EAA Chapter 1218

We hope that you find the chapter web site useful and informative.  To add to the utility of the web site, I wanted to share with members a method you can use to keep up to date with the chapter directly on your browser home page.

RSS is a technology that allows us to share content with other applications.  This is similar to a news feed that news agencies use to spread their news.  If you have more questions about the technology, feel free to ask me, but I won't get into the technical details.  The benefit to you is that this will allow you to see new articles as they are posted directly on your Yahoo or Google homepage (plus many others).

To get started, you need to know the address for the feed.  The feed address for our main page is http://eaa1218.org/index.php?format=feed&type=rss

The process I am going to describe is used to subscribe to a feed.  There is no cost to subscribe, and there are many ways it can be done.  I will describe the subscription process for Google, and Yahoo.  Other home pages will have similar mechanisms.

Google Home Page (iGoogle)

1. From your iGoogle Home Page click the "Add Stuff" link on the top right.
   
2. On the bottom left click the "Add Feed or Gadget" link
   
3. In the text box type in the feed address exactly as shown above.  Hint: You can select, and use copy/paste to prevent typos. 
   
4. Click the "Add" button and close the small dialog box.
5. Click the "Back to Google Home" link at the top Left
6. You will now see a Box Labeled "EAA 1218" on your home page.
   
7. By the default, the box will show the 3 latest articles.  You can edit the settings by selecting the triangle icon on the box, and modify the number of articles shown.
   

Yahoo Home Page

1. From your My Yahoo page select the "Add Content" Link near the top
   
2. Click the "Add RSS Feed" link near the bottom of the gallery
   
3. Paste or type the Feed address above. And click "Add"
   
4. Click "I'm Done"
5. You will see the EAA 1218 Box in your home page window
   
6. You can select Options, Settings to customize how many items are displayed, filter by age, and how much details to show.

The "core"  Pietenpol builders were presented with aviator scarves.  N388RC  (the Piet's N-number) was embroidered on a corner.  The scarves were made by Phyllis White and embroidered by Kay White.

Following the Oshkosh awards presentation, Chapter President Tom White called Henny Christensen to the podium.  She was presented with a "media award certificate" for being in the right place with camera in hand to capture chapter aviation activities and for creating outstanding celebration of life videos.

Pietenpol outside the hangar

Pietenpol with Fall trees

Pietenpol new nose, made by Berlin

Ben Andre at the prop

Berlin in the Cockpit

December 12, 2009   Annual Christmas Dinner and Meeting /60 members and guests present

The meeting was called to order by President Tom White.  A big thank you was given to the cooks and to Phyllis White for the decorations.

A motion to approve the minutes as published was made by Benny Butler, second by Bob Bohemier and approved by members present.

The Treasurer’s report was given by Vice President Berlin Batesel in the absence of Jim Vokac.  A motion to approve as reported was made by Bob Brantley, second by George Wilkie and approved by members present.   (The hangar construction expense reported actually included the new kitchen range.)  Annual dues are now being collected; $10 individual, $15 family.  President White reminded members to be able to vote, they must be a member of national.  That is the rule set by EAA Headquarters.   President White also reported the CD is now due.  The interest rates are very low at this time so at the present the funds are in the chapter small business checking account drawing more interest.  Treasurer Vokac will track CD rates and transfer some into short term and the rest into twelve months or longer.

The next meeting will be January 9th 2010.  Secretary White suggested eating at noon with the meeting to follow; motion to that affect was made by Benny Butler, second by Jim Tausworthe and approved by members present.  The theme will be soup, chili and homemade breads/cornbread and desserts.

February 18th, 6 PM will be an MPA safety meeting to be held in the EAA hangar.  This will be a FAA endorsed safety meeting and will qualify pilots for their Wings program.  Clint Allen stated the meal will be provided.  

The Chapter received good publicity from the Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Day including an article in the Summersville Beacon and West Plains Daily Quill.  A thank you letter was received from the Pope family with the Special Needs Boy Scouts Troop 2, Springfield, MO.  Jim and Millie Tausworthe also received a nice thank you letter  from two of the Fort Leonard Boy Scouts that attended the Aviation Badge Day.  Jim and Millie provided them with autographed copies of Jim’s aviation novels.  One young man from Fort Leonard expressed his desire to become a Marine pilot.  President White arranged for chapter member Chuck Hiett (the first Marine Blue Angel) to come by and give him some advice on how to achieve his goal.  Eighteen Boy Scouts plus leaders and family members attended the day long event.  All expressed their appreciation for the terrific breakfast and hospitality shown by the chapter.

President White reported on the Cessna 150 that was to be donated to the chapter.  Sandy Smith’s other-in-law Micky Pinkston had a friend wanting to donate her airplane to a charitable organization.  She suggested the chapter.   On November 11th, President White, Vice President Berlin Batesel and Secretary White arranged to meet Jean Wilson at Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe, Kansas to inspect the plane.  Unfortunately, the plane had received damage from being towed from the rear years ago and birds had taken up residency inside.  The interior had so much corrosion and damage, it was not salvageable. 

President White has been in touch with Mike Pascoe regarding Gene’s EAA Biplane project.  The family would like to give it to the chapter with the stipulation it be completed and flown.  Arrangements will be made to move it from Pascoe’s open hangar in Dora to the chapter hangar for storage.   A volunteer work sign up sheet was passed around for those willing to put in some time on the project.  The question was asked if it was flyable now.  It is covered, the fuel, plumbing and electrical system is not on yet.  The wings are just pinned on and it is not rigged.   It needs to be cleaned up.  When Tom and Berlin went to inspect it a few weeks ago, some critter had been building a nest in it.  After seeing the condition of the 150, we don’t want to see Pascoe’s plane get in the same condition.   Plans to move it will be finalized in the next few days.

Secretary White presented a check for $250 from member Robert Harshman covering his $10 dues and the remainder as a donation to the chapter.  Robert has been unable to attend meetings for some time due to his work schedule.  We really appreciate his donation and support.   Ray Fine delivered a $10 check for a cookbook sold at the West Plains Airport.  Secretary White announced there are only a few cookbooks left.  They sold immediately.

President White presented the 2009 Chapter Service Awards from EAA to: Tom White, President; Berlin Batesel, Vice President; Phyllis White, Secretary; Jim Vokac, Treasurer; Clint Allen, Technical Counselor.  Absent was Brent Humphreys, Web Editor and Newsletter Editor.  Henny Christensen was then called to the podium. She was presented with a "media award certificate" for being in the right place with camera in hand to capture chapter aviation activities and for creating outstanding celebration of life videos. She has copied the vhs tapes to DVD. The "core"  Pietenpol builders (Berlin Batesel, Jerry Pfister, Rory Lozano, Ben Andre, George Wilkie, Bill Ghan and Bob Brantley)were presented with aviator scarves as a small token of appreciation for their work on the Pietenpol project.  N388RC (the Piet's N-number) was embroidered on a corner.  The scarves were made by Phyllis White and embroidered by Kay White.  Absent were Jared Casebeer and Jack Richardson.  Photos were taken to submit to the newsletter and web page.

A big thank you was extended to all the members donating canned goods to M.U.N.C.H.   They have over 440 families in need this Christmas.

A motion to adjourn was made by Bob Bohemier, second by Kate Bohemier and approved by members.

November 7, 2009 42 members plus Boy Scouts, leaders and parents enjoyed potluck breakfast before the Aviation Merit Badge Day began. A brief business meeting followed breakfast.

A motion to approve the minutes as published on the webpage and emailed to members was made by John DeRoos, second by Benny Butler and approved by members present.

