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{{Short description|Homebuilt aircraft}}
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox aircraft
|name = Air Camper <!--please avoid stating manufacturer in this field; it's stated three lines below -->
|name = Air Camper <!--please avoid stating manufacturer in this field; it's stated three lines below -->
|logo = <!--ONLY for an individual logo of the aircraft model, (NOT the main manufacturer logo)-->
|logo = <!--ONLY for an individual logo of the aircraft model, (NOT the main manufacturer logo)-->
|image = pietenpol.air.camper.g-buco.arp.jpg<!--in the ''image:filename'' format, no image tags-->
|image = pietenpol.air.camper.g-buco.arp.jpg<!--in the ''image:filename'' format, no image tags-->
|caption = UK variant Pietenpol Air Camper<!--image caption; if it isn't descriptive it should be left blank-->
|caption = UK variant Pietenpol Air Camper<!--image caption; if it isn't descriptive it should be left blank-->
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type = [[homebuilt aircraft|Amateur-built airplane]]
|type = [[homebuilt aircraft|Amateur-built airplane]]
|manufacturer = Pietenpol
|manufacturer = Pietenpol
|designer = Bernie Pietenpol
|designer = Bernie Pietenpol
|first_flight = 1928<br>with [[Ford Model A (1927–31)|Model A engine]], May 1929<ref name="hist">{{cite web |url=http://www.pietenpolaircraftcompany.com/pietenpol-air-camper-history |title=Pietenpol Aircraft Company - Pietenpol Air Camper History |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=pietenpolaircraftcompany.com |publisher=Pietenpol Aircraft Company |access-date=June 20, 2017 |quote=By now Henry Ford had come out with his new car, the Model A, powered by a bigger four cylinder engine. At an estimated 40 horsepower, this engine seemed just the thing for Bernard Pietenpol's new aircraft design's needs, and having been on the market for several years, junk yards were starting to get as many of them as Model T engines...So Bernard Pietenpol went to work converting the Ford Model A engine for his new monoplane. '''In May 1929''' Bernard Pietenpol test flew his Air Camper with the new engine. It was a complete success - a perfect match of airframe to power plant.}}</ref>
|first flight = 1928
|introduction = <!--date the aircraft entered or will enter military or revenue service-->
|introduction = <!--date the aircraft entered or will enter military or revenue service-->
|retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
|retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
|status = Plans available (2015)
|status = <!--in most cases, this field is redundant; use it sparingly-->
|primary user = <!--please list only one user – for military aircraft, the user is a nation or a service arm.
|primary_user = <!--please list only one user – for military aircraft, the user is a nation or a service arm.
Do NOT add those tiny flags as they limit horizontal space.-->
Do NOT add those tiny flags as they limit horizontal space.-->
|more users = <!--limited to three "more users" total; please separate with <br/>-->
|more_users = <!--limited to three "more users" total; please separate with <br/>-->
|produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
|produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
|number built =
|number_built =
|developed_from = <!-- the aircraft which formed the basis for the topic type -->
|program cost= <!-- total program cost. -->
|variants = [[Grega GN-1 Aircamper]]<br />[[Pietenpol Sky Scout]]<br />[[St Croix Pietenpol Aerial]]<br />[[St Croix Pietenpol Aircamper]]<!-- variants OF the topic type -->
|unit cost = <!-- incremental or flyaway cost for military aircraft or retail price for commercial aircraft. -->
|developed from = <!-- the aircraft which formed the basis for the topic type -->
|variants with their own articles = [[Pietenpol Sky Scout]]<br />[[St Croix Pietenpol Aerial]]<!-- variants OF the topic type -->
}}
}}
[[File:pietenpol.air.camper.g-buco.onground.arp.jpg|thumb|right|UK variant Pietenpol Air Camper]]
|}
[[File:AirCamper.jpg|thumb|right|Air Camper with a Ford Model A engine]]
[[File:PietenpolAirCamperUncovered.JPG|thumb|right|A Pietenpol Air Camper under construction, showing its wooden frame structure.]]
[[File:Avión Pinocho (Pietenpol Air Camper)3.jpg|thumb|"Pinocho", an Air Camper made in Mexico by Miguel Carrillo Ayala in 1935 and now in the [[Mexican Air Force Museum|Museo Militar de Aviación]]. Powered by a 201 CID engine of a [[Ford Model A (1927–1931)|Ford Model A]].]]


