Original Posted By: Copinfo
Hi, I just got back from the fly-in at Benton and agree with Greg Yotz. It WAS a Great success!!! Unfortunately, the weather was cruddy so no Piets flew...but I counted six Piets in attendance. (one was flyable) I am guessing there must have been 30 or 35 model A cars there. I talked to at least at least a dozen piet builders and I know there were more that I just didn't get around to meet. I spoke to 2 folks each working on their own projects from TX who had driven in. Another man from North Central Kansas. And quite a few from the south central Kansas region. I would list the names, but I am afraid I would get some wrong. I am terrible with names. Not to worry though...Chuck Gantzer had a sign-in sheet circulating, so I will try to talk him into posting the entries so we can recall who was there. Here's what I can recall from memory... Doug Bryant (Wichita) had the only flyable Piet there. He ran his "A" engine for us and it sure sounded sweet. The weather never really was good enough for Doug to give us a demonstration flight. He did give everyone a walk around tour. (I think he wound up doing 10 laps or so around the plane.) His Piet is quite authentic to the 1933 plans. Joe Beck (Wichita) had his long fuselage there. He's got a custom remanufactured Corvair waiting in his shop. Some of us wound up driving the 2.5 miles over to his shop to inspect the remainder of his project. He's coming along nicely with things. I'd say he's about 85% complete.Chuck Gantzer and Doug Bryant (Wichita) had their short fuselage on display. Doug built the fuselage and Chuck built the wing. Chuck has his gas tank in, the wing fabric glued, and he's just about ready for rib-stitching. Seems to me that they are about 90% there. Their "A" is in the overhaul shop, currently. Chuck also had his ailerons on display, and photo albums.Leon Stefan (Hutchinson Kansas) brought his landing gear jig to display, complete with axle/wheels/disc brakes and tires (kitfox tundra-type). He also was showing off his aluminum "A" head with dual plugs.I brought my rib jig complete with one rib cured and ready to pop out. (Wichita) I just glued it up at 2 am this morning. We popped it out of the jig and then had plenty of discussion about rib-building technique. John Greenlee (excuse me if I messed up the name) brought his gas tank mold and a picture album of his project. He lives in Bowie, TX. He also pulled out his immaculate original issue flying and glider manuals. That was a treat for me. I have only seen the EAA reprint version. I think he hass all years except for the 1929. Says he bought them over an internet auction. I saw a bunch of folks in Pietenpol shirts, but I didn't get around to meet everyone I would have liked to. Saw lots of smiling friendly people and noticed that everyone seemed to be having a good time. Shared a lot of technical and not-so-technical discussions. Got a few Stearman buzz jobs. Witnessed several hot-dogs being consumed. Some by the airport dog who I think greeted everyone there. All in all I think it was great and am already looking forward to the 2nd annual Benton fly-in.Terry B________________________________________________________________________________