SonexFlight

We discuss the various options and consideration for choosing brakes for your Sonex project, including the stock drum brakes, optional AeroConversions hydraulic brakes, and other aftermarket brake systems. Guest Mike Farley offers his experience and insights gained from his project.

We delve into all aspects of rivets on the Sonex. We’ll discuss the types of rivets used in our construction methods, proper techniques, tools and various tips and tricks learned over the years.

We discuss the process of putting together a Pilot Operating Handbook – AKA a “POH”. We review the major considerations and a few helpful references to guide you through the development a complete and useful document. We also comment on our own individual methods of operating our Sonex, from start-up to flying the pattern.

We discuss documenting your Sonex building project, including the regulatory requirements for documentation, the various options for your logs, benefits of documenting, and tips and tricks to make the process easier.

The Sonex landing gear system is robust, effective and simple to set up, and we cover ways to make it even easier. We talk with early plans-builder Bob Mika about planning considerations for your gear configuration, challenges or issues builders may encounter, tips and tricks, and a few useful modifications.

In Episode 8 we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a second-hand Sonex project, outline the major considerations on finding and evaluating a potential project, and offer tips and lessons-learned from builders who have successfully completed rescued projects.

We discuss tuning the AeroInector and AeroCarb. This carb is deceptively simple, but it needs to be tuned correctly for best performance. Kerry Fores from Sonex Aircraft LLC walks us thru the process, outlines common mistakes and provides trouble-shooting tips.

In Episode 6 we speak with Sonex Aircraft LLC General Manager, Mark Schaible. We discuss a wide variety of topics with Sonex, review the latest efforts and focus areas, and talk about Sonex’s biggest challenges and frustrations. In the news we review the UK Sonex Approval Document, the recent AeroVee Turbo Service Bulletin, and more.

In Episode 5 we speak with Robbie Culver, President of the Sonex Builders and Pilots Foundation. We talk about the mission and goals of the Foundation, transition training and other safety concerns. In the news we discuss recent SonexBuilders.net threads about solving radio noise, and the Stratux do-it-yourself ADS-B receiver.

In Episode 4 we discuss important considerations to achieve good engine cooling in your Sonex. We speak with Mike Smith about his recent experiences trouble shooting and improving his engine cooling efficiency. In the news we discuss NKET-approved Xenos Motorglider Quick Build Kits and Josh Bardell's homebuilt portable air-conditioning system for his Sonex.