FT Pietenpol Mighty Mini | BUILD

 FTScratchBuild

The FT Pietenpol designed by Josh Bixler is a plane the entire family can build together! Follow the steps below to assist in your build process and watch the video for detailed information.

Build Process

Wing

First, fold and glue main spar. Next, cut a double bevel on the leading edge of the wing. After that, glue the main spar on trailing edge of the inside of the bottom surface of wing. Carefully fold the wing to make an airfoil shape. Always reinforce creases with hot glue.

Next, apply glue to leading edge and top of spar. Then fold over wing to airfoil till dry. Use dihedral gauges at wing tips to hold dihedral shape to wing.

Fuselage

Use the foam from designated pieces to allow for A fold, B fold and fold overs on the fuselage. Next, assemble and glue power pod holder together. After that, glue the completed power pod holder onto the fuselage.

Next, raise center panel of the fuselage to an A fold at 90 degrees and glue. Raise rear and front of the fuselage at crease lines. 

Apply glue and raise fuse halves one at a time to a B fold and let it dry at 90 degrees. Repeat this step on the other side.

Peel paper from inside of rear fuse cover and mold to the shape of the lower, rear fuselage then glue in place.

Tail assembly

First, cut single bevel into horizontal stabilizer and rudder. Then use hot glue smear technique to reinforce both. Next, install horizontal tail and rudder according to video instructions. Finally, check motion of tail surfaces and square them.

Servo and pushrods

Insert elevator pushrod and control horns. Next, glue control horn to elevator with hole lined up with hinge line. Add z bend wire in center of the cavity. Install centered servo onto pushrod with glue. Repeat process for the elevator.

Turtle Deck

Glue formers to the appropriate locations. Install rear and center turtle deck as well as front cowling. Glue popsicle sticks aligned with etch marks.

Landing Gear

Bend and glue wire to former. Then glue former with wire in fuselage.

Bevel landing gear fairings on slotted side at 45 degrees to meet fuselage. Bend wire at the end of fairings to form wheel axles. Glue in fairings per video. Install wheels and cut excess. 

Glue lower front fuselage cover per video instructions.

Power pod and reciever

Install power pod and radio. Then check throws.

Wings and struts

Test fit wing and align per video. Secure wing with glue. Cut struts to length and install.

Balance and fly

Use battery position to balance plane. Install your propeller and have fun!

Get FREE FT Pietenpol plans here!

Get your own kit here!

Watch 6 quick tips for a successful first flight!

Skill level to build: Beginner to Intermediate
Skill level to fly: Beginner
Average build time: 2.5 hrs
Recommended power pack: F
Recommended battery: 2 cell for Beginners and 3 for Advanced and windy conditions ((XT-30)800mAh 3s 20c Lipo Battery)
Recommended propellers: Emax 6.45 CCW Prop
Recommended wheels: Mini Wheels 2.4” (pair)
Transmitter option: Graupner MZ-12 – 6 Channel Transmitter

Who is excited to build the FT Pietenpol? Already built it and have some of your own tips or tricks to share? Put them in the comments below!