The '''Pietenpol Air Camper''' is a simple [[parasol wing]] [[homebuilt aircraft]] designed by [[Bernard Pietenpol|Bernard H. Pietenpol]]. The first prototype that became the Air Camper was built and flown by Pietenpol in [[1928 in aviation|1928]].<ref name="Bowers">Bowers, Peter M.: ''Guide to Homebuilts'', 9th Edition, pages 10-12. Tab Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-8306-2364-7}}</ref><ref name="PlaneAndPilot">Plane and Pilot: ''1978 Aircraft Directory'', page 150. Werner & Werner Corp Publishing, 1978. {{ISBN|0-918312-00-0}}</ref><ref name="AirCamper">{{cite web|url=http://community.pressenter.net/~apietenp/BHPietenpolAndSonsAirCamperAircraftBuildingAPietenpolAirCamper.html |title=How to Build a Pietenpol Air Camper or Sky Scout Airplane |accessdate = May 14, 2013|last = B.H. Pietenpol And Sons Air Camper Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2013 }}</ref><ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12'', page 115. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X</ref><ref name="WDLA15">Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: ''World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16'', page 121. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref>

[[Image:pietenpol.air.camper.g-buco.onground.arp.jpg|thumb|right|UK variant Pietenpol Air Camper]]
[[Image:PietenpolAirCamperUncovered.JPG|thumb|right|A Pietenpol Air Camper under construction, showing its wooden frame structure.]]

The '''Pietenpol Air Camper''' is a simple [[parasol wing]] [[homebuilt aircraft]] designed by [[Bernard Pietenpol|Bernard H. Pietenpol]]. The first prototype that became the Air Camper was built and flown by Pietenpol in [[1928 in aviation|1928]].<ref name="Bowers">Bowers, Peter M.: ''Guide to Homebuilts'', 9th Edition, pages 10-12. Tab Books, 1984. ISBN 0-8306-2364-7</ref><ref name="PlaneAndPilot">Plane and Pilot: ''1978 Aircraft Directory'', page 150. Werner & Werner Corp Publishing, 1978. ISBN 0-918312-00-0</ref><ref name="AirCamper"> {{cite web|url=http://community.pressenter.net/~apietenp/BHPietenpolAndSonsAirCamperAircraftBuildingAPietenpolAirCamper.html |title=How to Build a Pietenpol Air Camper or Sky Scout Airplane |accessdate = May 14, 2013|last = B.H. Pietenpol And Sons Air Camper Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2013 |archiveurl = |archivedate = }}</ref><ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12'', page 115. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X</ref>


==Development==
==Development==
The Air Camper was designed to be built of [[spruce]] and [[plywood]]. One of Pietenpol's goals was to create a plane that was affordable and easy to construct for [[homebuilt aircraft|home builders]]. Building an Air Camper requires basic woodworking skills and tools. Builders also need to fabricate some metal fittings to attach the wooden parts together. Some welding is required. The plans for the Pietenpol Aircamper were originally published in a four-part serial in the "Flying and Glider" Manual of 1932-33.<ref name="AirCamper"/><ref name="WDLA11" />
The Air Camper was designed to be built of [[spruce]] and [[plywood]]. One of Pietenpol's goals was to create a plane that was affordable and easy to construct for [[homebuilt aircraft|home builders]]. Building an Air Camper requires basic woodworking skills and tools. Builders also need to fabricate some metal fittings to attach the wooden parts together. Some welding is required. The plans for the Pietenpol Aircamper were originally published in a four-part serial in the "Flying and Glider" Manual of 1932-33.<ref name="AirCamper"/><ref name="WDLA11" />


