Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "Bill Church"

Original Posted By: LWATCDR

Original Posted By: "Bill Church"

Original Posted By: amsafetyc(at)aol.com
Pieter'scheck out Wag-Aero for aluminium spar extrusions. They have them fortheir Wag-Aero designs.B.Kirk "Graham Hansen" wrote:>> > Perhaps 15 years ago, I built a sample Pietenpol wing >rib from .020" 2024 T3 aluminum alloy angles as a design >study. It was relatively easy to fabricate, and took less >time than making a standard Pietenpol rib. I never >pursued the concept and gave it to a friend who still has >it.> > The plan was to use wooden spars with aluminum ribs, >leading edge skin and trailing edge in much the same way >the wings of a Cub, Taylorcraft or Aeronca were built. It >was felt that some weight could be saved by doing so. In >any case, I would like to see someone try this approach; >it won't be me because, as BHP used to say, "I've had too >many birthdays!".> > If one could find extruded aluminum spars similar to >those used on Piper airplanes, an all-metal wing >structure could be had (fabric-covered, of course). Using >blank Cub type spar extrusions would require changing the >airfoil section, and this likely wouldn't be acceptable >to Pietenpol lovers (myself included). I don't know if >any weight could be saved by using metal spars, somebody >out there will likely check this out.> > It would be virtually impossible to save weight in the >"tail feathers" by going to metal. The wooden empennage >is just about as light as it is possible to make it, and >there is no advantage in abandoning the standard wooden >version. I built a steel tubing fuselage years ago and >sold it to a fellow who finished the airplane. The tail >surfaces were of steel tubing with light steel channel >ribs. While the basic fuselage structure was lighter than >the wooden one, there wasn't much difference by the time >the seat supports, brackets for controls, etc. were >added. Nevertheless, the completed airplane flew well and >its empty weight was about average for the type.> > I don't think it would be inappropriate for someone to >design an all-metal wing structure, provided the >appearance of the Pietenpol airplane isn't compromised >too much. An alternative to scarce and expensive aircraft >quality spruce would be beneficial, in my humble opinion.> > Go for it!> > Graham Hansen [Pietenpol CF-AUN (wood >structure) in Alberta, Canada]> > > > > >page,>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Piet ... ist>Forums!> > > ________________________________________________________________________________Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Fuselage gussetsDate: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:32:23 -0400

Original Posted By: "Rick Holland"