangar, and now am in business. It was a nice conclusion to a project that was begun in March of 1992. Much appreciation to you and BPA for the informative organization that we have to support homebuilding. Best Wishes, Mitchel Burns (21397 Hwy. M, Brookfield MO Phone: 816-258-5503 - mburns@ mail.brookfield.k12.mo.us)

(via email 9/19/97) Grant, I'm sorry it took so long since my last letter, but every spare minute in my life is dedicated to this project. After my last letter I've changed some things in my plane. As the Brazilian Ford Escort engine is diferent from the American I gave up using this motor. Two years ago I've found an old Model "A" motor which had been sitting there for 25 years and started the conversion according to Mr. Pietenpol's plans. Six months ago I ran the engine for the first time. I'm now finishing covering the plane using the 1.8 oz Dacron fabric. There are a few things to do to my plane yet but I'm enjoing each time very much. My plane now has the following characteristics: Long all wood fuselage (made for the Corvair in 1966) - Original three piece wings with the flap in center section. I've used a wood called Freijo (Cordia geoldiana) which is very much used in Brazil. Straight axle landing gear with homemade weels and hydraulic brakes. Model A engine for power with: Cast iron head, 76" x 44" propeler, Stromberg S3 carburetor, Bendix SFL4 magneto. Truly yours, Edilson Secco (Pque Universitario, Rio Claro S.P. 13504-280 Brazil - esecco@claretianas.com.br) PS, If you have problems in opening the photos I will send by mail. Note by gem: We had no problem opening Edilson's photos; they are now on the BPA's Internet site for viewing in color by the entire world. However, for use in the BPAN, we need prints to scan or graphic files, preferably in TIFF for Macintosh format at 230 dpi (or higher.)

Dear Grant, I had a wonderful time at Broadhead; it's been four in a row. Enclosed is check for $23, 20 for two more years of the newsletter and 3 for the last back issue. This Piet sure gets in your blood, along with the Model "A" stuff. I've just got my hands on a complete engine, it was advertised in the local newspaper. I've been studying the conversion plans along with the Aug. 1966 Sport Aviation and 1932 Flying and Glider Manual. I talked with many people in the local Model A Club and getting help with machine shop that's into restoring. Many Questions: # 1 How much over do you go with pistons? .100 too much? #2 How about the crank? .040 on main and rods? Is this too much to use on airplane? The forums at Broadhead were wonderful, it was great to get so much info. from such great people. Thank Howard Henderson and Vi Kapler and Lowell Frank. Sincerely Yours, Mark & Matt Berger

(1 /24/97) Dear Grant: Enclosed is my $20.00 for the next two years of the BPA Newsletter. I surely do enjoy it. When it arrives everything else takes a back seat until I have read every last word. It's like having a good friend come over. I bought plans from Orville Hoopman about 5 years ago but I have only a few metal parts and a rib jig completed so far. We have been planing and getting city approval to build a garage shop so I can get to work in earnest on the Piet. We presently own and fly an Acro Bonanza, but the Pietenpol is still my favorite airplane. We're planing to fly the Beech to Brodhead and Oskosh this year. Last year I brought 3 of my 8 sons (we also have 3 daughters ) with me to Brodhead and Oshkosh. This was the first for all of them and I'm pleased to say that they all liked Brodhead best. By the way, our two youngest sons are identical twins named Peter & Paul, so my plan is to build two identical planes and name them Pete-N-Paul. Pretty corny huh. Thanks for the good work and we will see you at Brodhead. Bill & Gina O'Sullivan (1155 Washington St., Santa Clara CA 95050 Ph. 408-243-0509 - tobongo@aol.com)

9/22/27 Barry Davis (845 Pleasant Ridge Road, Carrolton GA 30117) says "Really enjoyed Brodhead this year. I got a ride w/Kim Stricker in his GN-1 and was impressed with its performance. We both are "over" 220 pounds. I am starting to work on the project I purchased in N.C. which turned out to be a GN-1. I'll keep you posted. So long from the South, y'all come!