The original model was flown using an Ace four cylinder water-cooled engine.<ref name="AirCamper"/> The Model A Ford engine later became the standard powerplant used.<ref name="Bowers"/><ref name="AirCamper"/> Other engines have also been used including the Ford Model T, [[Ford Flathead engine|Ford V8]], Velie, Kinner, Lycoming, Franklin, Continental and Chevrolet Corvair.<ref name="AirCamper"/>
The original model was flown using an Ace four cylinder water-cooled engine.<ref name="AirCamper"/> The Model A Ford engine later became the standard powerplant used; the design was first flown with one in May 1929.<ref name="hist"/>

In the 1960s Bernard Pietenpol began to favor converted [[Chevrolet Turbo-Air 6 engine#Aircraft applications|engines from Chevrolet Corvair]] automobiles. The Corvair [[Flat six engine|flat six]] was higher horsepower, smoother, and significantly lighter, compared to the Model A, and was similar to those already available for general aviation use. The length of a Pietenpol varies with the engine choices, as lighter engines needed to be mounted further forward for weight and balance reasons.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Air Trails|date=Winter 1971|title=Pete takles a passel of Peitenpols|page=61}}</ref> Over the years over 30 different engines have flown in the Pietenpol Air Camper. Many modern Pietenpol builders prefer [[Continental O-170|Continental A65]], [[Continental O-190|C85]] or [[Continental O-200|C90]] air-cooled [[flat four]]s.<ref name="AirCamper"/> Several examples of the Aircamper have been built in Europe and in 2012 were still flying.<!--still, in 2018?-->


In the 1920s and 1930s, kits were available for the design, but there were none available again until 2015 when the Pietenpol Aircraft Company introduced a kit version of the Air Camper, with components supplied by [[Aircraft Spruce & Specialty]]. The kit includes all parts except the engine, [[aircraft dope|dope]], [[aircraft fabric covering|fabric covering]], and hardware.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avweb.com/news/classic-pietenpol-now-in-kit-form/|title=Classic Pietenpol Now In Kit Form|work=avweb.com|date=April 7, 2015 |accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref>
In the 1960s Bernard Pietenpol began to favor converted engines from [[Chevrolet Corvair]] automobiles. The [[Chevrolet Corvair engine|Corvair engine]] was smoother, stronger and significantly lighter in weight compared to the Model A. The length of a Pietenpol varies with the engine choices, as engines that are lighter than the Fords need to be mounted further out from the firewall for weight and balance reasons.<ref>{{cite journal|magazine=Air Trails|date=Winter 1971|title=Pete takles a passel of Peitenpols|page=61}}</ref> Over the years over 30 different engines have flown in the Pietenpol Air Camper. Many modern Pietenpol builders prefer [[Continental O-170|Continental A65]], [[Continental O-190|C85]] or [[Continental O-200|C90]] powerplants.<ref name="AirCamper"/> Several examples of the Aircamper have been built in Europe and are currently (2012) flying.


