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Use ONLY: Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, Jet B-1, JP4, JP5, Avgas 80/87, Avgas 91/96, Avgas 100/130, Avgas 100LL, Diesel #2, Kerosene K-1, Heating Oil #2, Auto Fuel 87 AKI, Auto Fuel 89 AKI, Auto Fuel 93AKI, or other fuels as per the aircraft flight manual.
(Ayres Turbo Thrush Fuel Placard)
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Project Log
Aircraft Construction - Pitts 14 Prototype
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Construction Begins
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Pitts 14 Prototype
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Created:
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12/10/2003
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Updated:
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04/07/2004
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Link(s):
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N/A
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Article by Mike Whaley
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Construction begins on the Pitts 14 prototype in early May 2003. Curtis came to the shop for a week as his Model 14 drawings became structure for the first time. Jigs were completed for the fuselage side sub-assemblies and tail surfaces. Tubing nibbler pattern templates were completed for all tubes in the fuselage. The fuselage sides were tack welded together. The Model 14 prototype was under way....
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Curtis smiles for the camera as we begin the initial prototype construction of the Pitts Model 14. Curtis has been designing best-of-breed aerobatic biplanes for more than 60 years.
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The fuselage side frame subassemblies are laid out on a jig built on a flat baseboard, similar to many other tube-built aircraft. Hardwood blocks are cut in quantity and pre-drilled in advance for the screws which will anchor them to the baseboard. The blocks locate each tube in the side structure and allow the frame subassembly to be tack welded.
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There are lots of little details at this early stage. Paul Goetsch lays the foundation of the Model 14 fuselage. The starboard and port sides are identical and use the same jig.
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Other entries in this series:
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» Construction Begins
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May
2003
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Fuselage Basic Structure
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June
2003
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Fuselage Basic Structure Completed, Engine Arrives, Steve Culp Helps Out
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July
2003
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Pitts Model 14 Introduced at Oshkosh
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4th week of
July
2003
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Curtis Visits to Continue the Design, Wing Construction Begins
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August
2003
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Wing Construction Underway
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September
2003
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Lower Wing Basic Construction
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October
2003
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Lower Wing Details and First Fuselage Formers
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November
2003
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Fuselage Formers, Skin and Wing Details
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December
2003
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Fuselage Side Panels and Upper Wing Construction
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January
2004
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Wing-Root Fairings, Fuselage Skin Panels, and Upper Wing
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February
2004
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Fuselage Side Panels, Wing Rigging, Engine Arrives
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March
2004
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Sun N 'Fun 2004
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April
2004
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Summer 2004 Status Update
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May
2004
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Aluminum Turtledeck
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1st week of
June
2004
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Sheet Metal Work, AirVenture
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4th week of
June
2004
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Adjustable Seats, Part 1
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August
2004
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Adjustable Seats, Part 2
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December
2004
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Wings
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December
2004
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Throttle Quadrant
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December
2004
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Spring 2005
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March
2005
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If you have any additions or corrections to this item, please let us know.
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