Looking to Stretch

[Andysig]

I have a PA22, sold the 125hp engine, acquired a IO-360. Looking for advice on stretching, any experimental drawings someone might have? Alternatively knowledge of anyone in the Rocky Mountain region that is for hire, I am in Colorado but would be willing to trace to
the surrounding states. I am looking to stretch 24 inches, extend the wings, and take this bird on some fun adventures.

At this point I have removed everything and am down to the airframe. Only thing left to remove is the old instrument panel.

[Stephen]

I would start by getting advice on going experimental. Using a certified plane as the basis for experimental may have complications. Next, what landing gear conversion do you want? You will want to learn where reinforcement is needed and how to get proper gear alignment. I've done several and there are details to know. The fuselage stretch is not complicated but proper jigging is critical, a miss aligned tail will drive you crazy. The STC calls for 22.5 inch stretch. Lengthening the wings is a big job. You will want to find out where spar reinforcement goes, the location of added compression struts, extra drag wires and ribs. If you search, there are pictures of most of this available on this site. Wag Aero has plans for the PA 14, that might help. Find someone locally who has done this for help....some. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[Andysig]

I have already spoken with the FAA inspector for experimental, so I’m good to go there. The landing gear and suspension are being designed by a specialist locally.

I have a local A&P with a cub jig, unfortunately that is too narrow. My hope is to find someone with a jig, if not, I will be building

[Steve Pierce]

Have you read the threads on this website on stretched Pacers? Google search "stretched Pacer site:shortwingpipers.org" and you will find several build threads and information.

[Stephen]

I have already spoken with the FAA inspector for experimental, so I’m good to go there. The landing gear and suspension are being designed by a specialist locally.

I have a local A&P with a cub jig, unfortunately that is too narrow. My hope is to find someone with a jig, if not, I will be building

Great. You are off to a good start. One issue I see on experimental stretch projects is whether or not to lengthen the engine mount. I've read a lot of opposing opinions. On my stretched using the 0-320 my CG moved 3.8 inches aft. This made for an improvement in my landing. With your heavier engine your CG may not move much. I can easily 3 point without using power. It is a much better short field plane since my approaches are in the 50's without using power to drag it in. The plane will not break doing an approach stall....just like the regular Pacer. Doing a stall, to get a brake I have to use lots of power and get my nose way up. I have over a 900 pound useful load, which I use all of that load often without any issues.

It seems the only information you need is the wing. You will need spar reinforcement regardless of using new spars or splicing old spars. Personally, I see no advantage of using new spars. Have fun.