Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: Isablcorky(at)aol.com
Corky-I can only relate to my own experience but, you asked........The rudder-bar, like so many things on the plans, becomes "invisible" when thetime comes to fly. There is so much fretting and worrying on the list about whythings should be changed to make them "better" when the time could be betterspent in building. We'd probably have a lot more airplanes in the air if we spentour keyboard time out in the shop.I don't know what your shoe size is, what your experience has been, nor anythingabout your anatomy but the rudder bar works to perfection for me. There was a quote by Jim Vandervoort that Grant used to put in the newslettersthat said, "You can change the plans and make a good airplane but if you don't,you'll have a better one". Seems to be valid from my observations even thoughthe innovations are fun to see. Larry________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: "D. Engelkenjohn"
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: pedals vs barsLarry,Thanks to you and all who have commented on my plight. The rudder bar is ok as BHP designed it in 1929. Henry Ford created quite a sensation with the advent of the Model A in 1928. I am flying with the bar in 41CC but I am not comfortable with it on T/O or landing. It being so low I have to place my heelsand/or insteps on the bar and create the movement from my hip joints which is awkard. It also contributes to pilot fatigue. That means I get tired and can hardly walk after a flight. That's not BHP's fault.Maybe I learned to fly, if I ever did, on the wrong type of aircraft, or don't have enough experience. I just don't feel comfortable with that rudder bar.Maybe I'll just go back to flight school, Sport Pilot School.I have front and rear pedals fabbed for Repiet but after so much objection from the list I might give a skosh and install a bar forward to control the loadon the rudder horns but will keep the Cessna pedals and brake cyls for the rear pilot.(That's me, I hope).Thanks again for your pros and cons. It helpsCorky in La, tack welding control horns today AFTER Isabelle's honeydoes are completed________________________________________________________________________________Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 08:35:45 -0500

Original Posted By:
Corky,I'm with you on the rudder bar thing. Gave it a fair shot but as per mypostings before, didn't feel comfortable either.Now that I have about 10 hours on the modified bar, very happy with it andwouldn't go back. And because the bar is still there, got the best of bothworlds.I had posted pics but if you or anyone wants to see them, let me know.walt evansNX140DL----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Jim Ash
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: pedals vs barsWalt,Send me direct an attachment so I might get a look at that bar modification. ThanksCorky________________________________________________________________________________Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 11:47:05 -0400

Original Posted By: Dave and Connie