Treasurer Jim Vokac reported the financial status including the Pietenpol expense.  A motion to approve was made by Bill Ghan, second by Fred Kalhoefer and approved by members present.  The remaining CD will be due the end of the month.  Jim is considering splitting it up; some short term and some extended.  Benny Butler said US Bank has a 3.7% 9 months available.  Jim will check it out. The new electric range was purchased locally at Waggoner’s True Value at a discounted price.  

President White thanked the members that showed up early to cook and the cooks that brought in the outstanding breakfast.  He reminded members there will be no breakfast at Ron’s until January 2010.

The Howell County News featured the Memorial Fly-In on the front page of the October 14th issue.  The article was passed around the room.    A thank you card from Sandy Smith was read and the photos included were passed around.  She said the Memorial Fly-In was a wonderful tribute and meant so very much to her.   

Saturday morning, October 31st John Bailey brought several cub scouts in to use the simulator and tour the hangers.  A photo and article were also in the Howell County News.   

The Christmas celebration/meeting will be held December 12th.  Phyllis White announced she takes every opportunity to invite local people to the hangar to let them know who we are and what we do.  On December 12th, Willow Springs will have the annual Christmas parade at 10 AM followed by the Willow Springs Band Fundraiser Home Tour noon to 4 PM.  They will need a place to serve refreshments and the hangar would be great.  The group brings in all the food; they just need accommodations.  She asked if the members had any objections to hosting the group.  The hangar will be decorated for our meeting anyway.  She suggested we plan to eat about 5 PM and have the meeting to follow.   Jack Richardson thought it was a very good idea to let ore people know we are here.   Jack made a motion to host the event, second by Jim Vokac and approved by members present.   

President White acknowledged guests Nick Thompson and Rebecca visiting from Greece.  Nick is not new to the area; he has a hangar at Mountain View and tries to return yearly.  

President White thanked the members that brought in canned goods for the M.U.N.C.H. food drive.  We will continue the food drive in December.    M.U.N.C.H. struggles this time of year to provide needy families with enough food.

Treasurer Vokac reminded members that dues are due by January 1, 2010; individual $10, family $15.  Pay
now and avoid the rush. 

Secretary White will be calling on members for food items for the Christmas dinner.  It will be traditional
holiday menu of turkey and trimmings.  Members will be asked to prepare specified dishes. 

A motion to adjourn was made by Benny Butler, second by Bob Brantley and approved by the membership present.   
 

Mission Statement

Why would anyone want to build an outdated 1929 aircraft design?  It is not easy to build, it is not inexpensive, it has limited performance and it does not have sleek modern lines.  It does however have a loyal following of supporters nationwide.  Our reason is as follows.

In late winter of 2009 (February-March) our chapter voted to build a Pietenpol in honor of Mr. Pietenpol and the 80th anniversary of the design.
We were to fly or haul the project to air adventure for display, as they were to honor the piet anniversary.  It was voted to build our plane with a steel tube fuselage.  This steel fuselage is an option offered for sale by our piet plans source.  Because of strength and durability our thinking was the steel fuselage would be more attractive to a future buyer of our completed plane.  Little did we know of the problems this fuselage would present and the reactions of piet purest to our efforts.


Building

On barnstormers we found and were going to purchase a wood pietenpol project that was very far along.  We thought this would help with our limited construction time of four months.  We contacted the seller and agreed with him to buy the project.  One member worked his trailer over so as to be able to transport everything in one trip.  By the time, this was done and we contacted the seller, to arrange for a pickup date, he had sold the project to another buyer.  All this cost us a month of building time.
     
We made up a materials list of supplies we needed to be started and ordered them from wicks.  We took a pickup and trailer and picked up the supplies ourselves.  Work started on april 28 th when one fuselage side was tacked together.  The next day the jig was modified to incorporate two drop down side doors.  One for each cockpit and located on the right side of the fuselage.  That was change number one.    Everyone knows how hard a piet is to get into and out of.  We thought the doors were a good idea.  Several builders past have modified the wing trailing edge to help the pilot with this problem.  We were cautioned not to do that and chose doors instead.  We were told to make the rear cockpit larger in width and length to accommodate larger pilots of our era, and this we did.

