Anyone building a Pietenpol?

[John Recine]

Over the years I have been intrigued and captivated by the designs of Bernard Pietenpol, so much so I have purchased a set of drawings and am deeply involved in the research of the build.

Any Piet builders, flyers or wannabees

John

 

[SteveR]

I've had mine for nearly 18 months now and love it. Didn't build it though. I'm about 6' & 165lbs, anybody much bigger than me won't fit, although the previous owner was about 6' and 210. I've flown with 190lb passengers before, but it is a little scary...only about 200fpm climb at that weight (my plane is light at 593lbs). It is a lot of fun though, and a real attention getter. Flys a lot like a 65hp cub (mine has an A-75). They are very draggy airplanes due to the wires/open cockpit/airfoil. They slow down really fast...the good side is that I can land in about 100' with a 15 mph headwind. I've got around 120 hours in it so far.

Have you considered a Grega GN-1? Basically a Pietenpol with a few minor variations (slightly higher wing, very slightly modified airfoil leading edge, etc.). Mine is a Gn-1. I've never flown a model A powered Pietenpol, but I don't see how they would possibly cary more than about 280lbs of people. I'd recomend a C-90 if you can find one.

Here is my story of my trip from Indiana to Texas in my Piet:
http://www.wotelectronics.com/flying/2005AprilPietTrip/

 

[John Recine]

Steve,

Great pics and travel log, not quite sure when I'll be in Tulsa but it souds like if I can make it to Norman its worth the trip for a peak.

Thanks for sharing

No quite finished with the research nor to begin the build yet but encouraged, excited and energized!

John

 

[rmciottijr]

Steve,

That was a great story and it shows how that aviation family sticks together.

Bob