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New here, with question

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 12:42 am
by massmanute
Hi,

I just registered, so I am new here.

There is a Pietenpol for sale locally, rather recently constructed and registered with 6 hrs on it. It has a Pinto engine. Is this worth a a look? The seller is asking $5000, and he seems to be a motivated seller because he is moving.

Thanks.

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 9:37 am
by Clay Hammond
Worth looking at. Seek out a licensed A&P local to you who is familiar with vintage aircraft, with emphasis on wood structures. Engine can be replaced with something more traditional/known if needed. As a subsequent owner of an Experimental Amateur Built Aircraft you will not be able to perform owner maintenance without an A&P license. You either need one yourself or otherwise employ a licensed mechanic to help you maintain the aircraft. Your best case scenario is to have that mechanic assist you with inspecting an aircraft before purchasing. When you do that there are no surprises between you and mechanic down the road with regard to the aircraft, and if something pops up later on down the line the mechanic will be more kind.

Some people like to build, others want to get straight to flying. For some it can be a combination of both. Best of luck.

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 10:10 am
by taildrags
It won't be the first Piet to fly behind a Pinto engine, if I remember correctly. I just don't recall whether they used a redrive on it or not. There are many variants of that engine too... a low compression and a higher compression, different carburetion, a turbocharged version, and other variants. On paper, the carburetted 2.0L version makes 70-75 HP at 3000-3200 RPM. To get the claimed 100HP, it's got to be run up to 4500, which is inefficient for a propeller and would require a redrive to get the prop speed down. You should have someone who is familiar with these airplanes and engines look at it before you let the attractive price overwhelm good sense.

If you'll let everyone know where you're located, you might find someone near you who can help.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 10:48 am
by tom kreiner
Guys,

Even if you remove the engine and junk it — which I’m not implying, the airframe alone could be worth the asking price!

Figure around $2000. For wood, $1500 for covering, $800 for paint, and around $500 just for turnbuckles, and that's just the structure. Add instruments, gas tank, seats, stick n controls, and you’re looking at well over the asking price.

My suggestion would be to have an experienced Piet builder/pilot review the builders log and perform the pre-purchase inspection.

Assuming the glue joints and woodwork are OK, this could be a very nice deal for someone.

Just my $0.02; your mileage may vary...

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 12:44 pm
by Clay Hammond
If you buy an EXP aircraft, and then drop it in an A&P's lap...you are asking for trouble. If you can't do the maintenance yourself due to regs or qualifications, then have the A&P you want to do your sign offs help you with identifying, inspecting, and purchasing the aircraft. You will save yourself major heartburn in the long run. A Pietenpol builder/pilot is great to have help you, but your mechanic will ultimately be your best friend if you BUY one of these airplanes already certified and flying. Best case is to find someone who is both...the Karl Erikson's and Chad Wille's of the world (and countless others).

Agree...its a good price on an Aircamper, with or without engine. But have an A&P look it over if you, 1) aren't one yourself; 2) aren't the builder yourself. You can't move forward with the ownership without one's longterm help.

Taildrags is right...share your location/region and you will get more assistance here.

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2019 12:29 am
by Terry Hand
Clay,

You made the following statement earlier - “As a subsequent owner of an Experimental Amateur Built Aircraft you will not be able to perform owner maintenance without an A&P license.“ That is an incorrect statement.

Subsequent owners of EAB aircraft are allowed to do any and all maintenance on their aircraft EXCEPT the conditional inspection. The conditional inspection may be performed by the holder of the repairman’s certificate for that particular aircraft or a licensed A&P. While a certified aircraft requires that an A&P with Inspection Authority complete the annual inspection, an EAB aircraft can have its condition inspection completed by any A&P. It does not require an IA do it.

I just wanted to make that clear to the readers of this post.

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2019 1:09 am
by massmanute
Thanks for the helpful replies so far.

Does anyone know an A&P in Northern or Central Utah who knows Pietenpols?

(Oh, one more thing. How does one pronounce "Pietenpole"? I have only seen it written, not hear it spoken.)

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:59 am
by taildrags
Probably the best place to start in Utah would be with Steve Eldredge, who owned and flew one of the iconic Air Campers of our era (the one shown as the Piet list icon on Matronics, dark green with silver wings and a big silver "E" on the tail). I believe he and his brother were both in the Salt Lake City area. Not sure how to get in touch with him though. Anybody-?

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC,A75 power

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 12:44 am
by massmanute
Thanks Taildrags. I looked for Steven Eldridge. I did find an obituary for someone named Stephen R. Eldridge who "loved airplanes". I suspect that is the person I am looking for.

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 9:39 pm
by Clay Hammond
Terry is correct. Thank you. And to that end, with the right A&P you can do a majority if not all of your Conditional too...with him looking over your shoulder/checking in on you as you do it.

Re: New here, with question

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 11:43 am
by Lownslow
The obituary is for another Steve Eldredge.

Rick Schreiber