Aerocraft
Well-known member
My wife and I just returned from Brodhead, WI, where the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 431 ( www.eaa431.org ) hosted the annual "Pietenpol Flyin". The "Pietenpol Aircamper" is a early thirties era homebuilt airplane design developed by Bernie Pietenpol of Spring Valley, MN. His engine of choice was our favorite, the Model A.
As installed in either the two place "Aircamper" or the single place "Scout", the engine has rather simple modifications to convert it to a successful aircraft engine. The propeller is driven by the crankshaft flange in place of the flywheel. As a result, the engine is mounted level but "backwards" in the airplane.The oil dipper tray has dams welded in place to insure that oil is always available for the rods during flight. Oil is routed from the normally plugged hole below the center of the valve chamber cover to several places at the front of the oil pan. In the valve chamber, tubes loosely fitting in the original delivery tubes also route oil directly from the outlet of the oil pump directly to the three tubes leading to the main bearings. The Model B carb is generally used due to the axis of the float hinge. The float in the B carb is less susceptible to surging in flight. The magneto (generally one) is driven directly by a coupling attached to what was the front of the crankshaft. A special fitting is made to drive the mechanical tachometer directly off of what was the front of the camshaft. The attached pictures show some of the modifications.
You will see from the pictures, there are many neat ideas for water pumps, carburetors, ignition, cylinder heads and so on. There was one Model A engine flying at the event with a very clever fuel injection system.
Nobody really knows how many of the airplanes have been built over the years in basement and garages but one can be certain that each airplane carries the ideas of the builder and are as different as their owners. The Model A is by far not the only engine used as power. The first Scout used a Model T and current airplanes fly very well with modified Corvairs as well as a variety of small general aviation certified aircraft engines. Small Continentals and Lycomings are very common but certainly not the only engines used.
This description is simplified and very brief. If anyone has question or comments, have at it. More pictures can be seen at various web sites. Google Pietenpol for more info. There is a very active club, The Brodhead Pietenpol Association, featuring the Pietenpol which can be found at www.pietenpols.com
The flyin is held every year at Brodhead, WI just before the annual Oshkosh, WI, EAA "Airventure" and is either the third or fourth weekend in July. The EAA Chapter 431 web site will list the correct dates. Visitors are quite welcome and a special spot is reserved for those who drive in in a Model A Ford. A photo web site of a prior flyin can be found at: www.chappedliver.com/2007brodhead.asp Gar Williams
As installed in either the two place "Aircamper" or the single place "Scout", the engine has rather simple modifications to convert it to a successful aircraft engine. The propeller is driven by the crankshaft flange in place of the flywheel. As a result, the engine is mounted level but "backwards" in the airplane.The oil dipper tray has dams welded in place to insure that oil is always available for the rods during flight. Oil is routed from the normally plugged hole below the center of the valve chamber cover to several places at the front of the oil pan. In the valve chamber, tubes loosely fitting in the original delivery tubes also route oil directly from the outlet of the oil pump directly to the three tubes leading to the main bearings. The Model B carb is generally used due to the axis of the float hinge. The float in the B carb is less susceptible to surging in flight. The magneto (generally one) is driven directly by a coupling attached to what was the front of the crankshaft. A special fitting is made to drive the mechanical tachometer directly off of what was the front of the camshaft. The attached pictures show some of the modifications.
You will see from the pictures, there are many neat ideas for water pumps, carburetors, ignition, cylinder heads and so on. There was one Model A engine flying at the event with a very clever fuel injection system.
Nobody really knows how many of the airplanes have been built over the years in basement and garages but one can be certain that each airplane carries the ideas of the builder and are as different as their owners. The Model A is by far not the only engine used as power. The first Scout used a Model T and current airplanes fly very well with modified Corvairs as well as a variety of small general aviation certified aircraft engines. Small Continentals and Lycomings are very common but certainly not the only engines used.
This description is simplified and very brief. If anyone has question or comments, have at it. More pictures can be seen at various web sites. Google Pietenpol for more info. There is a very active club, The Brodhead Pietenpol Association, featuring the Pietenpol which can be found at www.pietenpols.com
The flyin is held every year at Brodhead, WI just before the annual Oshkosh, WI, EAA "Airventure" and is either the third or fourth weekend in July. The EAA Chapter 431 web site will list the correct dates. Visitors are quite welcome and a special spot is reserved for those who drive in in a Model A Ford. A photo web site of a prior flyin can be found at: www.chappedliver.com/2007brodhead.asp Gar Williams
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