Original Posted By: GMalley(at)aol.com
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight>I bought a GN-1 Aircamper sometime back that weighed 784 lbs. It has a>65hp. Franklin engine and a 69 in prop I believe. Shortly after purchase a>friend and I flew in it together. He weighs 200+ lbs and I am about 155.>The gasoline in it that day was unknown, but somewhat less than full I>suppose. It was about 95 deg. that July day. It flew. The climb out was>slow to be sure, but it did climb. We went up to around 800 ft. and stayed>near the airport. It may not have been real wise, but the Pietenpol wing>will lift a bunch!>Shortly after that we took the fabric off to find out what we had bought.>It now - finally - has new fabric and all necessary repairs made. Im am>going to start tail wheel training soon. Looking forward to flying.>Thanks, Larry>>---------->> I haven't received anything on the Piet Net recently. After reading>through>> many old BPA newsletters I've discovered that the weight of planes empty>seems>> to range from around 635 (A-65) on up to over 800 lbs for on plane with a>> Fiesta. My own plane weights 770 with a Ford Escort. Obviously, if 995>or>> there abouts is considered gross weight for a Piet, then my plane is a>single>> place. If it weighed , however even 650 pounds, it would still be a>single>> place with my 215 pounds and 66 pounds of fuel (11 gallons). I've>removed the>> seat belts from the front seat, covered the hole with canvas and removed>the>> front windshield. It is now a single seater with excellent performance,a>> thrill to fly with those 80 horses pulling it off the ground in a steep>climb>> out.>>>>>>________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Piet weight
Pietenpol-List: Piet weight
Original Posted By: steve(at)byu.edu
I haven't received anything on the Piet Net recently. After readingthrough many old BPA newsletters I've discovered that the weight of planesempty seems to range from around 635 (A-65) on up to over 800 lbs for onplane with a Fiesta. My own plane weights 770 with a Ford Escort. Obviously, if 995 or there abouts is considered gross weight for a Piet,then my plane is a single place. If it weighed , however even 650 pounds,it would still be a single place with my 215 pounds and 66 pounds of fuel(11 gallons). I've removed the seat belts from the front seat, coveredthe hole with canvas and removed the front windshield. It is now a singleseater with excellent performance, a thrill to fly with those 80 horsespulling it off the ground in a steep climb out. ________________________________________________________________________________
I haven't received anything on the Piet Net recently. After readingthrough many old BPA newsletters I've discovered that the weight of planesempty seems to range from around 635 (A-65) on up to over 800 lbs for onplane with a Fiesta. My own plane weights 770 with a Ford Escort. Obviously, if 995 or there abouts is considered gross weight for a Piet,then my plane is a single place. If it weighed , however even 650 pounds,it would still be a single place with my 215 pounds and 66 pounds of fuel(11 gallons). I've removed the seat belts from the front seat, coveredthe hole with canvas and removed the front windshield. It is now a singleseater with excellent performance, a thrill to fly with those 80 horsespulling it off the ground in a steep climb out. ________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: Larry Pasley
The weights I have seen on Piets have ranged from 585 lbs or so with aContinental to 800 lb+ monsters. Well built Model A ships can weigh lessthan 650 and maybe down around 635 lbs. THAT is the secret to flying behinda Model A.What amazes me is the mindset that the light weight Continental is anopportunity to add junk to the airframe rather than an opportunity to getthe weight down and have a performer. These ships should weigh less than600 lbs.I have no idea what my ship will weigh but I hope it is less than 650. Ihave built it to the plans with no extras, but nothing taken away. My modelA has an aluminum head - a 15 lb savings. I've got a skid and no brakes, andam using the lightest covering system -- 1.7 oz Stits.However, the radiator sure feels heavy, and the wood gear and axle surefeels heavy.Hoping for the best.John-----Original Message-----
The weights I have seen on Piets have ranged from 585 lbs or so with aContinental to 800 lb+ monsters. Well built Model A ships can weigh lessthan 650 and maybe down around 635 lbs. THAT is the secret to flying behinda Model A.What amazes me is the mindset that the light weight Continental is anopportunity to add junk to the airframe rather than an opportunity to getthe weight down and have a performer. These ships should weigh less than600 lbs.I have no idea what my ship will weigh but I hope it is less than 650. Ihave built it to the plans with no extras, but nothing taken away. My modelA has an aluminum head - a 15 lb savings. I've got a skid and no brakes, andam using the lightest covering system -- 1.7 oz Stits.However, the radiator sure feels heavy, and the wood gear and axle surefeels heavy.Hoping for the best.John-----Original Message-----
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: randmk1(at)juno.com (Ronald A Kaser)