==Variants==
==Variants==
;[[Pietenpol Sky Scout]]
;[[Pietenpol Sky Scout]]
:BH Pietenpol also designed and published plans for a single-seat version of the aircraft named the Pietenpol Sky Scout, which was slightly smaller and was powered by the Ford Model T engine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://community.pressenter.net/~apietenp/BHPietenpolAndSonsAirCamperAircraftBuildingAPietenpolAirCamper.html |title=How to Build a Pietenpol Air Camper or Sky Scout Airplane |accessdate = May 14, 2013|last = B.H. Pietenpol And Sons Air Camper Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2013 |archiveurl = |archivedate = }}</ref> During the late 1920s and early 1930s, this was less expensive than the Model A used in the Air Camper.<ref>{{cite journal|magazine=Sport Aviation|date=Feb 1958}}</ref>
:BH Pietenpol also designed and published plans for a single-seat version of the aircraft named the Pietenpol Sky Scout, which was slightly smaller and was powered by the Ford Model T engine.<ref name="AirCamper"/> During the late 1920s and early 1930s, this was less expensive than the Model A used in the Air Camper.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Sport Aviation|date=Feb 1958}}</ref>
;'''UK LAA-approved Pietenpol Air Camper'''
;UK LAA-approved Pietenpol Air Camper
:In some countries, civil aviation authority approval is required for each experimental aircraft design, in addition to the approval of each aircraft an individual makes, as in the US. A variant of the Pietenpol Air Camper was designed by Mr. J. K. Wills, and UK [Light Aircraft Association] approval was obtained for this variant.<ref>[[Light Aircraft Association]] (21 June 2013), [http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/engineering/TADs/047%20PIETENPOL%20AIRCAMPER.pdf LAA Type Acceptance Data Sheet TADS 047 Pietenpol Aircamper], retrieved 16 February 2014</ref>
:In some countries, civil aviation authority approval is required for each experimental aircraft design, in addition to the approval of each aircraft an individual makes, as in the US. A variant of the Pietenpol Air Camper was designed by Mr. J. K. Wills, and UK [[Light Aircraft Association]] approval was obtained for this variant.<ref>[[Light Aircraft Association]] (21 June 2013), [http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/engineering/TADs/047%20PIETENPOL%20AIRCAMPER.pdf LAA Type Acceptance Data Sheet TADS 047 Pietenpol Aircamper], retrieved 16 February 2014</ref>
[[File:PietenpolAirCamperGN1.JPG|thumb|right|Grega GN-1 Aircamper]]
[[File:PietenpolAirCamperGN1.JPG|thumb|right|Grega GN-1 Aircamper]]
;[[Grega Aircamper|Grega GN-1 Aircamper]]
;[[Grega Aircamper|Grega GN-1 Aircamper]]
:A plans-only homebuilt design similar to the Air Camper using a [[Piper Cub]] wing.
:A plans-only homebuilt design similar to the Air Camper using a [[Piper Cub]] wing.
;[[St Croix Pietenpol Aerial]]
;[[St Croix Pietenpol Aerial]]
:A biplane adaptation, designed by Chad and Charles Willie and produced by [[St Croix Aircraft]] of [[Corning, Iowa]], first flown in 1977.<ref name="Aerocrafter">Purdy, Don: ''AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition'', page 248. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1</ref>
:A biplane adaptation, designed by Chad and Charles Willie and produced by [[St Croix Aircraft]] of [[Corning, Iowa]], first flown in 1977.<ref name="Aerocrafter">Purdy, Don: ''AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition'', page 248. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. {{ISBN|0-9636409-4-1}}</ref>
;[[St Croix Pietenpol Aircamper]]
:An adaptation of the original design with more wingspan, longer [[fuselage]] and higher gross weight.<ref name="Aerocrafter" />


==Specifications (Typical Air Camper)==
==Specifications (Typical Air Camper)==
{{Aircraft specs
{{aircraft specifications
|prime units?=kts
<!-- if you do not understand how to use this template, please ask at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft]] -->

|plane or copter?= plane
|ref={{cite web|url=http://community.pressenter.net/~apietenp/BHPietenpolAndSonsAirCamperAircraftBuildingAPietenpolAirCamper.html |title=How to Build a Pietenpol Air Camper or Sky Scout Airplane |accessdate = May 14, 2013|last = B.H. Pietenpol And Sons Air Camper Aircraft|year = 2013 }}
|jet or prop?= prop
<!-- Now, fill out the specs. Please include units where appropriate (main comes first, alt in parentheses). If an item doesn't apply leave it blank. For instructions on using |more general=, |more performance=, |power original=, and |thrust original= see [[Template talk:Aircraft specifications]]. -->
|ref={{cite web|url=http://community.pressenter.net/~apietenp/BHPietenpolAndSonsAirCamperAircraftBuildingAPietenpolAirCamper.html |title=How to Build a Pietenpol Air Camper or Sky Scout Airplane |accessdate = May 14, 2013|last = B.H. Pietenpol And Sons Air Camper Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2013 |archiveurl = |archivedate = }}
|crew= One pilot
|crew= One pilot
|capacity= One passenger
|capacity= One passenger
|length main= 17 ft 8 in
|length ft= 17
|length alt= 5.39 m
|length in= 8
|length m= 5.39
|span main= 29 ft 0 in
|span alt= 8.84 m
|span ft= 29
|span in= 0
|height main= 6 ft 6 in
|height alt=1.98 m
|span m= 8.84
|height ft= 6
|area main= 135 ft²
|height in= 6
|area alt= 12.5 m²
|height m=1.98
|airfoil=
|empty weight main= 610 lb
|wing area sqft= 135
|empty weight alt= 277 kg
|wing area sqm= 12.5
|loaded weight main= 995 lb
|empty weight lb= 610
|loaded weight alt= 452 kg
|empty weight kg= 277
|gross weight lb= 995
|useful load main= <!--lb-->
|gross weight kg= 452
|useful load alt= <!--kg-->
|max takeoff weight main=1080 lb
|max takeoff weight lb=1080
|max takeoff weight alt=490 kg
|max takeoff weight kg=490
|eng1 name=[[Ford Model A (1927-1931)|Ford Model A]] automotive conversion engine
|more general=
|eng1 number=1

|eng1 hp= 40
|engine (prop)=[[Ford Model A (1927-1931)|Ford Model A]] automotive conversion engine
|eng1 kw= 30
|type of prop=
|max speed kts= 86
|number of props=1
|max speed mph= 100
|power main= 40 hp
|max speed kmh= 160
|power alt= 30 kW
|stall speed kts= 30
|power original=
|stall speed mph= 35

|max speed main= 86 knots
|stall speed kmh= 56
|climb rate ftmin= 500
|max speed alt= 100 mph, 160 km/h
|wing loading lb/sqft= 7
|cruise speed main= <!--knots-->
|wing loading kg/m2= 36
|cruise speed alt= <!--mph,km/h-->
|never exceed speed main= <!--knots-->
|never exceed speed alt= <!--mph,km/h-->
|stall speed main= 30 knots
|stall speed alt= 35 mph, 56 km/h
|range main= <!--nm-->
|range alt= <!--mi,km-->
|ceiling main= <!--ft-->
|ceiling alt= <!--m-->
|climb rate main= 500 ft/min
|climb rate alt= 152 m/min
|loading main= 7 lb/ft²
|loading alt= 36 kg/m²
|thrust/weight= <!--a unitless ratio-->
|power/mass main= <!--hp/lb-->
|power/mass alt= <!--W/kg-->
|more performance=
|armament=
|avionics=
}}
}}


