1934 Pietenpol with Model A engine

[oldwoodsman]

On our recent Model a trip to Montana we found this interesting story in Roundup Mt. In 1932 17 year old David Comstock built the Pietenpol from scratch using a model a engine. Here is a link to the story http://www.mvhm.us/pietkids.pdf

 

[rosenkranswa]

The Model T Museum in Richmond has a Model T powered Pietenpol on display. I understand it was flyable before being placed on display.

 

[frank mcdaniels]

Bald eagle, Looks like you've found a fun project. I have to ask though, it looks like your air frame is made of metal {from your pictures}. I have been to the pitenpol exhibit at oskosh, where the have recreated Bernies original shop. There are a few planes there that he worked on.All the air frames I saw were wood which would be much lighter.A big concern in a plane with not alot of horse power.My 87 year old father and I built a home built a few years ago and had lots of fun. My dad still flies and we currently own a Aeronca Chief together. We also still enjoy working on our old Fords together.Anyway , good luck and keep us posted on progress. Frank

 

[Baldeagle]

Piece of trivia: the Pietenpol is based on the Heath Parasol, designed as a kit aircraft by Edward Bayard Heath, who later branched out into electronic kits - the Heathkit company.

Bernard Pietenpol knew about the Heath, but didn't base his design on it. The Heath has a wire braced steel tube fuselage instead of the wooden truss of the Pietenpol, and the Heath is quite a bit smaller and lighter, and only one seat. There are other notable differences as well, but both are certainly classic golden age homebuilt airplane designs.

Our airplane is pretty dead stock Pietenpol, almost all wood, except for steel fittings, struts, and a few other parts.


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