Removing the Horizontal Stabilizer and Wings on a Sonex

[JMJeakle]

Can anyone give me information on the removal of the Horizontal Stabilizer and Wings for transport?

[Bryan Cotton]

Check out the Sonex instruction sheets:
https://www.sonexaircraft.com/instruction-sheets/

In particular the wing removal instructions are here:
https://www.sonexaircraft.com/documents ... nstall.pdf

I built a Waiex so I can't give any advice on the horizontal stab. The Waiex tail would not be something I'd want to take off. Can you get by if you pull the fiberglass tips? That's just drilling out rivets.

[sonex892.]

The rudder and vertical fin need to be removed prior to the horizontal. The piano hinges if built per plans can be a pain to remove. You will require a way to punch the pins out far enough to grab them. Apart from disconnecting the control horn connections will need to remove the fillet fairings and 2 inspection plates, there are a bunch of 3/16 and 4 × 1/4 bolts mostly in awkward places.
Steve

[JMJeakle]

Thanks for the replies. Still looking for instructions for install or removal of the horizontal Stabilizer.

[Skippydiesel]

Thanks for the replies. Still looking for instructions for install or removal of the horizontal Stabilizer.

Me too!

[XenosN42]

Thanks for the replies. Still looking for instructions for install or removal of the horizontal Stabilizer.

The horizonal stabilizer was NOT designed to be removable for transport. To remove it you'll need to carefully study the plans and reverse engineer the installation steps. It won't be easy.

[JMJeakle]

Thank you. Looks like I will have to build a cradle to hold it at an angle for transport. Thanks again.

[sonex892.]

Thank you. Looks like I will have to build a cradle to hold it at an angle for transport. Thanks again.

If the fibreglass tips are riveted with aluminium rivets? They would be relatively easily drilled out. At a guess, that would reduce the span by about 7 or 8 inches. If they have been fastened as per the plans with the stainless rivets, it would possibly easier to remove the tail.
How I know. I foolishly followed the plans and installed stainless rivets. I later had to remove the tips to repair hangar rash. Mine now has aluminium rivets holding the tips in place.
Steve

[Skippydiesel]

I am about to install the empennage on my Sonex Legacy - all tips & suggestions will be much appreciated.