Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "Stacy Clark"
Guys,For the engineers out there, would the attached rough drawing be feasible? I cameup with the idea based on the concept that Lindbergh used a wicker seat inthe Spirit of St. Louis and looking at some of DJ's shots of the GN-1. The cornerswould be rounded and the sections between the cutouts would be approximately4" to 5" wide (WAG - wild ass guess). I would carry over the concept tothe seats and seat backs as well. Any thoughts?On another subject, for everyone that's used Charles Rubeck's wing ribs (or hasn'tfor that matter). I have noticed that the front "hole" width for the mainspar is 1" and the back "hole" is 1-1/8" wide. The spar matierial I have is1" wide. Am I missing something here?Thanks,StacyThere is only one greater thing than to believe in the impossible...and that isto achieve it -- Stacy Clark________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: BARNSTMR(at)aol.com
In case it wasn't clear in the original posting, the lightened sides I'm speakingof are the plywood sides that overlay the side fuselage frames.StacyThere is only one greater thing than to believe in the impossible...and that isto achieve it -- Stacy Clark________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Stacy Clark
StacyIn thinking about this weight saving issue, consider how much weight you are reallysaving over how much you are compromising you safety. In basic structuralissues it is always best to stay with the plans.On the wing ribs, I dont know but suspect its just for some extra wiggle room infitting the ribs.Dick N. ----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: "Galen Hutcheson"
DocCheck out my Harley Davidson 21" wheels. They are working out great.1 1/4" axle18" - 4140 axle insertsWheel bearings have to be removed and replaced with rear wheel bearingsDick----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Stacy Clark
Stacy... if you leave about 3-5" of ply at the edges and cut the center out, makingsure you have a nice large radius, it will be fine. I used a full rollof Duct tape as my radius when I traced the lines. Do not do sharp radiuses orhard corners as it will be a stress riser.The material in the middle does little in the way of strength..... it's almostnothing but dead weight. Do use a good quality aircraft ply. cheap hardware store ply would not be suggestedif youre going to cut out the centers.I saved about 2 lb by doing that, but 2 lb in the tail means about 4 up front tocounter it so it could be said youre saving 6lb.... although, for other reasonsthat is debatable.DJ ----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Galen Hutcheson

Original Posted By: Rcaprd(at)aol.com
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Lightened Sides & Wing Rib QuestionsStacy, The GN1 has the plywood all the way to the tail, and I could see the reasoning for carefully placing lightning holes there towards the tail. However,the holes in the cockpit area are not recommended, because this is where the majority of the stresses of the engine, wing, and landing gear all come together, and your weight savings would be minimal. Also, if you put holes thereyou will certainly drop something in there, between the plywood and the fabric. Keep in mind the seats in the Pietenpol are structural pieces, especially the pilot seat. NX211 (Spirit of St. Louis) was a steel tube fuselage, and the wicker seats are a light weight and durable place to sit. As for the ribs, the aft hole should be 1". It seems you will have to figure out where the holes are in relation to the plans, and shim with plywoodat each rib, to maintain the plans location of the spars.Chuck G.________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Galen Hutcheson
Thanks guys. I've decided to stick with "as plans" on the side panels becauseof your input. The wicker would have looked good though. I might still overlaysome on the seat backs (no cutout).StacyThere is only one greater thing than to believe in the impossible...and that isto achieve it -- Stacy Clark________________________________________________________________________________Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 13:01:52 -0700 (PDT)

Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy