Mon, Sep 14, 2009
Following World War I, civil aviation experienced an
extraordinary surge in public curiosity that ignited pilots,
mechanics and enthusiasts alike. Hundreds rushed to participate in
this “Golden Age of Aviation,” leading to a tremendous
increase in technological advancements. One such participant
was Bernard H. Pietenpol, a self-taught airplane designer from
Spring Valley Cherry Grove, Minnesota.
Considered the “Father of Homebuilt Aircraft,”
Pietenpol constructed his first homebuilt airplane in 1923, using a
Ford Model T engine. He did not, however, gain world-wide
recognition until April of 1930; Pietenpol set out for Minneapolis
with two Ford Model A powered airplanes in order to prove to the
editor of Modern Mechanics, now Popular Mechanics, that an auto
engine powered aircraft could indeed fly.
The editor was so impressed by the aircraft that the Pietenpol
Air Camper was featured as the magazine’s cover story.
With the increased exposure, the airplane became the favorite
homebuilt of its day.
Pietenpol intentionally designed the aircraft with the
“average 1930’s American” in mind; all materials
used were readily available in local stores and the aircraft could
be easily built with a minimum amount of tools.
The aircraft was constructed from spruce and plywood, powered by
a converted Ford Model A 4 cylinder engine. Due to the
downward thrust of the propeller, the aircraft had a short take off
run, allowing the “Golden Age” pilots to fly it from
most off-airport fields.
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