Original Posted By: "Billy McCaskill"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: what I would do differently, wing spars and other thingsThank you Billy! As I recall I (and others) have calculated that my built-upsitka spruce spars cost a little more than routed 'full figured'spars but to me the simple built up spars are so easy to build and you never haveto worry about ruining a spar with your router. On my Piet I raised the pilot seat 2" for better forward visibility on takeoffand landing. I wouldn't do that again because in cruise there istoo much of my upper body out of the cockpit and I have to slouch down to get outof the wind. If I wanted to I could have added seat cushions to be higher in the seat but asit is now I can't even add a seat cushion. (fortunately I haveenough natural padding that I don't require a cushion. )Mike C.________________________________________________________________________________Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and otherthings
Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and other
Original Posted By: "Jack Phillips"
Ok, so far we have built up spars and keeping the pilot seat at stock height. Others have said to lean the Pilot's seat back 2" to improve comfort. What elsedoes anyone have to offer, aside from the time-tested advice to "build it tothe plans", and "simplicate and add lightness"?--------Billy McCaskillBaker, LAtail section almost done, starting on ribs soonRead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... __________
Ok, so far we have built up spars and keeping the pilot seat at stock height. Others have said to lean the Pilot's seat back 2" to improve comfort. What elsedoes anyone have to offer, aside from the time-tested advice to "build it tothe plans", and "simplicate and add lightness"?--------Billy McCaskillBaker, LAtail section almost done, starting on ribs soonRead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... __________
RE: Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and other
Original Posted By: owner-pietenpol-list-server(at)matronics.com
1. I made my fuselage 1" wider than plans, in the belief that the standardsize would be too tight. WRONG. I've flown several standard size Piets andfit just fine. Making it wider costs more in plywood and spruce and addsweight. It also changes the cabane strut to spar interface.2. I used standard "medium weight" fabric. Next time I cover it I will usethe light weight stuff. Not only is the fabric lighter, but it requiresless polyspray and paint to fill the weave.3. I used PolyFiber Aerothane polyurethane paint. Big Mistake. It is VERYheavy, is difficult to paint, is VERY expensive, and is very difficult torepair (the only way to remove it is to sand it off). Between the fabricand the paint I believe my Pietenpol is 60 lbs heavier than it needed to be.4. I used the plans seatback angle for the rear seat. If I did it again, Iwould move the top of the rear seat 2" aft, keeping the bottom at the planslocation. It would be much more comfortable.5. I mounted my brake master cylinders in a position that makes bleedingthe brakes one of my least favorite activities (right behind changing thebungees). Basically, in order to let air bubbles flow uphill, as they wantto do, I have to literally stand the airplane on its nose with the tail wayup in the air. Think about maintenance when you are installing things inyour airplane.6. The way I made my engine cowling requires that I disconnect my carb heatand cabin heat SCAT hoses before I can remove the lower cowling. I wish Ihad made it differently so cowling removal (and reinstallation) could bedone by myself. I always have to have help with the current design.I'll have to think about what else I would do differently - these are themain things in my airplane that I would change.Now there are a few changes from the plans that I made that I woulddefinitely do again:1. Wider centersection (and larger fuel tank). More lift and more fuel isalways a good thing.2. Access panel under the belly, providing access to inspect and lubricatethe elevator bellcrank. In my case, it also allows inspection of the trimsystem (see item 3), and replacing the batteries in the ELT3. Elevator trim system. I used a variant of the Mike Cuy spring-type trimsystem and it works well. I rarely use it, but when I'm making a long trip(such as flying to Brodhead) and have a load in my baggage compartment inthe nose, the need for trim becomes apparent.4. Cabane struts 2-3/4" taller than plans. Makes for much greater ease ofentry and exit, and better visibility. I've flown John Hofmann's"N502Rocket" and since I'm not as properly sized as John is, I find I haveto lay down on the turtledeck and slide myself into the cockpit under thewing, sort of like sliding a letter into an envelope.5. Circular Cutout for the trailing edge, again for ease of entry / egress.I suppose a flop would work as well, but I like the visibility the cutoutgives me to search above me for black & yellow Germans6. Avionics in the centersection. This is only necessary if you wantavionics, but there is no other good place to put them and it worksexceedingly well.7. Access panel in the front seatback top, giving access to the rearinstrument panel. I also installed a laminated copy of the entireairplane's wiring schematic (significant since I have a radio, atransponder, an intercom, a smoke system and a Ah-Ooooga horn in mine).Your mileage may vary.Jack PhillipsNX899JPSmith Mountain Lake, Virginia-----Original Message-----
1. I made my fuselage 1" wider than plans, in the belief that the standardsize would be too tight. WRONG. I've flown several standard size Piets andfit just fine. Making it wider costs more in plywood and spruce and addsweight. It also changes the cabane strut to spar interface.2. I used standard "medium weight" fabric. Next time I cover it I will usethe light weight stuff. Not only is the fabric lighter, but it requiresless polyspray and paint to fill the weave.3. I used PolyFiber Aerothane polyurethane paint. Big Mistake. It is VERYheavy, is difficult to paint, is VERY expensive, and is very difficult torepair (the only way to remove it is to sand it off). Between the fabricand the paint I believe my Pietenpol is 60 lbs heavier than it needed to be.4. I used the plans seatback angle for the rear seat. If I did it again, Iwould move the top of the rear seat 2" aft, keeping the bottom at the planslocation. It would be much more comfortable.5. I mounted my brake master cylinders in a position that makes bleedingthe brakes one of my least favorite activities (right behind changing thebungees). Basically, in order to let air bubbles flow uphill, as they wantto do, I have to literally stand the airplane on its nose with the tail wayup in the air. Think about maintenance when you are installing things inyour airplane.6. The way I made my engine cowling requires that I disconnect my carb heatand cabin heat SCAT hoses before I can remove the lower cowling. I wish Ihad made it differently so cowling removal (and reinstallation) could bedone by myself. I always have to have help with the current design.I'll have to think about what else I would do differently - these are themain things in my airplane that I would change.Now there are a few changes from the plans that I made that I woulddefinitely do again:1. Wider centersection (and larger fuel tank). More lift and more fuel isalways a good thing.2. Access panel under the belly, providing access to inspect and lubricatethe elevator bellcrank. In my case, it also allows inspection of the trimsystem (see item 3), and replacing the batteries in the ELT3. Elevator trim system. I used a variant of the Mike Cuy spring-type trimsystem and it works well. I rarely use it, but when I'm making a long trip(such as flying to Brodhead) and have a load in my baggage compartment inthe nose, the need for trim becomes apparent.4. Cabane struts 2-3/4" taller than plans. Makes for much greater ease ofentry and exit, and better visibility. I've flown John Hofmann's"N502Rocket" and since I'm not as properly sized as John is, I find I haveto lay down on the turtledeck and slide myself into the cockpit under thewing, sort of like sliding a letter into an envelope.5. Circular Cutout for the trailing edge, again for ease of entry / egress.I suppose a flop would work as well, but I like the visibility the cutoutgives me to search above me for black & yellow Germans6. Avionics in the centersection. This is only necessary if you wantavionics, but there is no other good place to put them and it worksexceedingly well.7. Access panel in the front seatback top, giving access to the rearinstrument panel. I also installed a laminated copy of the entireairplane's wiring schematic (significant since I have a radio, atransponder, an intercom, a smoke system and a Ah-Ooooga horn in mine).Your mileage may vary.Jack PhillipsNX899JPSmith Mountain Lake, Virginia-----Original Message-----
Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and other
Original Posted By: "Jack Phillips"
Great suggestions, Jack. Keep the ideas coming, good people!--------Billy McCaskillBaker, LAtail section almost done, starting on ribs soonRead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... __________
