Pietenpol-List: building light

[matronics]

Original Posted By: Jim Ash
Subject: Pietenpol-List: building lightI hesitate to write because Mike (as always) said it so well. So I'll basically reiterate what he said.When building a high-drag, relatively low wing area airframe like a Piet, it is vital that weight be kept down, and it sounds like you get that, so that's the first step... understanding that.I think when you build every part, or add anything it is good to ask yourself, "do I need this" and "can this be done lighter".As Mike said, I would NOT try to build the basic airframe lighter, because it is exceptionally strong and proven and really not overweight as it is, so why mess with it. It's all the other stuff we add that does the damage to the overall weight.I was really impressed with Allen Rudolph's old Ford powered Piet up at Brodhead last year. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think someone said it was right around 600, maybe under, with a Model A engine! so it can be done! and oh, what a beautifully simple airplane!!Like you said, build the original fuse, don't add width unless you need it. Use light ceconite, don't pile on tons of paint/dope/polyfiber. Don't use silver on the bottom surfaces unless you plan on lots of inverted flight time. Keep your seatbelts light, cushions to a minimum, instruments to a minimum (I am using a light wing mounted airspeed indicator, saving the panel mounted unit and pitot system) Make your wingscreens no thicker than needed. And remember, every pound in the tail equals four in the nose, so keep things light back there.The Piet is a pure fun flying machine and is designed for no other reason than to fly around the puddle. There weren't any frills on it, you didn't need them, the frills are what's around you and below you. Douwe________________________________________________________________________________

[matronics]

Original Posted By: "Paul Carter"
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: building lightIn a message dated 6/29/2006 7:53:59 AM Central Standard Time, douweblumberg(at)earthlink.net writes:The Piet is a pure fun flying machine and is designed for no other reason than to fly around the puddle. Very true, but in '04 I did a 3100 mile cross country flight in the ol Pietenpol !! Best adventure of my life !!Chuck G.NX770CG________________________________________________________________________________