Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: Mike Salerno
Im a 58 year old Crop Duster pilot from NE Arkansas. I have been a piet fan foryears but just now got all the planets lined up right and ordered a set of plansfrom Andrew pietenpol. I will probably end up with a continental or Lycomingengine but I haven't decided on the long or short fuselage, might need someadvice here. Im only 5/10 but kind of a big guy. Might need the extra room.Im trying to keep my cost down , but have found that all the good wood is onthe west coast.. I can't plop down a thousand bucks for spars. have found a fewgood Douglas Fir boards but may have to laminate my spars . love the old lookso thinking of spoke wheels . If I had my wishes I would run a small radialout front , but that might not be a practical choice as engines and parts arescarce. Any advice is very much appreciated.Read this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... ______Date: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 14:26:29 -0700 (PDT)

Original Posted By: "aviken"
Thanks Mike,I have to say your video which was the first thing I bought when I started thisproject and it gave me inspiration the whole time. Everytime I would get tiredof the project, I would watch parts of your video and get all fired up again.....soseeing this project finished is partially because of your plane and video!!So thanks Man![quote="michael.d.cuy(at)nasa.gov"]Man Chris, what a GREAT report and accomplishmentfor both you and your test pilot. That guy did a great job flying and landingit even with the engine misses. Love the sound of the engine and looksof it and the overal plane is downright gorgeous. Way to go fella--nicelydone! Mike C. in Ohio > --------NX321LRON THE FINAL PUSH!!Mitsubishi PoweredRead this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... ___Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Newbie Arkansas builder

Original Posted By: "Cuy, Michael D. (GRC-RXD0)[Vantage Partners, LLC]"
Just noticed I was asked a question in one of the replys of my previous post. I said I was big in size... well here's my best description. at last years pilotphysical I stood 5 ft 10 in. tall and weighed 230 lbs... it is true I amsporting a little un-needed weight , might be a good inspiration to loose about30 during the build. But in reality im not a big guy , just Arkansas stocky.Read this topic online here:http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.p ... __________

Original Posted By: Rick Holland
Wow Chris, that is truly and honor to hear that my video partially helped you to keep going on your project and FINISH it! I cannot believe how many people have told me they've enjoyed that video and it really was developed as a one-time, one builder (John Ficklin in Florida) project as John asked me help him out. I had no idea the video would go to all parts of Europe, South Africa, Hawaii, Alaska, and Australia. You cats are crazy! Here I was hoping the video tape would help put your wives to sleep early so you could go back out into the shop or basment and keep working until Jay Leno came on!I have to say that getting a ride in and seeing Frank Pavliga's Sky Gypsy back in the 80's changed my whole mindset about what kind of flying and plane that I wanted. I thought I wanted a go-fast, closed cockpit. Frank's ride to me launched me into old-time aviation. I bought an Aeroncan Champ with a church buddy Joe Tomasic in 1989 for $3,500 each and learned how to fly tailwheel airplanes.Once Joe and I started flying the Aeronca with the door off I could NOT get enough of that open air feeling and view. (especially during takeoff and landing.) Once I had enough tailwheel time Frank was gracious enough to let me fly his Sky Gypsy and that sealed the deal. The Aeronca was sold when Joe retired and moved to Arizona an the Piet project got underway and I've never looked back.Fifteeen years later that sturdy, sturdy, and trusty little friend sitting in the hangar has never disapointed me and has given myself and many others great joy (and terror!:) over the years and still continues to do so.The second half of your adventure (like Rick Holland's) has just gotten started Chris and we're thrilled for you! You've joined a very small group of builders who actually made it to the finish line and how you're already off on the starting line of the most aviation fun you'll ever have!Mike C. in Ohio________________________________________________________________________________Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2013 12:16:05 -0600Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Re: Newbie Arkansas builder

Original Posted By: Rick Schreiber