Introduction to the Pietenpol Air Camper
The Pietenpol Air Camper is a timeless example of ingenuity and accessibility in aviation. Designed by self-taught aircraft designer Bernard H. Pietenpol in the 1930s, this parasol-wing homebuilt aircraft epitomized the spirit of affordable and approachable aviation. Crafted from spruce and plywood, the Air Camper was designed for enthusiasts with basic woodworking, welding, and metal fabrication skills, making it a popular choice for amateur builders.
Design Origins and Versatility
Pietenpol’s first prototype, which inspired the Air Camper, took flight in 1928 in Cherry Grove, Minnesota. Powered by a Ford Model A engine (40 hp), the aircraft was intentionally simple and adaptable, capable of using more than 60 engine types. Common engines included:
- Continental A-65
- Lycoming
- Franklin
- Corvair auto engines (up to 110 hp)
The Air Camper was also the first aircraft to feature split axle landing gear, a design innovation that complemented its low-and-slow flying style.
C-GNDX: A Saskatchewan Connection
The Pietenpol Air Camper now displayed at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, registered as C-GNDX, was constructed by Clifford Paddington of Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. Registered on October 13, 2011, it reflects the enduring appeal of the Air Camper design. In 2021, Mr. Paddington generously donated the aircraft to the museum, where it stands as a tribute to the DIY spirit of aviation enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Certification Basis: CAR Standard 549 – Amateur Built Aircraft
- Flight Authority: Special Certificate of Airworthiness (Amateur Built)
- Crew: Pilot and one passenger
Dimensions:
- Length: 5.39 m (17 ft 8 in)
- Height: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 8.84 m (29 ft 0 in)
Weight:
- Empty Weight: 277 kg (610 lbs)
- Gross Weight: 452 kg (995 lbs)
Engine:
- Continental A-65 (65 hp at 2,300 rpm), 4-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed
Performance:
- Maximum Speed: 160 km/h (100 mph)
A Lasting Legacy
The Pietenpol Air Camper C-GNDX celebrates the ingenuity of Bernard Pietenpol and the passion of homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder of the accessibility and creativity that define the homebuilt aviation movement. Visitors to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum can appreciate its simple yet innovative design and the legacy it represents.
