Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/323139
EAA Experimenter 21 a few modifications. It's proved to be a good fit for the Pietenpol. "I chose the Corvair because I like the look and the sound of it," Randy said. "I listened to William, and every- thing he said made sense." Randy stressed the economics of the Corvair when he said that he can overhaul the whole engine for $500 but can't even do one cylinder on a Lycom- ing for $500. The Brodhead visit gave Randy the push he needed, and in December 1999 he sent in the cash for his set of plans. Randy had hand tools and figured he was as ordinary as any man, but he didn't have a barn. So he first built a 30-foot- by-50-foot shop. Randy admits that he's had to add on to his shop a couple of times because he keeps running out of room. Randy is a straightforward sort of man without guile or pretense. He readily admits that the airplane construction project had to be set aside for a year that he "spent try- ing to keep a [now] ex-wife happy." They divorced, which allowed Randy to again turn his attention to his passionate pursuit of Pietenpol. Randy admits he had never welded, or done any sewing, rib-stitching, or sprayed any paint when he started. I asked if he had any mechanical experience. He told me that he had grown up in the country with his grandpa and said, "Like any teenager, I messed with engines and blew things up." When asked how he learned everything he needed, Randy said, "There's enough educational material out there for any ordinary guy to build an airplane. Anyone can learn how." After starting, Randy realized that he really enjoyed the art and craft of working with wood. And even though he had to go at it a bit at a time, he didn't cut any corners. "I used only aircraft quality spruce and mahogany wood, and every nut, bolt, and screw came from an aircraft sup- plier," Randy said. Online forums and advice from other builders taught Randy tricks that saved him money. He pur- chased a set of used Matco wheels and brakes and a set of used wing struts at the Fly Mart at the Sun 'n Fun Interna- tional Fly-In and Expo. The struts were cut, welded to fit, and painted to match. Randy covered the wings and aft fuselage with Stewart Systems fabric and Stewart Systems water-borne finish- ing paints. Getting the paint "right" was a challenge. "It's a good system, but I had to practice," Randy said. "I guess that's why I really respect a good painter. I didn't think I would like rib-stitching, but once I got started, I liked it. It's pretty therapeutic." Randy said it took 1,910 hours to build his Pietenpol. That doesn't sound like a lot of time spread over six years, but he learned that if he didn't do something every day he wouldn't keep going. "You gotta enjoy the build," he said. "If you don't enjoy building, don't get into it." Randy chose to power his Pietenpol with a Corvair engine, following the example of Bernard Pietenpol, the aircraft's designer, who installed a Corvair in an Air Camper in 1966. Randy built his airplane from plans in 513 hours spread over a six-year time frame. Cub-like "eyebrows" on the Corvair engine help force cooling air over the cylinders. E A A E X P _ J u n e 1 4 . i n d d 2 1 EAAEXP_June14.indd 21 6 / 3 / 1 4 8 : 3 9 A M 6/3/14 8:39 AM