Wheel Brake Pedal Configuration

[mdwray]

We are evaluating how to install wheel brakes and possible a steering tail wheel. The classic Pietenpol rudder bar would not seem to work with these, and we assume a pedal configuration is substituted. Would anyone like to share their concepts and layouts ? Photos or drawings would be great!

[taildrags]

Are you thinking of mechanical brakes, or hydraulic? Both have been done. Although I no longer own it, my Air Camper had a rudder bar and toe-operated hydraulic brakes. The brake masters were from a Cessna 172 and the wheels/ brakes were Clevelands from a Bonanza. Tires were 6.00x6 Aero Trainers.. The toe brake configuration used on my plane is quite common.

My plane also had a steerable Matco tailwheel. From each end of the rudder bar there were two cables running aft to the tail. One was for the elevator on that side and the other went to the tailwheel horn. Again, a very common arrangement on Air Campers. Photos of these setups abound on the Westcoast Pietenpol website, which is now an adjunct to the Brodhead Pietenpol Association website.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
former owner of Air Camper NX41CC, Cont. A75 power

[Richard Roller]

Just searching brakes on this site comes up with hundreds of hits. And as Oscar suggested, West Coast Pietenpol. As far as pedals go, they have been used in Piets. BUT, it's an easy way to damage your wooden rudder. People get excited when landings get crazy and shove on both pedals trying to stop. The rudder bar will protect that rudder.

[Tim]

If I were going to put brakes on a Piet I’d probably go mechanical and look at the way they’re actuated on a Canadian Tiger Moth. Basically the cables are connected to the rudder bar and are normally somewhat slack, not bringing on any brake until the rudder is near the stop. A hand brake lever applies equal tension to both, basically increasing differential brake sensitivity up until it starts applying both equally, all the way up to fully locking the brakes.