By JIM ROBERTS
Right before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019 in July, more than 20 Pietenpol aircraft and their entourage descended on Brodhead Airport (C37) in Southern Wisconsin for a three-day celebration of all things Pietenpol.
Officially known as the Brodhead Pietenpol Association Reunion, the gathering brought together aviators from as far away as Texas, who enjoyed flying, fellowship, and Wisconsin delicacies provided by their host, EAA Chapter 431.
Typically, the annual event occurs the weekend before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and this year it fell on July 18-21.
Thursday and Friday came with unusually hot and humid weather, and Saturday brought a fast-moving cold front with 50 mile-an-hour winds that had some pilots clinging to their planes for dear life. Like the storms that drenched Oshkosh, the rain fell in sideways sheets at Brodhead, but the fast-draining sandy soil was firm and flyable shortly after the rain passed.
This grass roots aviation celebration harkens back to when Bernard Pietenpol, a self-taught mechanic and aircraft designer in Cherry Grove, Minnesota, first flew his two-place Air Camper in September 1927. At the time, newspapers were still lauding the recent heroics of a young aviator named Charles Lindbergh.
Though not as well-recognized today as Lindbergh, Pietenpol’s name and his airplane “for the common man” live on in the creations of talented builders and pilots.
The plans-built aircraft comes in two models, the two-seat Air Camper and the single-cockpit Sky Scout. Power can be anything from a water-cooled Model A Ford engine, an air-cooled Chevrolet Corvair motor, or a more conventional Continental powerplant. Plans are available from the Pietenpol Aircraft Company.
Today the “Piet” has a loyal following, and the Brodhead Pietenpol Association numbers more than 550 enthusiasts worldwide, many of whom enjoyed this year’s reunion.
When not airborne on dawn patrol and sunset flights, builders and pilots re-kindled old friendships and attended forums on topics ranging from Wooden Structures and Adhesives to Pietenpols in Australia.
And certainly everyone enjoyed the well-groomed grass surfaces at Brodhead airport and the hospitality of EAA Chapter 431. Bernard Pietenpol would have felt right at home.
Homebuilding is an excellent outlet for creativity, as shown by this Continental-powered Air Camper built by professional sculptor Douwe Blumberg. 
Daniel Helsper’s Air Camper sports a Ford Model A engine turning a custom carved prop. 
Close-up view of Douwe Blumberg’s flying pig. 
A sense of humor is evident among Pietenpol pilots. 
A sense of humor is evident among Pietenpol pilots.
My Son and I flew our two Pietenpols from San Diego to Broadhead fly in 1996. Were 24 Piets there that year. From there we flew on Eastward to Ohio and Ky. and back to San Diego, Ca. Slept in pup tents most of the trip. A most memorable trip to never be forgotton!