That reminds me ... At Brodhead this year, Lowell Frank told me he took a very big passenger for a hop behind his chunk of Ford cast iron, and may have set some kind of record for weight lifted in a Ford-powered Pietenpol. It made me think again of what Dick Alkire once told me ... "If I can stuff him in that front pit, it'll get off the ground." Dick, as you know is nowhere near Lowell's weight, and nobody here is recommending pushing these limits. But a well-built "to-the-plans" Piet will sure lift a whole bunch of weight. ... gem

"My son Jeff and I have been in the building process for a couple of years -- using original plans -- wood fuselage. Getting lots of help from a couple of local Pietenpolers. Have most of the woodwork done, half of the metal fittings. have a 65 hp Continental hanging in the shop ready to go. Have found the "Pietenpol Family" to be extremely helpful, and great folks. We hope to travel next summer -- Oshkosh and Brodhead. Best regards, Bruce and Jeff Larson (PO Box 267, Warren ME 04864)

(email 9/27/97) -- Still plugging away from time to time on the Piet. I am nearing completion of the left wing, the last large structural piece of airplane. After this, I need to fit the struts, etc., and then disassemble and varnish, cover and paint. Maybe it will fly after all some day. Hundreds and hundreds of little jobs!! John Greenlee

Sir, I'm the newsletter editor for EAA Chapter 1128 here in Two Harbors, Minnesota. We're a fairly new chapter and small but we have begun work on an Air Camper as a Chapter project. We only meet once a month but we have made some progress on wing ribs and jigs. At Oshkosh this summer we met a very nice Pietenpol builder who gave me some informatio about your organization. I have a since forgotton the gentleman's name (sorry) but he lives in Wisconsin and flew his Air Camper to Sun-n-fun once or twice so you may know who I'm talking about. (Sure do -- he would be no other than Bill Rewey. ... gem) Our chapter would like to subscribe to your newsletter, so please find my check enclosed. You can use my address with or without the Chapter information. Whatever is most convenient for you. As a fellow editor, let me thank you in advance for the work that you do for the love of aviation and the people in it. Happy landings! Jerry Anderson (HC 67 Box 6355, Two Harbors MN 55616)

Dear Grant: Please excuse my subscription lapse. We've moved and have finally gotten settled. Its going to be a little longer between Brodhead visits, however, since we've moved to San Antonio, TX. Enclosed is a check for $30. Please fill in the back issues I've missed as best you can and use the rest towards the future (I think my membership expired 1996/07). I'm especially interested in what I hear was the last issue covering dynomometer testing of various Ford "A" & "B" engine configurations. Was speaking with Lowell Frank regarding the "B" and Funk conversions and he mentioned the article. Thanks again for a great newsletter. Best regards, Clay Spurgeon (19547 Azure Oak San Antonio, TX 78258)

Clay -- the article you mentioned was written by Ron Kelley of Royce City, TX for the Secrets of Speed Society. Ron builds strong Model "A" engines. I met him last ('97) summer while on the Great Race. We have permission to reprint Ron's work, but it is quite long and detailed (it would require half a BPAN issue), so I choose to post it on the Internet rather than publish here in the BPAN. Like all of our Internet articles, pictures, etc. Its URL is http://users.aol.com/bpanews. Thanks for your 3 year renewal. The enclosed items should "catch you up." ... gem