I bought a GN-1 Aircamper sometime back that weighed 784 lbs. It has a65hp. Franklin engine and a 69 in prop I believe. Shortly after purchase afriend and I flew in it together. He weighs 200+ lbs and I am about 155.The gasoline in it that day was unknown, but somewhat less than full Isuppose. It was about 95 deg. that July day. It flew. The climb out wasslow to be sure, but it did climb. We went up to around 800 ft. and stayednear the airport. It may not have been real wise, but the Pietenpol wingwill lift a bunch!Shortly after that we took the fabric off to find out what we had bought.It now - finally - has new fabric and all necessary repairs made. Im amgoing to start tail wheel training soon. Looking forward to flying.Thanks, Larry> I haven't received anything on the Piet Net recently. After readingthrough> many old BPA newsletters I've discovered that the weight of planes emptyseems> to range from around 635 (A-65) on up to over 800 lbs for on plane with a> Fiesta. My own plane weights 770 with a Ford Escort. Obviously, if 995or> there abouts is considered gross weight for a Piet, then my plane is asingle> place. If it weighed , however even 650 pounds, it would still be asingle> place with my 215 pounds and 66 pounds of fuel (11 gallons). I'veremoved the> seat belts from the front seat, covered the hole with canvas and removedthe> front windshield. It is now a single seater with excellent performance, a> thrill to fly with those 80 horses pulling it off the ground in a steepclimb> out. > > ________________________________________________________________________________
I bought a GN-1 Aircamper sometime back that weighed 784 lbs. It has a65hp. Franklin engine and a 69 in prop I believe. Shortly after purchase afriend and I flew in it together. He weighs 200+ lbs and I am about 155.The gasoline in it that day was unknown, but somewhat less than full Isuppose. It was about 95 deg. that July day. It flew. The climb out wasslow to be sure, but it did climb. We went up to around 800 ft. and stayednear the airport. It may not have been real wise, but the Pietenpol wingwill lift a bunch!Shortly after that we took the fabric off to find out what we had bought.It now - finally - has new fabric and all necessary repairs made. Im amgoing to start tail wheel training soon. Looking forward to flying.Thanks, Larry> I haven't received anything on the Piet Net recently. After readingthrough> many old BPA newsletters I've discovered that the weight of planes emptyseems> to range from around 635 (A-65) on up to over 800 lbs for on plane with a> Fiesta. My own plane weights 770 with a Ford Escort. Obviously, if 995or> there abouts is considered gross weight for a Piet, then my plane is asingle> place. If it weighed , however even 650 pounds, it would still be asingle> place with my 215 pounds and 66 pounds of fuel (11 gallons). I'veremoved the> seat belts from the front seat, covered the hole with canvas and removedthe> front windshield. It is now a single seater with excellent performance, a> thrill to fly with those 80 horses pulling it off the ground in a steepclimb> out. > > ________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: Mark Boynton
Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta, allow me tocomment on weight: I use 1250 lbs as gross weight, though I have flown it atover 1300 at which weight the landing speed increases noticeably. At gross,rate of climb is aproximately 200 fpm. Also at gross it rides the bumps alittle better. The Fiesta provides sufficient power from sea level up to about3,000 ft. Above this altitude it takes much longer to get off the runway andrate of climb decreases. Would it be better to have lighter ship? Absolutely.Keep it light from the beginning and enjoy the bumps.Jim Malley________________________________________________________________________________
Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta, allow me tocomment on weight: I use 1250 lbs as gross weight, though I have flown it atover 1300 at which weight the landing speed increases noticeably. At gross,rate of climb is aproximately 200 fpm. Also at gross it rides the bumps alittle better. The Fiesta provides sufficient power from sea level up to about3,000 ft. Above this altitude it takes much longer to get off the runway andrate of climb decreases. Would it be better to have lighter ship? Absolutely.Keep it light from the beginning and enjoy the bumps.Jim Malley________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: Peter P Frantz
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight>>Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta,>>Even though Jim admits here that his plane came in on the heavy side,>for those who have seen it at Brodhead, wherever can testify to the fact>that his workmanship is of the finest quality. A beautiful example of a>Piet. MC>________________________________________________________________________________
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight>>Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta,>>Even though Jim admits here that his plane came in on the heavy side,>for those who have seen it at Brodhead, wherever can testify to the fact>that his workmanship is of the finest quality. A beautiful example of a>Piet. MC>________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy
John Greenlee wrote:>What amazes me is the mindset that the light weight Continental is an>opportunity to add junk to the airframe rather than an opportunity to get>the weight down and have a performer. Amen to this ! You can save lots of weight by using the light 1.7 oz.fabric and dope finish. Enamels and fancy paint systems weigh lots.Even the alum around the engine/cockpit should be no thicker than.025". Plenty strong when you finally anchor it down. >However, the radiator sure feels heavy, and the wood gear and axle sure>feels heavy.John- Yes ! I felt the same about the axle too but even with brakes, 6"solid rubber tailwheel, leaf springs for t-wheel mine came in at 632 lbs.(actually I was surprised) That thick axle does weigh alot but it surecan take some bad landings. I like the fact that with the straight axle too you never, never can blame bad ground handling on wheelmis-alignment. Mike C. ________________________________________________________________________________
John Greenlee wrote:>What amazes me is the mindset that the light weight Continental is an>opportunity to add junk to the airframe rather than an opportunity to get>the weight down and have a performer. Amen to this ! You can save lots of weight by using the light 1.7 oz.fabric and dope finish. Enamels and fancy paint systems weigh lots.Even the alum around the engine/cockpit should be no thicker than.025". Plenty strong when you finally anchor it down. >However, the radiator sure feels heavy, and the wood gear and axle sure>feels heavy.John- Yes ! I felt the same about the axle too but even with brakes, 6"solid rubber tailwheel, leaf springs for t-wheel mine came in at 632 lbs.(actually I was surprised) That thick axle does weigh alot but it surecan take some bad landings. I like the fact that with the straight axle too you never, never can blame bad ground handling on wheelmis-alignment. Mike C. ________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: William Conway
>Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta, Even though Jim admits here that his plane came in on the heavy side, for those who have seen it at Brodhead, wherever can testify to the factthat his workmanship is of the finest quality. A beautiful example of aPiet. MC________________________________________________________________________________
>Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta, Even though Jim admits here that his plane came in on the heavy side, for those who have seen it at Brodhead, wherever can testify to the factthat his workmanship is of the finest quality. A beautiful example of aPiet. MC________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: John Greenlee
Jim, I take off from a 4200' runway at 4880'. The Escort gives spectacular= performance with 1030 lbs--I'd guess at least 350 to 400' per minuteclimb at 60-65 mph but I'll bet it would be a real poor performer withanother 200 lbs at this altitude. I'll bet your plane has reallyexcellent performance solo, doesn't it? >>> 10/06 4:09 PM >>>Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta, allow me tocomment on weight: I use 1250 lbs as gross weight, though I have flown itatover 1300 at which weight the landing speed increases noticeably. Atgross,rate of climb is aproximately 200 fpm. Also at gross it rides the bumps alittle better. The Fiesta provides sufficient power from sea level up toabout3,000 ft. Above this altitude it takes much longer to get off the runwayandrate of climb decreases. Would it be better to have lighter ship?Absolutely.Keep it light from the beginning and enjoy the bumps.Jim Malley________________________________________________________________________________
Jim, I take off from a 4200' runway at 4880'. The Escort gives spectacular= performance with 1030 lbs--I'd guess at least 350 to 400' per minuteclimb at 60-65 mph but I'll bet it would be a real poor performer withanother 200 lbs at this altitude. I'll bet your plane has reallyexcellent performance solo, doesn't it? >>> 10/06 4:09 PM >>>Since I'm the one with the 800+ lb monster with the Fiesta, allow me tocomment on weight: I use 1250 lbs as gross weight, though I have flown itatover 1300 at which weight the landing speed increases noticeably. Atgross,rate of climb is aproximately 200 fpm. Also at gross it rides the bumps alittle better. The Fiesta provides sufficient power from sea level up toabout3,000 ft. Above this altitude it takes much longer to get off the runwayandrate of climb decreases. Would it be better to have lighter ship?Absolutely.Keep it light from the beginning and enjoy the bumps.Jim Malley________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet weight
Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy
Jim,Didn't know you were online. Good to hear from you.For those who do not know, it was Jim Malley who unwittingly enticed me tobuild a Pietenpol. Get the July 1992 Kitplanes and look at the cover. Theship is even more attractive in person than in the magazine.About the ONLY negative thing I have heard said about this one is that it isheavy. Well built and finished airplane and will always draw a croud.Jim, what is the deal with the Fiestas and Escorts. Are they just a heavyengine? What does the fwf stuff weigh?John-----Original Message-----
Jim,Didn't know you were online. Good to hear from you.For those who do not know, it was Jim Malley who unwittingly enticed me tobuild a Pietenpol. Get the July 1992 Kitplanes and look at the cover. Theship is even more attractive in person than in the magazine.About the ONLY negative thing I have heard said about this one is that it isheavy. Well built and finished airplane and will always draw a croud.Jim, what is the deal with the Fiestas and Escorts. Are they just a heavyengine? What does the fwf stuff weigh?John-----Original Message-----