1st Flight to Oshkosh in my Sonex!

[nwawingman]

We arrived in Florida this weekend for a family vacation. Sunday morning while setting on the beach, I was thinking a lot about the Monnett and Clark Family's due to the tragic loss of Jeremy Monnett and Michael Clark in a plane accident earlier in the week. I have wonderful memories of Jeremy over the past few years and I will miss him like all those who were lucky enough to know him. I was never fortunate enough to meet Michael but we both share a passion for aviation. As I sat there in my beach chair, with the waves rolled in, I found myself reminiscing about the time we spent with Jeremy while attending Oshkosh AirVenture last year. Writing about my first flight to Oshkosh in my Sonex was something I had always thought about doing but never took the time, and for no other reason I could think of other than I had Jeremy and Michael on my mind, I started writing. Blue skies always Jeremy and Michael!

Going to Oshkosh is always exciting for me, but this year was extra special because it was going to be the first time that my wife Alicia and I would be able to fly there in our newly built Sonex.

It was the Friday night before the planned Saturday departure to Oshkosh Airventure 2014. I was making all my final preparations for the trip. This will be the longest cross country flight I have ever made, being only a 150 hr pilot. Alicia and my youngest daughter Sylvia joined me at the hangar while I was preparing the Sonex for her first trip to Oshkosh. Before we started loading the plane, I put everything in a pile next to the plane. I had brought a bathroom scale from home so I could do one last last weigh-in to make sure we weren't exceeding our baggage capacity. Sylvia watched me as I picked up the 45lbs of cloths, camping gear, tie downs, and other misc. stuff and stepped on the scale. "There is know way your gonna get of the ground!" She said bluntly! We all laughed, but I was wondering that a little myself. We continued loading the plane with this rather large pile of stuff. I decided to take the 6lb tent and put it in front of the spar under our legs to help distribute the weight. With everything placed neatly in the plane, we turned out the lights, as if we were putting her to bed to rest for the big day she had in front of her.

The next morning we kissed both Sierra and Sylvia on the head while they mumbled something as they were still asleep and probably not happy to be woken up. We made it to the airport around 7am hoping for an 8am departure. Weather was looking to be good the entire trip, I thought at the time. Our first planed stop was going to be Moberly MO. After a preflight and a weather briefing we taxied to self serve pump to top off with fuel. We got clearance to taxi to 18 and made our way to the run-up area. This was the first time for me to take someone other than myself and a bunch of test weights flying in my newly built Sonex. I had planned to take my wife up for a flight earlier in the week, but she kept saying she would be fine and didn't need too. Well she may not have needed too, but now I am wondering if I needed the flight more than she did. I was a tad bit nervous, I will admit. I am about to fly the mother of my children, in a plane I built that has never flown with two passengers, on a 600+ mile flight. Maybe we were crazy, but we were about to embark on our first AirVenture to Oshkosh!

I just finished the run-up checklist and as I normal will do, I paused and gave thanks to God for the gift of flight and asked that he watch over us and help guide and direct me on our trip. I took a deep breath and asked Alicia if she was ready? "Yep!" She said. Once cleared for 18 we taxied out and lined up on the runway. We had a quartering crosswind from the southwest and I could feel the effects as I applied full power. I am not so sure that it wasn't some of my nerves causing me to overreact to the crosswind a bit. We started to get a little squirrelly on our takeoff role and once we reached rotate speed I pulled back on the stick and started correcting for the crosswind as the right wing dipped toward the runway. This was defiantly one of my worst take offs and I know my wife and the controller were wondering what the heck I was doing. Once we climbed out, I ask if she was doing ok, as I didn't do a very good job instilling what a great pilot I was with that horrible takeoff. She said "I'm fine." What a wonderful and supportive wife I have. I am so lucky!

