RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
Do two searches here, one using the key word balsa selection then do one on the Howard Pete. I tried to post up the build thread but the address is about a mile long. I just read it last night. One of the best build threads I have seen here on RCU and it is on the Pete. I too have the plans and instructions for the Pete and have been trying to decide if I want it for my next build or not. I have another set of plans for a plane I like plus a nice kit. Can't decide what to build next.
There was an article on balsa selection printed in a couple of magazines, I have it someplace in my shop. It was posted on RCU at one point a few years back too.