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|similar aircraft=
|similar aircraft=
*[[Aerotique Parasol]]
*[[Aerotique Parasol]]
*[[Dormoy Bathtub]]
*[[Fisher FP-505 Skeeter]]
*[[Fisher FP-505 Skeeter]]
*[[Heath Parasol]]
*[[Heath Parasol]]
Line 136: Line 120:
== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons|Pietenpol Air Camper|Pietenpol Air Camper}}
{{commons|Pietenpol Air Camper|Pietenpol Air Camper}}
* [http://www.mnopedia.org/thing/pietenpol-airplanes Pietenpol Airplanes in MNopedia, the Minnesota Encyclopedia]
* [http://www.pressenter.com/~apietenp/ Pietenpol family site]
* [http://www.pressenter.com/~apietenp/ Pietenpol family site]
* [http://www.airventuremuseum.org/collection/aircraft/Pietenpol%20Air%20Camper%20History.asp Sky Camper history on AirVenture Museum site]
* [http://www.airventuremuseum.org/collection/aircraft/Pietenpol%20Air%20Camper%20History.asp Sky Camper history on AirVenture Museum site]
* [http://www.threepeakspub.com "The Pietenpol Story" by Chet Peek - Book covering the history of Bernard Pietenpol's Design]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090531113741/http://www.threepeakspub.com/ "The Pietenpol Story" by Chet Peek - Book covering the history of Bernard Pietenpol's Design]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMqOBkfi5Ek Video of a Model A-engined Air Camper engine start and runup]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMqOBkfi5Ek Video of a Model A-engined Air Camper engine start and runup]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ8RS3FuVoA Walkaround and In-Flight Video of an original-style Air Camper]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ8RS3FuVoA Walkaround and In-Flight Video of an original-style Air Camper]
* [http://www.hotrod.com/thehistoryof/retrospective/hrdp_1210_vintage_ford_model_a_b_c_four_cylinder_engines/ HOT ROD Magazine's Guide to Early Ford Four-cylinder engines, later used to power Air Campers]
* [https://www.hotrod.com/articles/0805sr-four-cylinder-engine-build/ HOT ROD Magazine's 2008 article on ''"Four-Cylinder Engine Build – Building A Better ‘Banger"'' for Ford Model A and B engines, later used to power Air Campers]
* [http://www.flysquirrel.net/piets/engine/Pietengines.pdf Flysquirrel.net's PDF-format article on different engine choices for Air Campers]

{{aviation lists}}


[[Category:United States civil utility aircraft 1920–1929]]
[[Category:1920s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Homebuilt aircraft]]
[[Category:Homebuilt aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Parasol-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Parasol-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1928]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]

Latest revision as of 12:39, 28 November 2024

Air Camper
UK variant Pietenpol Air Camper
General information
TypeAmateur-built airplane
ManufacturerPietenpol
Designer
Bernie Pietenpol
StatusPlans available (2015)
History
First flight1928
with Model A engine, May 1929[1]
VariantsGrega GN-1 Aircamper
Pietenpol Sky Scout
St Croix Pietenpol Aerial
St Croix Pietenpol Aircamper
UK variant Pietenpol Air Camper
Air Camper with a Ford Model A engine
A Pietenpol Air Camper under construction, showing its wooden frame structure.
"Pinocho", an Air Camper made in Mexico by Miguel Carrillo Ayala in 1935 and now in the Museo Militar de Aviación. Powered by a 201 CID engine of a Ford Model A.

The Pietenpol Air Camper is a simple parasol wing homebuilt aircraft designed by Bernard H. Pietenpol. The first prototype that became the Air Camper was built and flown by Pietenpol in 1928.[2][3][4][5][6]

Development

[edit]

The Air Camper was designed to be built of spruce and plywood. One of Pietenpol's goals was to create a plane that was affordable and easy to construct for home builders. Building an Air Camper requires basic woodworking skills and tools. Builders also need to fabricate some metal fittings to attach the wooden parts together. Some welding is required. The plans for the Pietenpol Aircamper were originally published in a four-part serial in the "Flying and Glider" Manual of 1932-33.[4][5]

The original model was flown using an Ace four cylinder water-cooled engine.[4] The Model A Ford engine later became the standard powerplant used; the design was first flown with one in May 1929.[1]

In the 1960s Bernard Pietenpol began to favor converted engines from Chevrolet Corvair automobiles. The Corvair flat six was higher horsepower, smoother, and significantly lighter, compared to the Model A, and was similar to those already available for general aviation use. The length of a Pietenpol varies with the engine choices, as lighter engines needed to be mounted further forward for weight and balance reasons.[7] Over the years over 30 different engines have flown in the Pietenpol Air Camper. Many modern Pietenpol builders prefer Continental A65, C85 or C90 air-cooled flat fours.[4] Several examples of the Aircamper have been built in Europe and in 2012 were still flying.

