SonexBuilders.net

Well Happy New Year to all...as 2013 winds down and 2014 arrives I thought it was time to share my progress so far on my new kit. Arrived in late August (2013). With the kind help (mostly via iMessage) Mike F. has helped me along the way to getting this kit to where I am at today.

To date - tail sections are complete (minus polishing and paint): 61.8 hours


I've been able to get my 11 year old son to help from time to time.


And I did try a little polishing on the tail to see if I was "up for the task"...


The spars and wings are my current task. Both spars and wing structures are completed: (about 85-90 hours of time total):








I am now finishing the wing skins for the left side. Just completed the fitting and pilot/updrilling last weekend and am now in the painful (literally) process of deburring and dimpling.





In total, I am at 177.1 hours to date. Once I get both wings done it's time for the fuselage!

My biggest debate that I am still having is tri-gear or tail-dragger. I purchased the kit in tri-gear form to work with the AeroVee, but I have yet to make a final determination if I will change to the tail-dragger. Sonex informed me I can exchange for the cost of shipping both ways and $50, and I may get some money back....we'll see what I do.

Scott,
Thanks for the report, the plane looks great and it looks like your progress has been really steady.
Mike Farley has been a big help to me, too.
PM sent separately.

Mark Waldron

Looking good Scott. Good to see other kids with rivet pullers in their hands.

Scott

Excellent! You can't do much better than Mike helping! My 9 year old has sporadic interest and I refuse to push him into it - good to see your son involved.

Keep going!!

I did the same as you - tail, then wings - now plugging through the fuselage.

blue skies
Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Thanks for the replies guys! It's nice having some time off this week while my wife is working :x

Getting a lot done! The left wing is almost ready to close up. Couple more exchanges with Mike today and I have my wing "pre-wiring" now done. The backside of the aft skins are now deburred (well sanded since this is easier and won't be seen). Just need to dimple the leading edge skin and I can assemble the left wing and rivet away.







Regarding my son...he also thinks this project is torture...so his help is also very sporadic and mostly when he wants money for something and Dad or Grandpa can interest him in doing some work for $$.

Sure is looking great Scott! You're making excellent progress and doing great!

I'm very glad that I can help as much as possible. Trust me, I'm not doing much. All the hard work is on your end.

I know it's a tough call on the gear configuration. Hopefully others will chime in here on their thoughts. We can talk more later. Thanks!

Scott,
Regarding the choice of tailwheel vs trigear - I would get some tailwheel dual and see if you like it.

Bryan:

That's kinda what I was thinking. The FBO at the airport I fly at (also where Mike has his Waiex hangered) has a Aeronca Champ that they use for tailwheel and light sport training. When the weather improves I'd like to get a lesson or two in it to see what it's like.

A champ would be good. I don't have any time in them, but a little time in its cousins - Chief, Citabria, and decathlon. I did find it harder to adapt to side by side seating. The perspective is a little different from tandem or single place. I have always been eager to encourage people to go tailwheel, but as I age I also find myself a willing supporter of those who prefer to stick with the nosewheel. It should be whatever makes it fun for you.

If you can stick with it long enough to get the endorsement then you can fly the Sonex factory taildraggers at Oshkosh, during transition training.

Made some great progress today! The left wing is fully closed up. Just need to pop the rivets on the bottom side forward skin. Here I am contemplating my next step...drive some more rivets or call it a day?