A friend of mine found if you superimpose the steel airframe plans over the 6 inch longer wood fuselage plans you will find differences in dimension.  Using the rear cabine attach point as a reference the long wood body is 3.75 inches longer from there to the firewall and 7.625 longer aft to the tail post. This is a total of 11.375 difference.  We were told to make the fuselage 6 inches longer.  So we did and added the 6 inch length to the tail end.  It would have been better for us to have added it to the front of the plane.  Even so ours is 1.625 less long in this area than the long wood version.

All pietenpols tend to be tail heavy.  The six inches added aft on our fuselage did not help this tail heaviness.  However if we added it to the front it would have helped but not enough.  Later we had to add 18 inches to the front of our fuselage to make weight and balance work out.  We are using a 65 hp cont. Aircraft engine.

For the metal fuselage all you get on the plans are the truss structure.  There are no details for building and mounting anything else.  Every attach fitting has to be custom designed and built.  If you have not built a piet steel tube truss fuselage then do not criticize ours.  

The empennage can be built from wood but we built ours from metal tubing.  We used the exact plan dimensions for the rudder, horz. Stabilizer and rudder.  Next the empennage needed to be attached to the fuselage.  Of course no plans are available for this.  We wanted  our horz. Stabilizer to be adjustable for trim purposes.  So we designed and build these parts.  As our leading edge would move up and down for trim we could not attach the vertical stabilizer to the leading edge of the horz. Stabilizer.  So the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer was attached to the fuselage structure forward of the leading edge of the horz. Stabilizer.  Looking at the plan form of the vertical stabilizer for pietenpols this would make a very severe angle for the l/e of our stabilizer.  Another consideration here is we chose  to use a push tube system to operate the elevators. I, bill ghan,  designed our vertical stabilizer to meet the requirements listed above.  I chose a shape commonly used in the post ww1 era of 1929.  Yes it is larger than pietenpol’s but should be more stabilizing with the longer nose we have.  Area behind the c/g are stabilizing and areas forward of the c/g are destabilizing.  Also it provides additional attach points for the tail brace wires, increasing safety.  I know this shape is not palatable to the piet purest.  The sign on 1218’s hanger is experimental aviation.

Everything on the metal fuselage had to be custom designed and built to fit function.  There are no plans for these items.  Example, we used the salvaged landing gear from another airplane.  We located the axil location as best we could from the long and short wood fuselage plans.  We placed the gear axils on the floor at this location and build fittings on our fuselage to match the location of this gear’s upper mounting requirements.  No it’s j-3 shape does not match the looks of conventional piets.  However it is functional.

The wood ribs and wings were build according to the plans.  Even though the airfoil is less than desirable. We chose the three piece wing.  The only change here were the aileron hinges.  We built our own rather than use plan called for hardware store strap hinges.

Our landing gear’s mounting brackets were located differently from the piet’s.  However our lift strut brackets were designed , built and attached where the plans called for them to be.  We used salvaged struts with adjustable piper like forks on the fuselage end.  This made the attach brackets different but they still retained the ability to move the wing location forward or rearward.  We added inter plane struts to stabilize and strengthen the mid point area of struts and wing spars.

The plane is covered and finished using air tech directions, system and materials.  The colors are cream and green with gold pin striping.
          
So the question is: is it a pietenpol?  Any airplane is a series of compromises.  We used piet plans where ever we could.  We used the piet wing and airfoil.  We made changes to comply with the function of the parts we had and things we had to do.  This we are allowed in experimental aircraft.  Best said is this is our chapters version of a metal fuselage pietenpol.  It may not fit your version of what is a pietenpol.  As far as i am concerned it is a pietenpol.
 
Anyone with serious questions may contact me by e mail.

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