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Pinocchio PIEL-90 CP90
Article Frank Thomas * Photos by Brenton Thomas

A near to scale 1/5 size PIEL CP90 Homebuilt sports aerobatic model with flight characteristics which can only be described as a "Dream Machine".

SPECIFICATIONS Type:  Low Wing Sport/Scale Aerobatic Wingspan:  1.4 metre Airfoil:  Flat bottom Length:  1.22 metre Engine:  .45 to .60 Weight:  .3.15kg (6lb 15oz.) Fuel tank:  8-10 oz. Landing gear:  Taildragger (steerable tail wheel) Radio: 4 channel control functions Rudder, elevator, ailerons, throttle

A very near to scale model of the French PIEL CP90 homebuilt single seat sports aerobatic aircraft, PINOCCHIO is another product of Airborne's Design Staff and an excellent addition to their already fast growing Plans Service.

Pinocchio successfully combines pleasing scale lines and good handling characteristics with conventional construction methods.

It is well suited to the transition from simpler trainer style models to the more advanced scale designs and as such should provide an interesting challenge in building skills and attention to basic scale detailing.

While it is not a model for the tyro builder/flyer, those with good building skills and several trainer type models to their credit should have no great difficulty in producing a successful and very attractive model.

BUILDING COMMENTS

The prototype was built strictly as per plans, with the following minor exceptions: A commercial tail wheel bracket was used, the side line of the removable engine cowling was raised to the centre line of the nose block, and the top stringer from F7 to the tail post was replaced with a shaped balsa insert to simplify shaping.

An OS .46 FX motor was used (All Brian Winch's fault - as an OS fan from way back, I couldn't resist his magic write up in March issue). The wing centre optional fibreglass reinforcing was omitted to test wing integrity.

If using a bigger motor I would suggest using the fibreglass to allow for increased stresses. (Editors note: Whilst the wing is very strong without fibreglass reinforcement, hairline cracks may appear along sheeting joints if fibreglass cloth is not used). With the .46 motor no balance adjustment was necessary to arrive at the initial projected C.G.