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Canadian
Homebuilt
Aviation

  About the Parasol

Richard Lamb and the Texas ParasolThe "Texas Parasol" is a design based upon Chuck Beeson's "Chuckbird".  I've read that Chuck and a group of builders near San Antonio, Texas built over 60 of these open cockpit single seater Pietenpol style planes.   They are made of readily available 6061-T6 aluminum angle and tube and are fabric covered.

Richard Lamb prepared a set of drawings and supporting text for the Texas Parasol that is available free of charge over the internet (see the Texas Parasol Yahoo Group for information).   While the drawings are well prepared, some details are left up to the builder.   This collection is best described as a builder's manual.  The package is excellent value for the price and Richard has put a lot of work into the documentation. 

On the pages of this website I will discuss deviations from the Texas Parasol plans.   This should not be taken as a criticism of Chuck Beeson, Richard Lamb or of the design itself.  As for Chuck, he led the way.  'Nuff said.  I also have the highest respect for Richard, his work and his willingness to share.  He is a member of that rare breed that not only does things but also tells others how to do it.    There is an internet group on Yahoo with lots of supplementary information and Richard has contributed quite a bit to the discussions.

Still, the aircraft I am building is technically not a "Texas" Parasol because of the deviations from the drawings that I am implementing on my project.    Experimental aviation is all about trying different things - not necessarily better things.  Only the trials of time will prove the merits of design decisions.  So there will be no confusion I will refer to my project as   "the Parasol".

Parasol Fuselage FrameThe Kitchener-Waterloo RAA chapter put together a group of builders interested in working on their own Parasol aircraft.  One of these has since been completed and is now flying.   I purchased my project third hand from a local builder who decided he didn't have time to devote to it; the original builder made a great start on it but ended up selling it when children entered his life.  Such is the way with many homebuilt projects.   Very often the person who finishes it is not the same one who started it.

The fuselage was all fitted up and clecoed - the workmanship was excellent and it was apparent that a lot of care was taken in the construction.  The tubing for the tail feathers was already bent and many of the gussets were already cut to size.  This is a great head start.