Brodhead Pietenpol Association

So my son and I are looking for a plane to build together. We've looked at several designs, the Zenith planes, Double Eagle, the Fisher designs, etc. We've been considering the Piet as well. I have a few questions.

First, what is considered a comprehensive set of plans? I've looked around a bit and it seems that there are more than one source and revisions, etc. I guess it's because the design has been around for so long. What should be considered all that I need to build? Also, is there a manual, videos, etc., from third parties, etc?

Also, what are the specs? Seems that they vary a bit. I've seen useful loads from as little as 438 lbs and some near 480 lbs.

Finally, are there good sources for hard to manufacture parts? Builder support?

Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul,

The best place to get plans is still from the original source.https://www.pietenpolaircraftcompany.com
You can buy the whole set or sections depending on what you are working on and they do come with a manual.
Andrew Pietenpol is very helpful in deciding which set you may want.

The plans were drawn in the '30s so don't expect a lot of isometric CAD drawings and a step by step type of manual like most kit aircraft today.
All the info is there, it's just not laid out they way plans are today.

There really aren't any hard to manufacture parts. The plane was designed to be built with basic hand and power tools.
I have seen some parts being sold online, but, given these are scratch-built aircraft no two are exactly alike and the parts most likely
won't fit properly on every plane.

Again, because these are scratch-built, the specs are going to vary depending on fuselage length, gear type, 1 or 3 piece wing, and engine used
Also, the builder sets the gross weight, so that will influence the useful load number.

Hope this helps some!
Earl

When looking at the plans, consider them more as suggestions. Measurements in places are wrong or missing. Parts are missing. There's no way to know how much your Piet will weigh ahead of time and so your useful load won't be known until you're done.

Let's look at the ribs. You can use the full size drawing (making sure it didn't shrink) or plot the points from the plans. They are slightly different ribs. I spoke with Andrew Pietenpol and he said either one is fine. You do not want to mass produce parts ahead of time because they won't fit. If built to plans, your rudder will extend a little below the fuselage. You have to build one part at a time and make the connecting part so it fits.

I recommend making parts that will be time consuming or expensive out of foam board, cardboard, etc first to check fit and location of any holes.

Many builders have photos online, some with commentary. Some might be doing it correctly, and some might be questionable, but look around and see the issues builders are having and how they dealt with them. I build my way, but I like to see what other's have done. Here's some sites you can look at:

This is mine: https://imageevent.com/hatz/piet
and I have some YouTube vidoes: https://www.youtube.com/user/boeinguy727
http://westcoastpiet.com/pictures.htm
http://pietenpol.cpc-world.com/
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/category. ... category=0
https://www.scottyspietenpol.com/
http://www.mypiet.com/home.html
https://myalbum.com/album/bNQLRUSE6foQ
https://myalbum.com/album/Qr9ZpfXe8M22?

John C
NE PA