Registration

G-BXZO

First Flown

15 June 2000

Builder

Peter Cooke

Owner

Peter Cooke

Based

Engine

A-65

Hours Flown

NOTES:

Cleared to fly by letter on the 17th May 2000!!

Hi Paul - Just a quick note to say that I took Peter Cooke's Pietenpol up for its first flight last Thursday evening and managed to complete the full test schedule by the end of the following day! She's a delightful example of Bernard's masterpiece and looks pretty as a picture in her bright red colour scheme.

Flying her for the first time held no big surprises and after only a small amount of trimming was flying hands-off. Peter had not flown a Pietenpol until he had a ride in G-BXZO on Friday and instantly declared that it was well worth the 5 years effort. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Peter on his achievment and look forward to seeing both him and his Pietenpol at the Popham Pietenpol Picnic in September - if not before. Well done Peter. All the best - Alan.

Peter Cooke (G-BXZO) Hailsham. (article appeared in Airborne issue 2...reproduced thanks to Alan James)

It's been a funny old summer! Alan James carried out the test programme of ZO of the 15th and 16th June without any problems other than the usual rigging adjustments. Everybody was happy with results except for the rate of climb being short of a few feet per minute. New wind shields more aero dynamic ballast ie not 15 stone 6ft.3", in the front seat and a new gross weight restriction of 1150 lbs. Produced acceptable results. I also fitted alloy fairings to the front undercarriage legs to reduce drag.The full permit arrived in July and since then I have been trying to do my tail wheel and type conversion. This has been a very frustrating time as work, weather wind direction and petrol blockades have all done their best to prevent me from getting airborne. My conversion is being carried out by Carol Baptiste who flies Tiger Moths for a living. When she flew ZO for the first time she was very impressed with the way my "little" aeroplane flies and handles in the air and on the ground. Next year we will be at all Pietenpol gatherings. I was sorry to miss Popham this year as I had to take my daughter to Newcastle University. I look forward to many flying adventures next year and in years to come with other Pietenpol flyers. All Pietenpolers are very welcome to fly into our strip at Westfield Farm near Hailsham. Just give me a call on 01 825 765229 and I will arrange it for you.

Best wishes to everyone from Peter Cooke.