(10/5/97 email) Dear Grant, Thanks for the great website. My wife grew up on a farm East of Cherry Grove, and was Miss Cherry Grove in 1975. Her parents, Lyle and Clarice Mathison still live near Cherry Grove. A couple of years ago, while attending the July 4th parade in Cherry Grove, Vi Kapler and two other fellows flew over town, and landed at Bernard's old field a mile West of town in their Piets. I loaded up my father-in-law and brother-in-law, and we went over to the field, where I met Vi for the first time. After I saw that he knew my father-in-law, Lyle, I knew I was going to get a hop in his Piet. The photographer from the local newspaper was there and took our picture, which made the local paper. I have the clipping on my dresser today. As a kid of 14 in the Civil Air Patrol, I started reading about Piets, and have dreamed of a hop ever since. I was sold on "low and slow" that day. About a year ago I realized a dream of over 30 years and got my private ticket and bought a 1965 7ECA. I still hope to build a Piet someday. I would like to put the Sadler 6 cylinder 65 hp radial on the nose. (The Sadler has two (2) banks of three (3) cylinders each, set at an angle so all 6 are distributed around evenly. It would I believe, be the second radial powered Piet. Since the Sadler is only 161 lbs., it might not be practical, as one would have to extend the fuselage forward for the weight difference. Nice to meet you. Hope to see you at Oshkosh some time. Roger Beach RCBeach@aol.com

On 10/7/97 your editor visited Jack Hereford with John Strutman and Don Kingsborough to see what's going on with the 5 cylinder, VW jug radial Jack has designed and built. Dick Weeden and some of his cronies who are building some copies of Jack's engine were there. Next day, Jack emailed: Many thanks for coming, and also for the pictures (I've taken of the engine.) I will request photo credit for you and ask the editor for a copy of the publication. I don't remember the name, but it is the UK ultralight rag. If you publish anything about Dick Weeden in your BPA News, you may add my most hearty admiration of his workmanship. Most of his parts are probably better than mine! Jack

(Sept. '97) Enclosed is my check for annual dues in the BPA. Presently, I fly an ultralight that I built myself and am taking lessons and ground school to earn my private pilot certificate. I am interested in building an aircraft that is uncomplicated and fun to fly. I've always liked the Pietenpol so am very much interested in obtaining newsletters from your association. Dennis Hall (512 Mallard Ct., Schaumburg IL 60193)

New member Joshua Harel (12781 Stratford Drive, Laurinburg NC 28352) is building an Air Camper to be powered by a direct drive Subaru EA-71 engine.

(10/8/97) Subj: Hello from Flagstaff, Arizona From: ejerer@infomagic.com (Jere Reineberg) Hi Grant, I've just spent several hours reading every entry on the BPA web site. I'm intrigued ... Can a Model A powered Air Camper fly off a mountain strip with an elevation of 7,000 feet? Summer density altitudes here reach 10,000-11,000 feet! Thanks, Jere P.S. Excellent Homepage! (Jere - Do you mean UP from the strip or DOWN? ... gem)

"I'm working on my Air Camper; have it on the Pete Bowers' type landing gear. Also am using the Bowers motor mount method to attach a Lyc. 65 hp engine. Tail surfaces are complete, spars and wing ribs are done. My Sky Scout is sitting in the hangar waiting for an overhaul of the Star W-5 engine. Really miss flying it in this nice fall weather. Hope all is going great with you; keep up the good work. Best regards, Kyle Bradford (2565 Gale Road, Route #1, Eaton Rapids MI 48827)

Duane Kessler (PO Box 756, Altamont KS 67330) joined in October '97. He says he thinks he has enough equipment to build a Piet and observes "It is obvious there are plenty of willing and helpful people to aid in any questions."

(email 10/8/97) Grant: Like your web site! I received a posting from Paige Hereford about the R-180 radial engine being available in kit form. I don't know if they have any test data, but wonder if you'll be updating their web page. I found a Pietenpol for sale here. It's unfinished -- most of everything done except fabric. It has a Continental 65 HP engine that probably needs a disassembly check. Right now I can't afford to buy it and rent a hangar, but maybe someday. I found another "A" Air Camper here. It's a beaut. Near the airport where I'm taking flying lessons. The owner said he'd call me next time he goes up. I'm hoping at least one Pietenpol will show up at the Kerrville fly-in! Thanks, Kevin Southwick (http://users.accesscomm.net/ksouth 713-864-6930)

