Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "Barry Davis"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Adding lightnessHi everybody.As I am still compiling information and have not started building I'm wondering how to build light.I wonder if anybody has done a spreadsheet on weights. I have seen some weights for tails wings and fuselage but what about the little parts. Instruments wheels landing gear etc.What are you builders thoughts if you had to build again to minimize weight what would you target?Wood is the first thing but the glue and gusssets are what they are. I thought of rounding off all the stringers and longerons, improves looks, helps varnish stick, looks better shaves. some weight. Build short tail standard width minimum fuel tank and instruments. I would think finish is a big area of possible savings and always weight watchers for the pilot.What are the top ten things to do to add lightness. Lets hear your thoughts.Steve in Maine________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: RBush96589(at)aol.com
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Adding lightnessSteve,There is no secret. Just build to the plans. Most have the opinion,,,"how can I change this, or how can I change that".If you don't go there, you'll build light.I only changed the aileron hinges to piano hinges,,,and slight mod on the split gear where the "V" comes together down by the axle,,,and not much more.My empty weight was 595#I can take my fat arse of 200# and a number of friends 200/225#, no problem. Climb is a little slower, but no white knuckles.But I see what the heavy guys go thru. When I fill the 14 gal nose tank , and the 10 gal wing tank, I'm up where you heavy guys are without a passenger.walt evansNX140DLPS anybody know this guy? :^)"Put your wealth in knowledge, and no one can ever take it from you"Ben Franklin----- Original Message ----- Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 9:45 AM> >> Hi everybody.>> As I am still compiling information and have not started building I'm > wondering how to build light.>> I wonder if anybody has done a spreadsheet on weights. I have seen some > weights for tails wings and fuselage but what about the little parts. > Instruments wheels landing gear etc.>> What are you builders thoughts if you had to build again to minimize > weight what would you target?>> Wood is the first thing but the glue and gusssets are what they are. I > thought of rounding off all the stringers and longerons, improves looks, > helps varnish stick, looks better shaves. some weight. Build short tail > standard width minimum fuel tank and instruments. I would think finish is > a big area of possible savings and always weight watchers for the pilot.>> What are the top ten things to do to add lightness. Lets hear your > thoughts.>> Steve in Maine>>> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Pietenpol-List> http://wiki.matronics.com>>> ________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: "Dick Navratil"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Adding lightnessAs Walt's featured 210 lb passenger, I can attest that the plane flies nicely witha heavy payload )No white knuckles on me either Walt!--------Glenn ThomasN?????http://www.flyingwood.comRead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... __________