Great suggestions, Jack. Keep the ideas coming, good people!--------Billy McCaskillBaker, LAtail section almost done, starting on ribs soonRead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... __________
Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and other
Original Posted By: "kevinpurtee"
I get a stumble sometimes in the 1000-1200 rpm range. I think it may have somethingto do with the transition from the idle jet to the main jet. I've experiencedthis on other carbs too.Don EmchNX899DERead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... ___Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and otherthings
I get a stumble sometimes in the 1000-1200 rpm range. I think it may have somethingto do with the transition from the idle jet to the main jet. I've experiencedthis on other carbs too.Don EmchNX899DERead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... ___Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and otherthings
Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and other
Original Posted By: John Fay
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and otherthings
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and otherthings
> Pietenpol-List: Re: what I would do differently, wing spars and other
Original Posted By: "Jack Phillips"
> --> Pietenpol-List message posted> by: "kevinpurtee" > > So Oscar, you know that despite the fact that I'm recovering> I can still kick your butt, right?:)> > Just kidding, of course.> > On the rebuild, we will do the following:> > - 3 piece wing,> - Use a Gary Boothe fuel tank (~16 gallons),> - Move the fuel tank filler port forward a little for ease> of refueling,> - Probably use the lightweight fabric as Jack mentioned,> - Slant the back seat back a little as Jack mentioned,> - Figure out a way to make Shelley more comfortable in the> front seat, raise the seat, figure out better cushions,> whatever,> - Maybe raise the turtle deck an inch? We'll see,> - Use fittings at the top of the rear cabanes as an attach> point for the front seat shoulder harness attach cable vs.> the through-the-cabane eyebolts we used,> - Maybe use a head rest to raise the back seat shoulder> harness,> - I loved the brakes, but need to figure out a way to quit> popping spokes. May just use Jack's design.> We'll see,> - Maybe a cutout in the wing?> - Add a sump to the fuel tank, of course....> > I loved the airplane and it performed nicely. These> are changes for convenience (except for the sump in the fuel> tank, of course...).> > --------> Kevin "Axel" Purtee> NX899KP> Austin/San Marcos, TX> > > > > Read this topic online here:> > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... 508#382508> > > > > > > > Email Forum -> - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS -> List Contribution Web Site -> -Matt> Dralle, List Admin.> > > > ________________________________________________________________________________
> --> Pietenpol-List message posted> by: "kevinpurtee" > > So Oscar, you know that despite the fact that I'm recovering> I can still kick your butt, right?:)> > Just kidding, of course.> > On the rebuild, we will do the following:> > - 3 piece wing,> - Use a Gary Boothe fuel tank (~16 gallons),> - Move the fuel tank filler port forward a little for ease> of refueling,> - Probably use the lightweight fabric as Jack mentioned,> - Slant the back seat back a little as Jack mentioned,> - Figure out a way to make Shelley more comfortable in the> front seat, raise the seat, figure out better cushions,> whatever,> - Maybe raise the turtle deck an inch? We'll see,> - Use fittings at the top of the rear cabanes as an attach> point for the front seat shoulder harness attach cable vs.> the through-the-cabane eyebolts we used,> - Maybe use a head rest to raise the back seat shoulder> harness,> - I loved the brakes, but need to figure out a way to quit> popping spokes. May just use Jack's design.> We'll see,> - Maybe a cutout in the wing?> - Add a sump to the fuel tank, of course....> > I loved the airplane and it performed nicely. These> are changes for convenience (except for the sump in the fuel> tank, of course...).> > --------> Kevin "Axel" Purtee> NX899KP> Austin/San Marcos, TX> > > > > Read this topic online here:> > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... 508#382508> > > > > > > > Email Forum -> - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS -> List Contribution Web Site -> -Matt> Dralle, List Admin.> > > > ________________________________________________________________________________