(email 10/13/97) Dear Grant, Greetings from Bahston! I was a BPA member a few years ago when I lived in New Orleans. I am now back in New England after some time in France and England, and I have dusted off my Air Camper plans and started to dream again. I would really like to see a flying Piet' (or a nearly-completed project) up close and talk to a builder and/or pilot in my area. I would appreciate any leads which you could offer. Please feel free to share my name, address, phone, and e-mail with anyone that might be able to help. Thank you, and kudos on your site's slick new look! Best regards, Matthew Long (14 Lakeville Rd Apt 1, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 USA - (617) 983-8762 phone/fax, owlnmole@gis.net

(10/15/97 email) Dear Grant, I did attend Brodhead as well as Oshkosh and found Brodhead to be more rewarding especially since I am an antique airplane type. I am assisting two EAA Chapter 25 members, Greg Cardinal (also of the BPA) and Dale Johnson, in an Air Camper project. Ribs and tail feathers are complete sans covering. Hubs a la Henderson are done and salvaged motorcycle rims are on hand. The fuselage is upright in the jig. Spar stock has been purchased. The hot tip that we would like to share with other members is that the certified Mil. Spec. spar stock was purchased at a very reasonable price (for 1997) at an outfit in Washington state called Beartooth Lumber. Dale ordered four 16' lengths of 1" x 6" at $7.50 per foot (total $480) plus airfrieght via Airborne Express door-to-door for about another $100. The idea was to rip the extra spar depth for use as the longerons. Unfortunately, although the material received was the most perfect spruce you ever saw, a communication mix up caused them to ship NOMINAL dimensioned lumber instead of S4S finished size. They received 3/4" x 5-1/2" finished size. To make up for the loss, Dale and Greg will be using built up spar caps to bring the lumber up to proper width at the caps and will use other spruce lumber for the longerons. Also, the crate material was spruce and is good enough for use in nonstructural areas. A Bonus!!! So.......This is a good source of material at roughly half the price of Wick's or Aircraft Spruce & Specialty and appears to be of superior quality. Beartooth Lumber's phone is 1-800-834-4228 or 541-779-1942 and fax of 541-776-0944. Ask for Mr. Bob Mason or Mr. Kim Babcock. BUT BE SURE TO SPECIFY THE REQUESTED DIMENSIONS ARE OF THE FINISHED STOCK, AS SHIPPED. Anyway, please look to see if you ever mailed my issue 57 (and 58, if it is out yet). Thanks for administering such a nice newsletter. It is obvious that those antique aircraft/designs that are supported by a quality newsletter do the best in regards to general popularity, safe maintenance practices, and superior construction/restoration. Have a nice day, Christian Bobka 74373.442@compuserve.com Treasurer, EAA Chapter 25, EAA Technical Counselor ATP, CFI

(email from rsoucie@ibm.net) Grant, Thanks, that's a great story by Wendell Hughes (RR 2, Morell P.E.I. C0A 1S0 Canada) Until I read the photo caption I thought he was describing a real flight (which he wanted me to!).In this day and age though, a two channel radio is extremely uncommon. He would need three minimum, one each for Rud/El, and one for power. Roland Soucie

(email 10/16/97) Dear Grant, Please list my email address on your "friends and members" page. I'm just getting started, finally (bought plans from BHP in 1972), on my Air Camper. Using Continental (sorry!), and straight axle gear with wire wheels.. Will need lots of advice and moral support. Thanks for all you do to promote this wonderful airplane. The newsletter is TOPS! Hope to revisit Brodhead in '98. Thanks, again. Don Cooley (2745 Laurel Dr., Fairfield, CA94533 Phone 707-426-2139 Email ADonJr@aol.com

