Pietenpol Air Camper

Dimensions

vary slightly due to different powerplants and airframe modifications

The Pietenpol Air Camper is a two-seat parasol wing monoplane,  originally powered by a 40 hp Ford Model A engine, now with a variety of installed engine types. Designed and built by Bernard H Pietenpol of Cherry Grove, Minnesota and first flown in 1929.

Various modifications to Pietenpol's 1928 Ace led to the Air Camper, the final design and drawings being completed in 1934. Although it is essentially a 'homebuilt' aeroplane, Pietenpol did sell kits and completed aeroplanes until 1941.

The original Air Camper construction is of spruce and plywood, with fabric covering, and the majority of the fittings are fabricated from flat steel sheet. All with the aim of easing construction. The plans also include the option of a tubular steel fuselage. Fuel is stored in either a seven-gallon wing tank, and/or an eleven-gallon fuselage tank located behind the firewall.

In the USA, the Ford or Corvair powered Air Campers are considered to be the 'purest' of Pietenpols. However, in the UK the majority are powered by the A-65 or C-90 powerplants. The other major UK modification, which has directly influenced the types popularity, is the introduction of the three-piece detachable wing, with automatic aileron connection. This not only reduces the required space for construction, but also enables the wings to be easily removed for transportation or storage.

Powerplant

Limitations

Performance