Microlighters

Hi to All

I think it is time to intoduce myself.

During last year, I advertised on the forum, looking for a Pietenpol project.

My ideal was for a parasol wing open cockpit tandem 2 seater. preferably with a 4130 steel fuse. A taildragger of course.

I thought it was late in life to start from scratch and I was fortunate to buy the project of Late George Joubert, a fine craftsman as I came to know him through the detail and high level of the work he had done.

A number of challenges presented i.e. the transition from steel fuse to wood and conversion from inches to metric.

it took some months to get a complete picture of the aerie details in my head. The project is progressing slowly but steadily.

Please dont ask for pics at this time as I am still finding my feet and I am superstitious that it will affect completion.

I will post pics once the project has progressed.

in the meantime, I would like to ask some advice from time to time and will appreciate advice where possible.

I am aiming to make the aerie as light as possible and intend a BMW 1200 engine with Oratex 600 covering. Would it be possible to build this plane to within LSA specs and what would those requirements be?

Bearing weight in mind, which product should I use to varnish wooden parts of the airframe?

Any advice appreciated.

Regards

LSA should not be a problem, keep the weight below 600kg (MAUW) and the stall speed below 45kn (easy) and you will be ok!

Good luck and have fun!

Hi Bush Camper,

Although you are not completely new to the forum, WELCOME!

Straight into the questions......

Have you applied for a build number as yet?
Have you given any thought to joining an EAA group / Chapter?
What town / city do you reside in?
Is there possibly a build group or forum available on the web for this aircraft?
Are you good mates with an AP?


Whilst I have absolutely no experience with wood and fabric, I can provide some information regarding the LSA requirements.


Light Sport Aeroplanes
24.01.2.O.1 Design Standards

Non-type certified light sport aeroplanes shall meet the design criteria of either amateur-built aircraft or production built aircraft.

24.01.2.O.2 Classification parameters

(1) For and aeroplane to be classified as a light sport aeroplane, the following parameters need to be met:
(a.) Maximum take-off mass of: i. 600 kilograms for land planes

ii. 650 kilograms for amphibian and sea planes

(b.) Maximum stall speed or minimum steady flight speed at maximum take-off mass of 45 Knots (no flaps – Vs1) at standard atmospheric conditions at sea level at most critical C of G.

(c.) Maximum air speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh) of not more than 140 Knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level

(d.) Two place maximum

(e.) Single reciprocating (non-turbine or jet)

(f.) Unpressurised cabin

(g.) A Fixed, VP or CS in flight adjustable propeller

(h.) Fixed tricycle, tail wheel or retractable undercarriage

(2) For the purpose of establishing conformity with sub-paragraph (1), the following payloads are to be included:

(a.) 84 kg per seat,
(b.) Oil and other liquids in the engine as required for flight,
(c.) The lesser of fuel load or 60 kg
(d.) Luggage mass as allowed by the manufacturer,
(e.) safety rescue system if one is fitted,

(i.) all standard and additional equipment and systems as fitted

(3) The wing loads of a light sport aeroplane shall subscribe to the following formula:

MTOW/(span)2 ≥ 3

I hope this helps.

Hi Rudix and Byron

Thank you for the responses.

Yes Byron I was searching for a Pietenpol last year.

The advice is appreciated.

Cheers

Hi Byron

Thanks for the thought provoking questions.

At this time no build number yet. I live in Paarl Western Cape.

I am not a member of an EAA chapter and havent found an active one around here.

I have found a build forum on Matronics dedicated to this plane. Other informative build projects also ie West Coast Piet.

Spoke to Coenie Otto, an AP and he has built 2 Piets and still flies one in Mosselbay.

Please do continue with the questions as that is like a checklist and as valuable as an answer.

I have established that a polyurethane varnish is the way to go. Anyone have any thoughts about this?

Regards

Andre