Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: Lutz Gebhardt
Saw some discussion a while back on an inspection hatch on the bottom skin.I am at the point of attaching to the frame in the next few days, and gotlooking ahead as to what might be an issue.The way it is on the plans, a guy would have to remove the seats (and/orstand on his head to service the torue tube, bearings, cotter pins etc.I am buiding the extended fuselage from Don Pietenpol's plans. Anydimensions, details or locations that have worked for you would beappreciated. I can visualize at this time, two small access hatches nearthe bearing ends.Also, any one screwing down the seat bottoms etc, to make easier access ifrequired?The plans call for the seat backs to be nailed, why not screws, or boltswith blind nuts?Comments or suggestions would sure be appreciated.Somehow, I hope to get to the fly in this summer, it would sure help!Best regards,-=Ian=-________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Ted Brousseau
Ian,I just made a "V" on the bottom with two heavy zippers. I can get my head in to get a good look around at each annual.Craig________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy
>>Also, any one screwing down the seat bottoms etc, to make easier access if>required?>>The plans call for the seat backs to be nailed, why not screws, or bolts>with blind nuts?>-=Ian=-Our seat bottoms are screwed down. We have cut the back bottom into 1/3swith only the center fastened down. Each side is hinged so that access canbe had to the box underneath. Good place to store things (as long as theyare made out of styrofoam ). The seat back is also screwed down foreasy removal.Ted Brousseau/APFnfn00979(at)gator.naples.netSunny SW Florida________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Ted Brousseau
>Also, any one screwing down the seat bottoms etc, to make easier access if>required?> Ian- Frank Pavliga (a registered architect) told me it was a good idea tomake the seat back and or bottom removable- provided you beef up theframing around the seat back and bottom. The seat back acts as astiffening bulkhead from what he says, and you at least want to frameit in and reinforce it a little before cutting out the inner portion and making it attach with screws, etc. I framed in both seat back and bottom and cut out and hinged the pieces at the bottom. It comesout as one piece and lets lots of room and light in that tail section.>The plans call for the seat backs to be nailed, why not screws, or bolts>with blind nuts?>>________________________________________________________________________________