Search found 637 matches

by taildrags
Sun Jun 07, 2020 12:17 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP
Replies: 27
Views: 14490

Re: N34KP

Oh, I'll feel MUCH better with the release inside the cockpit than using my current method, which is to carry a set of chocks with me along with a rope to let me pull the chocks into the cockpit. Chocks are a real pain, but about the most secure thing I can think of to do right now. Static thrust wi...
by taildrags
Fri Jun 05, 2020 2:22 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP
Replies: 27
Views: 14490

Re: N34KP

I've had a tiedown release on my mind for a long time. The newest model from Tost, their E-22, is much lower cost than their standard glider tow releases and weighs 310 grams (11 ounces). I may look into that one or may try to fabricate one like this Oscar Zuniga Medford, OR Air Camper NX41CC, A75 p...
by taildrags
Thu Jun 04, 2020 11:45 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP
Replies: 27
Views: 14490

Re: N34KP

I am not proud of this, but there are a lot of spots on 41CC where the paint on some patched spots does not match the overall paint. I learned that the way to prepare Poly-Tone after the can has been sitting for any length of time is to stir the contents thoroughly and slowly so that all of the pigm...
by taildrags
Sun May 31, 2020 10:47 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: To our friends at Chapter 25 in MN
Replies: 2
Views: 3231

Re: To our friends at Chapter 25 in MN

Tom; yours is a heartfelt sentiment and it's the same from many of us who share the same thoughts and feelings. My wife and I have some very dear friends who live right in the heart of Minneapolis since they have been teaching at the U of Minn for many years and just retired. They are close enough t...
by taildrags
Fri May 22, 2020 3:17 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Interchanging Piet Parts
Replies: 2
Views: 3032

Re: Interchanging Piet Parts

Probably more likely that outer wing panels would interchange than for tail surfaces to be swappable, but hard to say without checking a few measurements between host airplane and donor airplane.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
by taildrags
Wed May 20, 2020 10:12 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Landing qear question
Replies: 6
Views: 4576

Re: Landing qear question

jocatgo-

Are those expander-tube brakes that you've got on there?

-Oscar
by taildrags
Wed May 20, 2020 4:44 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Landing qear question
Replies: 6
Views: 4576

Re: Landing qear question

Here's what my gear looks like. I have Cleveland brakes and 6" wheels on the airplane.
gear.jpg
-Oscar
by taildrags
Wed May 20, 2020 4:39 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Landing qear question
Replies: 6
Views: 4576

Re: Landing qear question

jocatgo-

My airplane has the split-style landing gear but with springs instead of bungees. Which part of the landing gear leg or axle are you needing more information on?

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
by taildrags
Mon May 18, 2020 10:49 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: best gear woods
Replies: 2
Views: 3102

Re: best gear woods

Douwe; Disclaimer: I've never built a set of the Jenny-style wood gear legs and my airplane doesn't have them, but they use hickory for axe handles because it's stronger and more flexible than white ash. Oak might be another wood choice for strength and flexibility. Those who have actually built gea...
by taildrags
Sat May 16, 2020 3:31 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Landing qear question
Replies: 6
Views: 4576

Re: Landing qear question

John; this tailwheel steering arrangement where the rudder also steers the tailwheel is used on the Grega GN-1 Aircamper and it saves one set of cables and fairleads from the rudder bar back to the tailwheel. On that airplane, there is a spruce block "wedge" gusset down in the lower front ...
by taildrags
Mon May 04, 2020 10:28 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Spoked Wheels on Cub Gear
Replies: 2
Views: 3382

Re: Spoked Wheels on Cub Gear

From the area code, it looks like Ralph is in the Oklahoma City area. Jim Markle-?

-Oscar
by taildrags
Mon May 04, 2020 4:54 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Glide Ratio
Replies: 8
Views: 5821

Re: Glide Ratio

Ken; yes- and that's another thing your post prompted: re-familiarizing myself with the airplane's V speeds. I'm going to go out to the hangar and check them. They're clearly presented in the aircraft's operating restrictions, which are in a pocket behind the seat along with the W&B, but I forge...
by taildrags
Mon May 04, 2020 4:49 pm
Forum: Classified Ads
Topic: WTB Climb Prop
Replies: 8
Views: 5978

Re: WTB Climb Prop

Well, come on, Bob- see if you can break the record ;o) The scales only go up to 330 lbs and to my knowledge, nobody has buried the needle yet. I have 'em in my hangar and can send 'em out to whoever is next in line.
scales.jpg
-Oscar
by taildrags
Mon May 04, 2020 3:36 pm
Forum: Classified Ads
Topic: WTB Climb Prop
Replies: 8
Views: 5978

