PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER
The Pietenpol Air Camper is a homemade aircraft designed and built by Bernard Pietenpol in 1928. The aircraft is affordable and easy to build and has gained wide popularity among amateur aircraft builders. As one of the leaders of home-built aircraft in the United States, the Pietenpol Air Camper holds an important place in aviation history.
Bernard Pietenpol designed the Pietenpol Air Camper as an airplane that anyone could easily build. Pietenpol's goal was to make flying more accessible and give people the opportunity to build their own planes. The design of the aircraft consists largely of wood and fabrics, and its simplicity is one of the key features that makes it popular.
The Pietenpol Air Camper was initially equipped with a Ford Model A automobile engine. This engine was chosen because it is economical and easy to find. Over time, as airplane plans and construction became more common among home-built airplane enthusiasts, different engine options began to be used. These engines include the Continental A65, Lycoming O-145, and various Volkswagen engines. The Pietenpol Air Camper is made largely from wood and fabric. The fuselage is generally constructed of spruce or similar light woods, while the wings and tail surfaces are also finished with fabric covering over the wood details. These components make it flexible and durable. The plans for the construction of the aircraft were first published in the Modern Mechanics and Inventions magazine in 1929. It contains planned, detailed information and instructions and allows hobbyists to build their own aircraft. These plans of Pietenpol are still used by enthusiasts today and are being built by new generations. Since its introduction in the late 1920s, the Pietenpol Air Camper has achieved iconic status among amateur aviators and home-built aircraft enthusiasts. Bernard Pietenpol's vision was to make flying more accessible and affordable, and Bernard Pietenpol's vision was to make flying more accessible and economical, and this vision is at the core of the success of the Pietenpol Air Camper.
It gained great popularity before and after World War II and was built by many amateur aviators. The Pietenpol Air Camper is widely available in aviation clubs, air shows and amateur aircraft building communities. The aircraft's simplicity and modifications keep it ideal for both training and recreational flying. Bernard Pietenpol continued to build homemade airplanes and promote flights throughout his life and became an inspiration to many people. His design is still revered and built by many aviators today. Today, Pietenpol Air Camper still remains popular. Many aviation enthusiasts attempt to build this aircraft, either staying true to the Pietenpol Air Camper's original plans or using modern features and engines. Pietenpol Air Camper can be seen frequently at participation events, air shows and amateur aircraft building workshops.
Modern construction techniques and materials have improved the performance and reliability of the Pietenpol Air Camper. Modern materials such as fibreglass and composite materials enhance the structural integrity of the aircraft, while modern engine options provide better performance and fuel efficiency. The Pietenpol Air Camper is an aircraft that occupies an important place in aviation history and is one of the cornerstones of the amateur aircraft building movement. Thanks to Bernard Pietenpol's vision and engineering skills, an aircraft that is accessible to everyone who wants to fly has been produced. The project, which Semih Oksay started building in 2009, was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. This aircraft was brought to our museum by Semih Oksay in July 2024 to inspire aviation enthusiasts.
Specifications:
LENGTH
WING SPAN
HEIGHT
EMPTY WEIGHT
MTOW
MAX SPEED
CRUISING SPEED
RANGE
CLIMBING SPEED
5,56 M
8,84 M
2,13 M
265 KG
420 KG
120 KM / HOUR
100 KM / HOUR
480 KM
2,5 M / S
LENGTH 5,56 M
WING SPAN 8,84 M
HEIGHT 2,13 M
EMPTY WEIGHT 265 KG
MTOW 420 KG
MAX SPEED 120 KM / HOUR
CRUISING SPEED 100 KM / HOUR
RANGE 480 KM
CLIMBING SPEED 2,5 M / S