How to put a Piet on a diet?
Hi all-
First time builder here contemplating starting a Pietenpol project this fall. I'm a little concerned about useful load. Me and full fuel doesn't leave much for pax, and I'm wondering about any relatively easy and affordable ways to shave weight and thereby boost useful load.
I only need to pick up about 80 lbs. over standard useful load (450 lbs), which is normally specified with 65HP. I'm going with a 100HP Corvair. Will HP alone get me where I need to be?
My specs so far are: 100 HP Corvair, long fuse, brakes, starter, basic instrumentation w/radio and preferably an intercom.
THANKS!
Rob
Jim Wills Pietenpol Wing Spar Mods
Hi Rob - I bought the original plans from Don Pietenpol in 1994 - never really got serious, and now I find myself in the UK - having to build following the UK rules - these include the Wills plans. There are lots of changes from the original plans, some of them good.......I think the wing spar design is a material/cost savings as you need long pieces of 1" x 1" (or 1 1/8") spar caps with 1/8" ply webs in place of the solid spar. It is probably lighter (I have not done the comparison) but certainly makes it easier to find the material.
I do not know if you can still purchase the Wills plans from Jim - they are wrapped up in lots of legal jargon that prevent you from making more than one aircraft, copying, etc. but I think his contact info is on the LAA website. You can let me know if you can't find it, I can dig it out.
If you can get to Brodhead, you will certainly get a ride and see for yourself the load issues. Talk to Piet pilots and you will have the facts. You (or maybe it was another poster) mentioned contacting James Buco - I think you meant Alan James, builder and pilot of G-BUCO - a UK Piet flying here now for 20 years! Alan is a great guy and will answer any questions you have, I am certain.
Another friend of mine suggested that if a person can physically fit in the front pit of a Piet - then the Piet will fly with them! I think it is as much about flexibility to get into the Piet as weight.......I know, I am old and fat!!!!
Good luck with your search
Mark