Re: WTB Climb Prop

Bob; I fly behind a Culver 72x36 on my A75 and can spin it at 2600 RPM in cruise to get most of the rated HP out of it. However, I like to ease it back to 2350-2400 most of the time since it just feels more comfortable there and the plane doesn't seem to fly any faster if I firewall it. On the groun...
by taildrags
Mon May 04, 2020 3:21 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Glide Ratio
Replies: 8
Views: 5821

Re: Glide Ratio

Ken: excellent information! Seems to solidify the 8:1 rule of thumb ratio for light planes. So (as an example), my home field here at Medford has a pattern altitude of 969 ft. If I respond promptly and correctly to an engine-out and set up best glide at 57 MPH, and my airplane can glide in a 7.8:1 r...
by taildrags
Mon May 04, 2020 10:57 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Glide Ratio
Replies: 8
Views: 5821

Re: Glide Ratio

It would seem that there are enough Piet pilots out there that someone must have flown timed descent tests at best glide speed to have some data points on this. I haven't flown such tests myself, but it sounds like a fun and interesting thing to do on a nice day. Popular lore has it that Piets glide...
by taildrags
Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:47 pm
Forum: Classified Ads
Topic: WTB Climb Prop
Replies: 8
Views: 5978

Re: WTB Climb Prop

Bob; is the engine together and running, to where you could test a prop on it? I have a Prince 68x42 that is probably more than my A75 can handle but might be OK for your C90 since it was flown on a Skyote with an O200. The Prince P-tip isn't really the best 'look' on a Piet, but if you're looking t...
by taildrags
Tue Apr 28, 2020 11:54 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Experimental Insurance
Replies: 3
Views: 3497

Re: Experimental Insurance

I, too, have my coverage through Global (well, actually through Falcon Insurance out of Kerrville TX, but Global is the underwriter). Liability only, and I pay one Federal Reserve Note per day for my coverage on 41CC... $365/year for $1M liability. Same as Richard, I've got the minimum required by t...
by taildrags
Sun Apr 26, 2020 12:20 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: floats
Replies: 3
Views: 3329

Re: floats

Ralph; yes, I have the Flying & Glider manuals and have looked at those floats many times. However, the attraction of the Muktuk floats is that they are of wood, not metal like the ones in the manuals. Although I have some metalworking tools such as a rivet gun and other basic tools, working in ...
by taildrags
Tue Apr 21, 2020 10:26 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Maybe how an O-200 failed?
Replies: 1
Views: 2672

Re: Maybe how an O-200 failed?

This is called detective work on a cold case, and you're finding empty shell casings in a bulletproof engine ;o)

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
by taildrags
Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:31 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Intro questions
Replies: 7
Views: 4852

Re: Intro questions

Jamie; My airplane has the 3-piece wing and I've had the wing panels on and off several times. It's not something that can be done without two or three people working together (unless you have slings and stands and a lot of patience) and it's not something that is quick and easy, even if you do it r...
by taildrags
Thu Apr 16, 2020 12:51 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: floats
Replies: 3
Views: 3329

floats

Does anybody know if Cress Walker is still around? He designed, built, tested, and sold plans for homebuilt wooden floats. He was out of British Columbia, I believe. I have a set of plans for his Muktuk Floats and have had an inquiry from someone looking for a set so they can build some but I don't ...
by taildrags
Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:46 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Still new and nuts on nuts
Replies: 6
Views: 4748

Re: Still new and nuts on nuts

Jeffrey; I have an inspection "borescope" camera too (Harbor Freight), but it doesn't do any good for getting in there to lubricate pulleys. And I didn't build my airplane... it came with all those inspection covers when I got it. My A&P loves them though.

-Oscar
by taildrags
Tue Apr 14, 2020 10:36 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Still new and nuts on nuts
Replies: 6
Views: 4748

Re: Still new and nuts on nuts

Not saying that my airplane is the example that all should follow, but someone asked me about inspection covers on the underside of the wing on 41CC so I took pix and put it on a little webpage, here- http://www.flysquirrel.net/piets/repairs/inspection.html Oscar Zuniga Medford, OR Air Camper NX41CC...
by taildrags
Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:34 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Couch surfing
Replies: 1
Views: 2931

Re: Couch surfing

Dan; Your post about the Dawn Patrol got me thinking about the EAA Chapter 292 "Noon Patrol" up here in Oregon. That was a group of 13 replica Nieuport 11s (the Graham Lee reproduction with VW power) that were constructed at the same time by members of the Chapter some years ago. The const...
by taildrags
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:42 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: attaching post hinge?
Replies: 3
Views: 3276

Re: attaching post hinge?