In the 1920s and 1930s, kits were available for the design, but there were none available again until 2015 when the Pietenpol Aircraft Company introduced a kit version of the Air Camper, with components supplied by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. The kit includes all parts except the engine, dope, fabric covering, and hardware.[8]

Variants

[edit]
Pietenpol Sky Scout
BH Pietenpol also designed and published plans for a single-seat version of the aircraft named the Pietenpol Sky Scout, which was slightly smaller and was powered by the Ford Model T engine.[4] During the late 1920s and early 1930s, this was less expensive than the Model A used in the Air Camper.[9]
UK LAA-approved Pietenpol Air Camper
In some countries, civil aviation authority approval is required for each experimental aircraft design, in addition to the approval of each aircraft an individual makes, as in the US. A variant of the Pietenpol Air Camper was designed by Mr. J. K. Wills, and UK Light Aircraft Association approval was obtained for this variant.[10]
Grega GN-1 Aircamper
Grega GN-1 Aircamper
A plans-only homebuilt design similar to the Air Camper using a Piper Cub wing.
St Croix Pietenpol Aerial
A biplane adaptation, designed by Chad and Charles Willie and produced by St Croix Aircraft of Corning, Iowa, first flown in 1977.[11]
St Croix Pietenpol Aircamper
An adaptation of the original design with more wingspan, longer fuselage and higher gross weight.[11]

Specifications (Typical Air Camper)

[edit]

Data from B.H. Pietenpol And Sons Air Camper Aircraft (2013). "How to Build a Pietenpol Air Camper or Sky Scout Airplane". Retrieved May 14, 2013.

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Capacity: One passenger
  • Length: 17 ft 8 in (5.39 m)
  • Wingspan: 29 ft 0 in (8.84 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
  • Wing area: 135 sq ft (12.5 m2)
  • Empty weight: 610 lb (277 kg)
  • Gross weight: 995 lb (452 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,080 lb (490 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Ford Model A automotive conversion engine , 40 hp (30 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 86 kn (100 mph, 160 km/h)
  • Stall speed: 30 kn (35 mph, 56 km/h)
  • Rate of climb: 500 ft/min (2.5 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 7.0 lb/sq ft (36 kg/m2)

See also

[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Pietenpol Aircraft Company - Pietenpol Air Camper History". pietenpolaircraftcompany.com. Pietenpol Aircraft Company. Retrieved June 20, 2017. By now Henry Ford had come out with his new car, the Model A, powered by a bigger four cylinder engine. At an estimated 40 horsepower, this engine seemed just the thing for Bernard Pietenpol's new aircraft design's needs, and having been on the market for several years, junk yards were starting to get as many of them as Model T engines...So Bernard Pietenpol went to work converting the Ford Model A engine for his new monoplane. In May 1929 Bernard Pietenpol test flew his Air Camper with the new engine. It was a complete success - a perfect match of airframe to power plant.
  2. ^ Bowers, Peter M.: Guide to Homebuilts, 9th Edition, pages 10-12. Tab Books, 1984. ISBN 0-8306-2364-7
  3. ^ Plane and Pilot: 1978 Aircraft Directory, page 150. Werner & Werner Corp Publishing, 1978. ISBN 0-918312-00-0
  4. ^ a b c d e B.H. Pietenpol And Sons Air Camper Aircraft (2013). "How to Build a Pietenpol Air Camper or Sky Scout Airplane". Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  5. ^ a b Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 115. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  6. ^ Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 121. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  7. ^ "Pete takles a passel of Peitenpols". Air Trails: 61. Winter 1971.
  8. ^ "Classic Pietenpol Now In Kit Form". avweb.com. April 7, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  9. ^ Sport Aviation. February 1958. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ^ Light Aircraft Association (21 June 2013), LAA Type Acceptance Data Sheet TADS 047 Pietenpol Aircamper, retrieved 16 February 2014
  11. ^ a b Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 248. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
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