The 2007 James F. Aaron Pietenpol: A Showcase of Craftsmanship and Fresh Condition Inspection

The 2007 James F. Aaron Pietenpol represents a masterfully built aircraft, rooted in the rich history of aviation and reflecting the dedication of its builder, James F. Aaron. With its unique combination of vintage charm and modern reliability, this Pietenpol offers pilots a chance to experience flying as it was meant to be—simple, responsive, and thrilling. As an amateur-built aircraft, it adheres to the Pietenpol tradition but stands out due to its excellent condition and meticulous attention to detail. This blog post will explore the aircraft’s history, uses, features, and auction information, emphasizing the Fresh Condition Inspection that adds value and reliability to this exceptional piece of aviation craftsmanship.

History of the Pietenpol and James F. Aaron

The Pietenpol Air Camper is a homebuilt aircraft designed in the late 1920s by Bernard Pietenpol, a pioneer in the homebuilt aircraft movement. Known for its simplicity and ease of construction, the Pietenpol Air Camper has been a favorite among aviation enthusiasts for nearly a century. The design was originally intended for a Ford Model A engine, showcasing its adaptability and accessibility to builders around the world.

James F. Aaron, a passionate aviator and builder, took this classic design and brought it into the modern era with his 2007 build. His version of the Pietenpol maintains the spirit of the original while incorporating improvements that enhance performance and reliability. Aaron’s attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident in every aspect of the aircraft, from its airframe to its avionics, making it an excellent representation of the Pietenpol legacy.

Uses of the Pietenpol

The Pietenpol is beloved for its versatility, offering a range of uses for pilots of various skill levels. As an amateur-built aircraft, it has become a popular choice for recreational flying, especially among pilots who enjoy vintage aircraft with modern reliability. The Pietenpol’s docile handling characteristics, combined with its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, make it ideal for grass strips, small airfields, and backcountry flying. Its simple yet effective design allows for easy maintenance, making it a cost-effective option for pilots who want a low-maintenance, high-enjoyment aircraft.

The Fresh Condition Inspection: A Highlight of Quality and Reliability

One of the standout features of this 2007 James F. Aaron Pietenpol is its Fresh Condition Inspection. This inspection ensures that the aircraft is in top condition and ready for immediate use. A Fresh Condition Inspection adds significant value to any aircraft, particularly those being sold at auction, as it provides buyers with peace of mind knowing the aircraft meets stringent safety and operational standards. This Pietenpol’s inspection highlights its airworthiness and commitment to reliability, making it an attractive option for pilots looking for a well-maintained, high-performance aircraft.

Airframe

The airframe of this 2007 James F. Aaron Pietenpol is a testament to the craftsmanship that went into its construction. With a total time of just 165 hours, the airframe is practically new, reflecting minimal wear and tear. Built with the traditional Pietenpol design in mind, this aircraft incorporates modern materials and techniques to ensure both strength and lightness. The registration number, N9092S, marks its place as a carefully constructed and meticulously maintained amateur-built aircraft. With a useful load of 595 pounds and a fuel capacity of 12 gallons, the aircraft offers a range of approximately 160 miles, making it suitable for short cross-country flights or local hops. The stall speed of 35 mph ensures gentle handling, even for less experienced pilots.

Propeller

The propeller is a critical component in the performance of any aircraft, and this Pietenpol is equipped with an Ed Sterba prop, model 64/47. Known for its smooth performance and reliability, the Ed Sterba prop is a favorite among vintage aircraft builders. With a total time of 165 hours, the propeller is in excellent condition, offering years of dependable service. The 64/47 configuration is ideal for the Pietenpol, providing a balance of thrust and efficiency that enhances the aircraft’s Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities. Whether taking off from a short grass strip or performing touch-and-go landings, the propeller delivers consistent, reliable performance.

Engine

Powering this Pietenpol is a six-cylinder, 100-horsepower William Corvair engine, built by General Motors. The Corvair engine is well-known in the homebuilt aircraft community for its reliability, smooth operation, and ease of maintenance. With an engine total time of 165 hours, this powerplant is in excellent condition, offering a robust and dependable performance. The engine’s docile characteristics are complemented by the aircraft’s lightweight design, allowing for a cruise speed of 80 mph and a top speed of around 100 mph. This combination of engine and airframe makes the Pietenpol an efficient and enjoyable aircraft to fly, whether for leisurely trips or more adventurous flights.

Avionics

Though the Pietenpol is a vintage-style aircraft, it features a well-rounded set of avionics that enhance its usability and safety. The back seat is equipped with a Sigtronics SPO-42 two-place intercom, a Navicom Icom IC-A22 VHF air band transceiver, and a comprehensive set of instruments including an EGT/CHT, airspeed indicator, altimeter, turn coordinator, tachometer, battery voltage meter, amp meter, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, and RPM gauge. The front seat includes an airspeed indicator and RPM gauge, offering pilots clear and reliable data during flight. While not IFR capable, the avionics suite ensures that the pilot has all the essential tools for safe and enjoyable VFR flying.

Exterior

The exterior of this Pietenpol is striking, featuring a red and silver paint scheme that stands out on any airfield. The combination of colors is both eye-catching and timeless, evoking the classic era of aviation while maintaining a polished, modern appearance. The aircraft’s fabric-covered wings and fuselage are in excellent condition, with no signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. This attention to detail in the exterior finish is a testament to the builder’s dedication to quality and longevity, ensuring that the aircraft not only performs well but also looks great doing it.

Interior

Inside, the Pietenpol offers a comfortable and functional environment for both the pilot and passenger. The interior features black seats with brown accents, providing a vintage aesthetic that complements the aircraft’s overall design. The metal instrument panel is straightforward and easy to read, contributing to the simplicity and ease of use that the Pietenpol is known for. The interior is in excellent condition, with no signs of wear or damage, reflecting the careful maintenance and limited flight hours of the aircraft.

Additional Features

In addition to its well-built airframe and reliable powerplant, this Pietenpol includes several additional features that enhance its usability and convenience. One of the standout features is the storage compartment located on the top of the wing center section, providing a handy space for storing small items during flight. The aircraft has no known incidents or flaws, and there are no gaps or missing logbooks, further solidifying its status as a well-maintained and reliable aircraft.

Auction Information

This 2007 James F. Aaron Pietenpol will be up for auction from October 23 to October 30, 2024, through Airspace Auctions. With a starting bid of $12,500 and a buyer premium of 6%, this aircraft represents an excellent opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to own a meticulously maintained example of a Pietenpol. A $1,500 deposit is required to participate in the auction, making it accessible to serious buyers looking for a unique and reliable aircraft.

Conclusion

The 2007 James F. Aaron Pietenpol is an exceptional example of amateur-built aircraft craftsmanship, combining vintage design with modern reliability. With its Fresh Condition Inspection, this aircraft is ready for immediate use, offering pilots a dependable and enjoyable flying experience. Its powerful William Corvair engine, Ed Sterba prop, and well-rounded avionics package make it an excellent choice for recreational flying, STOL operations, or just enjoying the thrill of vintage aviation. As it heads to auction, this Pietenpol stands as a testament to the skill and dedication of its builder, offering a rare opportunity for collectors and pilots alike.

Be sure to participate in the auction from October 23 to October 30, 2024, for a chance to own this beautifully maintained aircraft with a starting bid of just $12,500.