JimBob; my guess is that it wouldn't hurt anything if you just give the countersinks on that one hinge half a light touch with a standard countersink to bring the 100 degree to 90 degrees and use the hardware that is readily available. It shouldn't put the screw heads in very deep past flush if you ...
by taildrags
Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:22 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: stabilizer turnbuckle
Replies: 12
Views: 4905

Re: stabilizer turnbuckle

JimBob; using 1/8" cable for the tail brace wires? The breaking strength of that cable, whether 1x19 or 7x19 (1x19 for standing rigging or 7x19 for cables running and flexing over pulleys) is at least 2000 lbs and those wires will never see that. You should consider something a little thinner, ...
by taildrags
Thu Mar 26, 2020 10:56 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: How to end the turtle deck
Replies: 3
Views: 3195

Re: How to end the turtle deck

Earl, that's beautiful work, and an elegant way to fair the turtledeck into the tail feathers!

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
by taildrags
Mon Mar 23, 2020 10:07 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Wing Rotisserie Operational
Replies: 4
Views: 3555

Re: Wing Rotisserie Operational

Interesting attachment at the tip ends.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
by taildrags
Sun Mar 08, 2020 1:28 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Ford GAV
Replies: 4
Views: 3825

Re: Ford GAV

JCB: that's a very sanitary test stand setup. Nice! What are you driving on the output end of the crank? Is that a hydraulic pump or something that you can use as a variable load dyno?

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power
by taildrags
Sun Mar 08, 2020 1:17 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Rudder cables
Replies: 3
Views: 3213

Re: Rudder cables

Stephen; your remarks are welcome; thank you. However, I did not build 41CC... it was first begun by Joe Czaplicki and constructed up through complete fuselage on the gear and with an A65 and mount on the airplane; ribs and tail surfaces completed. Joe used resorcinol glue on the parts of the airpla...
by taildrags
Sat Mar 07, 2020 6:23 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Rudder cables
Replies: 3
Views: 3213

Re: Rudder cables

Here's how the rudder cables are routed on 41CC. Series of five pix below. I'm not sure why or how the server manipulates the pictures, but despite my best efforts, some of them get rotated a different way than I want them to. Sorry about that. cable1.JPG First shot is looking at the left rudder bar...
by taildrags
Sat Mar 07, 2020 11:32 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Rudder Post/bar typo
Replies: 5
Views: 3640

Re: Rudder Post/bar typo

I had some slop in that connection when I got the airplane and if I remember correctly, I was able to find a metric bolt that provided a better fit. M7 maybe? That's 0.2756" and 3/8" .049 tube has an ID of 0.277"... a gap of seven ten-thousandths. If you use an AN4, the gap will be as...
by taildrags
Sun Mar 01, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N9252A
Replies: 4
Views: 3149

Re: N9252A

Well OK... that's quite a run for me from Medford in a Piet! I was just thinking maybe of going out there to see your airplane sometime. Is it airworthy? Do you plan to ferry it, or trailer it? Where in SoCal is it located? As you know, there are a number of Piet pilots/builders down that way and if...
by taildrags
Sat Feb 29, 2020 9:35 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N9252A
Replies: 4
Views: 3149

Re: N9252A

Ron; where abouts in Eastern Oregon are you located?

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power
by taildrags
Thu Feb 27, 2020 10:11 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Long Fuselage dimension
Replies: 4
Views: 3495

Re: Long Fuselage dimension

My 1933 Hoopman plans show the horizontal stab being 18" and the mounting space between the end of the turtledeck and the tailpost being the same 18", so I have no idea where the extra 7/8" came from.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power
by taildrags
Thu Feb 13, 2020 10:42 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Spar thickness
Replies: 12
Views: 7048

Re: Spar thickness

Wannabe- the ribs should slide onto the spars but they need to be a snug fit. The best way to do that is to cut off some short stub ends of your spar stock (assuming that you've got a little to spare... and the ends usually have a little checking or scuffing anyway)- and when you build your rib jig,...
by taildrags
Wed Feb 12, 2020 11:04 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Spar thickness
Replies: 12
Views: 7048

