SonexFlight

Part of the fun and enjoyment builders derive from their projects is sharing them with others. Sharing can mean many things, but more and more it includes documenting the project using videos, and then sharing them online. We talk with an ambitious new builder about his videos and the goals he has for sharing his build project with others.

At some point every builder faces waning motivation, distractions and a slow-down in their building progress. This can have major impacts to the ultimate success of the project, and in the worst cases can lead to burnt-out builders and abandoned projects. We discuss our techniques and advice to keep motivation up and avoiding builder burnout.

The Jan 1, 2020 deadline to have ADS-B out installed and working is just a little over a year away, and it’s time to start thinking about getting it done. We’ll go over the options that Sonex pilots may want to consider and try to sort out the best units available for our mission set, at the best price possible.

The Sonex Builders and Pilots Foundation is the community organization that represents Sonex owners in the US, and they’ve been hard at work in the background since we last spoke with them. The Foundation has a couple new initiatives that are coming together, and we’ll talk with Mike Farley and Robbie Culver to hear about these efforts.

Builders love having many engine options to choose from, and UL Power has been supplying engines in the 100 hp range for years now. Recently they are starting to gain traction as a Sonex powerplant. We speak with Robert Helms, the US Distributor for UL Power Engines, and hear all about the features and operation of this intriguing engine.

Comfort in the cockpit is important, and really goes a long way to enhancing the flying experience. We cover our favorite techniques for heating and cooling in the cockpit, ergonomic layout, and providing those creature comforts that keep flying fun.

The UK and Europe are home to approximately 100 Sonex aircraft, with about half of those flying. Homebuilding is alive and well, and we’ll hear all about Sonex activities across the pond.

The first customer B-Model Sonex has flown, and it's a B-Model conversion of a flying airplane. We talk about the B-Model differences, making the conversion, and performance of the new plane.

Sonex Aircraft has seen growth and changes over the past several months, and we thought it was time to invite the factory to give us an update on what the company is working on, projects and priorities, and the future of Sonex Aircraft with John Monett’s upcoming retirement.

The show is over, and we run thru our final thoughts, highlights and the trip back home. See you next year, Oshkosh!