Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: baileys(at)ktis.net (Robert M. Bailey)
List,I'm working on ribs, but getting ready to start some work on tailsurfaces. I'veattended the Piet forum at Oshkosh several years. I thought IrememberedVi Kapler saying, a few years ago, that it is often a good idea to addabout sixinches to the front of the vertical fin, especially if you are using anenginelighter than the Ford model A.Does anyone know anything about this?Looking for someone to head me in the right direction,________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: "McNarry, John"
>List,>I'm working on ribs, but getting ready to start some work on tail>surfaces. I've>attended the Piet forum at Oshkosh several years. Ithought I>remembered>Vi Kapler saying, a few years ago, that it is often agood idea to add>about six>inches to the front of the vertical fin,especially if you are using an>engine>lighter than the Ford model A.>>Does anyone know anything about this?>>Hi John- The Piets I've flown with 65 and 85 hp Continentals had theplan-sized fin and rudder. Absolutely no adverse flight characteristicswere observed. (other than pilot-induced, that is) The FAA usedto have a rule which required so much vertical tail surface area perhorsepower (look at a Champ w/ bigger than a 65 and you'll see thelarger dorsal fin - Ala Earl Myers) .....so maybe that's what promptedVi to advise the larger fin. Mike C. ________________________________________________________________________________