Re: Spar thickness

Wannabe- there are Piets flying with 3/4" thick spars, although I don't recommend that without some knowledge of what you're doing and what type of wood it is. However, I would consider "a shade thinner" than 1" to be just fine. Just be sure to compensate for that if you decide t...
by taildrags
Sun Feb 09, 2020 10:06 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Torque tube front collar
Replies: 2
Views: 2613

Re: Torque tube front collar

Pretty sure my airplane has AN3 bolts with nylock nuts all along the torque tube and that makes it easily removable, but given the degree of difficulty I've found working up under the front as I age, you should also be able to use any of a number of simpler attachments as long as they don't obstruct...
by taildrags
Thu Feb 06, 2020 9:55 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: shock struts
Replies: 6
Views: 4816

Re: shock struts

If so, the "spring in a can" setup should work just fine. There is a bit of a delicate geometry where the two shock struts cross each other, but you should be able to work that out by adjusting the mounting point of one or the other of the struts up at the top end.

-Oscar
by taildrags
Thu Feb 06, 2020 9:53 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: shock struts
Replies: 6
Views: 4816

Re: shock struts

Bill: are your struts set up sort of like some variation of this?
gear.jpg
Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power
by taildrags
Mon Jan 20, 2020 10:15 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Control Horns
Replies: 9
Views: 5684

Re: Control Horns

Ah. Now I see. Earl, you may want to tweak the angle of the leading edge of your vertical stabilizer after you test-fly the aircraft. Mine is cranked over a little bit to help reduce some of the yaw that I was experiencing even after adding a rudder trim tab and shifting the nose of the engine over ...
by taildrags
Sun Jan 19, 2020 1:11 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Control Horns
Replies: 9
Views: 5684

Re: Control Horns

Oh yeah, and I forgot to say why I was thinking that way. The vertical stabilizer brace wire brackets each take the load of two wires, while the horizontal stabilizer brace wires only take the load of one apiece.

-Oscar
by taildrags
Sun Jan 19, 2020 1:08 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Control Horns
Replies: 9
Views: 5684

Re: Control Horns

See, this is where my usual mental logic has broken down. It sounds like the desire to keep the tail light pushes towards making all the fittings out of the 13 ga material. I look at the tail brace anchor straps and see a difference in the metal gauges with no explanation given, and I tend to make a...
by taildrags
Sun Jan 19, 2020 12:48 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Pilot Headrest/Helmet box
Replies: 3
Views: 2812

Re: Pilot Headrest/Helmet box

Corky constructed almost the entire pilot's seat back as a hinged panel, including the seatback padding. It's latched at the top with a hardware store quarter-turn keyed latch and hinged at the bottom so it swings forward. I attached a seatback map pouch to the inside of the seatback (AutoZone acces...
by taildrags
Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:19 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Photo update from my airplane factory
Replies: 7
Views: 5546

Re: Photo update from my airplane factory

Ed; maybe I'm imagining this, but I seem to recall that it was either Paul Poberezny or Tony Bingelis who fabricated parts for their experimental aircraft while overseas in the military. They worked out of a trunk that contained their tools and materials and made one piece at a time, so I suppose yo...
by taildrags
Tue Jan 07, 2020 11:59 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: First flight of 2020
Replies: 6
Views: 4835

Re: First flight of 2020

My BasicMed exam today went unbelievably smooth. Quick and easy, done and done! Now to line up that flight review... and I'm thinking that since I'm going to be pulling the wheels to repack the bearings for the annual on my airplane anyway, I might as well swap out my 6.00x6 Aero Trainer tires &...
by taildrags
Tue Jan 07, 2020 10:35 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Photo update from my airplane factory
Replies: 7
Views: 5546

Re: Photo update from my airplane factory

Shop? Who's got a shop? Wooden table under a shade tree ;o)

-Oscar
by taildrags
Sun Jan 05, 2020 1:14 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Wing Rotisserie
Replies: 4
Views: 3745

Re: Wing Rotisserie

Are you building the one-piece wing, or two-piece with centersection? Big difference. I'm assuming you're building separate outer wing panels, which makes it easier. You're probably not going to find many wing rotisseries than one like this Super Cub builder fabricated: http://www.mykitlog.com/users...
by taildrags
Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:41 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: First flight of 2020
Replies: 6
Views: 4835

Re: First flight of 2020

Well, good on ya, Tools! Thanks for breaking the ice! Many more enjoyable flights in '20 to you, sir.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power