Mr. Pietenpol, considered by many as the "Father of Homebuilt Aircraft"; was a self-taught engineer who designed his own airfoils, did his own stress analysis and as Ol' 12937 shows, created a plane that even today catches the fancy of all those who see it or fly it. From then (1931) to the beginning of WW II, he built less than 20 planes himself. However, he sold plans, made parts for the plane and converted Model A motors for flight. Prior to and during WW II, he was an instructor in the Civilian Pilot's Training program. After the war, he reopened his plans and parts business, but to pay the bills, he set up a business fixing televisions and radios.