(via email 10/17/97) <> Hi Joe, good to hear from you. Will do -- in the next day or two. <> The "Oct." issue went out Oct. 14 -- a bit late this time, for a number of reasons. <> Your story about the engine is typical. There is an "A" within about two miles of most people in the country. If you don't believe that, get ahold of your local Model "A" Ford Club and ask an active member about the next swap meet he'll be attending. <> I think posting this letter on the web -- and in the January '98 Mailbag will bring some calls. <> Many BPA members can give you that information. I think Howard Henderson (444 Bryan, St. Louis MO 63122) got his at a place over in Illinois -- across the river from St. Louis. Ask him via email -- hpieth@aol.com, or send him an SASE. <> The builders I know who have completed their ships started with metal part fabrication and wing ribs. A "secret" seems to be to build stuff that can be hid under the bed first (fittings, ribs, etc.) Then when you start on the "big stuff," the project seems to go more quickly.>> Anxious to locate a Piet builder near enough to me for a get acquainted and occasional visit. The more I study the plans and the 1932 issue of Flying and Glider Manual the clearer things become. Was there ever anything put into print regarding timing the Model A with the mag?>> Here is the info in my "Pietenpol Notebook" about timing: Tuning: Optimum ignition timing is a function of rpm -- true for all standard internal combustion engines. - 26 to 30 DBTDC seems to be range of compromises for Piets flying with Model "A's". - BHP recommended 28 degrees HH's 444MH set at 28 degrees. - 28 degrees BTDC recommended by Paul Castine in BPAN 7. - Ford Service Manuals say: With 8 & 3 open, adjust 6 & 1 With 7 & 5 open, adjust 4 & 2 With 6 & 1 open adjust 8 & 3 With 4 & 2 open, adjust 7 & 5 (Numbers are 1 to 8 beginning with timing gear end.) The latest published specs by Ford (Aug.,1932) on valve settings for the Model ÔA' engine = Intake; 10 go, 13 no go. Exhaust; 15 go, 17 no go. For the Model ÔB'; Intake; 10 go, 13 no go. Exhaust; 20 go, 22 no go. <> Great -- updates from you and others are what keeps us going! <>

Hello, Well now I am in another mess with my wife! Although I cannot fly a plane, I happened to pickup for the very first time, a copy of Kitplanes magazine. I figured I check out this flying stuff and get it out of my system. An there it was -- this little plane called a Pietenpol. I'm still not sure how to say the designer's name (It's PEE-TEN-POL ... gem) but it sure is a sweet looking "kid flying seat of the pants flying machine." So now I am in a mess. I cannot fly, I have no money because I spent it on a couple of antique cars (1919 Model T, and 1901 Oldsmobile). The plus side is I am only 38 and I have plenty of time to sort out this flying stuff and maybe build me one with help of a local club. The plane reminds me of my boyhood when I loved building rubber band powered balsa planes. To see things like a child again is the best. I think you would agree. You lucky dogs out there who have one of these beauties. If I do decide to build one I will definitely record my efforts in film for documentary form. Instead of This Old House, what about This Old Pietenpol? I have enclosed my $10.00 to join. YAHOO-EEE! ! ! Thank you, John C. Garbarini (9 Orange Place, Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Phone 973-696-9613)

(email 10/18/97) Hello Grant! Along with my new membership, would like to give you my new email address to be added to the group: mclist@ptw.com Just got my rib capstrip and plywood from Aircraft Spruce and can't wait to get started. Saw Steve Eldredge's Piet on a trip to Utah recently and it is nicely done. Thanks, Mike List

( 10/22/97 email) Grant, Please change my mailing address to CDR Eric J. Shaw, USCG Commanding Officer USCGC LEGARE (WMEC 912) 300 Coast Guard Blvd. Portsmouth VA 23703-2199 I recently took command of the 270-foot Cutter Legare. The bad news is that means over half the year underway away from home. The good news is the ship has great metal working and wood shops! Looking forward to reading the BPA Newsletter in exotic ports. Take Care. Yours, Eric

Daryll Deets (233 Via Del Sol, Davenport FL 33837) joined us in October '97, saying "I just bought a Piet about 50% finished. I'll need your help to get it flying!"

RE: I am restoring a '28 TravelAir that lost its airworthiness cert in 1941. The original number was reassigned to a Pietenpol built by Frank Streng, Gresham Or in 1975. Number is N6479. I tracked down Frank, but all he can remember is he sold it 20 years ago to a couple of guys that took it to Evergreen Apt, WA. As the Piet was never registered again, maybe the present owner would consider a number swap. Do you have any idea who might or did own this aircraft or a contact to find out? I came across your page just plundering around. It is a nice one...Thanks Jim Wilson Cross, SC. EIwilson@InfoAve.Net Jim -- Don't know, but will post your question on the Ôweb -- and in our quarterly newsletter. (Issue to be delivered in Jan '98.) ... gem

Hello Grant, Dropping you a line to let you know that I have not received my Oct. newsletter. I did read that they went out late, but maybe some how I got missed. On the bright side of things, I am gathering more info on my Pietenpol project and did make it up to the Grass Roots fly-in and got a lot of good info for the people up there. So far, no wood, nails or glue have been bought but that will start happening in the next few months. I'll keep you posted as things move along. If you need to email me regarding the newsletter, please send it to jlfisher@chicagonet.net Thank you and keep up the good work. Regards, Joe Fisher (4332 Florence Downers Grove, IL 60515)

(11/16/97 -- Received word today that a subscriber receievd his yesterday -- 11/15 -- mailed 10/14 ... gem)

Hi Grant. I have not received my October issue of the newsletter. It must of got lost in the great postal service. Would love to get a copy. I really enjoy the newsletters as well as the website. They have been a real help in my project. I have finished my tail surfaces and now in the process of attaching to fuselage. Sincerely, Ken Parker (904 Goshen Rd. Pollocksville, NC 28573)

(email 10/30) Dear Grant, Has the 3rd quarter newsletter been mailed out yet? I have not yet received it. Thanks for all your hard work. PS: I received my plans from Don Pietenpol several weeks ago. I have built a wing rib jig and have ordered some glue, nails, and plywood from Aircraft Spruce. I plan to use Western Hemlock for the wing ribs. As soon as my order comes in I should have my first rib built in a couple of weeks. Right now I am going to school and my spare time is a little limited. Again thanks for a great web site and newsletter. Sincerely, Paul Murray (318955 SR 2 Newport, WA 99156 - norisk@aol.com)

(email 11/1/97) Grant, I finally get to check out your site at my leisure. Just got hooked up to the Net. I am again unemployed. I'll bring you up to date on my progress. The spring unveiling is now definite. All is now complete with the exception of my cowling and flying struts which will be done before Christmas. I'm no longer pushing myself. The doping came out great and actually looks good. The wings are yellow, the fuselage is blue and the rudder is checkered. Boy, was the checkering ever a job. Anyway after a long absence from the Piet discusion group, I've resubscribed today. Stay in good health. Best wishes to all, Domenico Bellissimo and family

Hi Grant - haven't written for a long time Ôcause the mail on my old internet service allowed me to receive but not send. Please update the listing of email addresses to include my new address. I'm done with the wood work on the tail feathers and ribs. Building the fuselage (two sides framed, need to join). Lots of fittings cut. Control horns complete. Take care, Kevin Purtee & Siggi Schoen

(email 11/4/97) Grant: In a letter to you about a year ago, I asked several questions about the Pietenpol, and you were gracious enough to answer promptly. After much prodding from my 14-year old, we're on-line. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your letter (belatedly), and to let you know, that after much mental ping-pong as to certified vs. homebuilt, I have finally settled on building my own airplane. Obviously, there isn't any question as to what I will build. Thanks again for your letter, and I'm sure I will be bombarding you and others in the fraternity with e-mail, now that my 14-year old mentor has finally prevailed. See ya! Chris Harmon (end)