We were off on our first adventure together in our newly built Sonex. Flying to new places has always been a goal of ours and now we can. While we were climbing out and headed towards Springfield MO I notice the oil temp climbing to around 220. I was starting to get concerned and was wondering if I was going to need to divert to another airport to check it out. Thankfully as we leveled out a bit the oil temp came down. We continued on and we're seeing a 165 mph ground speed. This was the highest ground speed I had seen so far in my Sonex. I was trilled to have this kind of tail wind. We continued on and made it to our first stop in Moberly MO at about 10 am. I had planed to make two stops on our way to Oshkosh and this was our first. We had a strong crosswind when landing at Moberly and end up having to make a go around on my first attempt. The second landing was better, but not great. I figured by now my wife was thinking; well great, his take offs suck and so do his landings. We filled up with fuel and went into the FBO to check the weather. As it turned out there was thunder storms that had developed in southern Iowa that would keep us grounded for a couple hours. I had stopped in Moberly a couple time before when flying to Oshkosh in a friends plane. Like previous stops they had burgers and hotdogs grilling for those traveling to Oshkosh along with very friendly service. Since this was my first real cross country, I was finding out quickly that things don't always go as planned. Alicia and I found a comfortable couch to sit on and visited with a commercial pilot that was waiting for his passengers to return. I notice how almost all of the pilots were using ForeFlight to check weather and ceilings to find opening that they could take. I felt like such a rookie amongst what seemed to be well seasoned pilots and quickly realizing I had much to learn. We continued to check the weather with my iPhone apps I was accustomed to using.

A couple hours later a few pilots started loading up and heading out. It was still not looking that great in parts of Iowa, but thought we give it a go to see if we could make it a little farther so we could keep progressing. We jumped in the Sonex and off we went to see if we could get to Fairfield IA. Alicia had family who lived in Fairfield IA, so if we ended up getting weathered in we could spend the night and visit with family. When we got close to the Iowa border we could see the skies were getting darker and the ceilings were starting to drop. We looked at each other and I said I think we need to turn back and find a alternate airport. By now Alicia was getting to be a great navigator with the Jeppesen GPS software we were using on the IPad mini. She rattled off a couple airports that were near by and by the description she gave I decided Kirksville MO looked like our best bet. We soon landed and taxied up to the ramp area where we were directed to to park by ramp personnel and parked next to other planes that appeared to be headed to Oshkosh as well. The ramp person welcomed us to Kirksville and asked if we would be taking on any fuel. Of course we didn't need much as we had been flying less than an hour, but we filled up anyway so we were ready when the weather cleared. The FBO manager was truly a one man show. It was something to watch how he was directing incoming airplanes to tie down parking spots, delivering fuel, was the cashier, gave airport advisories on his handheld radio, and even had to work on the automatic entrance gate into the airport. I gave him a hand while he was trying to fix the gate during our four hour lay over and we managed to get it working again. While we were there we met a couple guy's Chris and Tom from Oklahoma, who we shared a ride in the curtesy car with and went to town to get something to eat. We had already had a burger at Moberly but it gave us something to do since it looked like we would be here awhile. Chris and Tom were both attorney's and one did work on the side for the AOPA legal service. Both were great company and we enjoyed getting to know them. The weather finally started to clear around 5 pm so Chris and Tom thought they would try to make it to Davenport Iowa while we were still hoping to get as far as Fairfield IA. We both lifted off about 5:30 pm. It only took about 30 min and we realized the weather was not much better than it was before when we got to the Iowa border, dark skies and lowering clouds. We quickly decided it was best to turn around and head back to Kirksville before the airport manger left for the evening. Upon arriving back safely on the ground at Kirksville we were met by the airport manager again. He gave us information about a Holliday Inn, where some other pilots we had met early had chosen to stay, and a taxi service ran by the mayor of Kirksville. Within 15 minutes the mayor/taxi driver was there to pick us up. The Mayor was a interesting guy who was a transplant to the Kirksville area after meeting his current wife. He informed us that the other pilots that he took to this hotel were wanting picked up at 6:30 am and if we wanted we could share a ride with them. Sounded great to us as we wanted a early start. We got all settled in the hotel and decided to see where we could walk for dinner. There was a restaurant adjacent to the hotel that appeared to be somewhat of a diner cafe. Being the long day that it was, it looked fine to us. We had a good dinner and lots of conversation about the days events. Not really the day we had planned but we were learning that flying is more about the adventure than the schedule, or at least that what we were telling ourselves. As we settled into our nice comfy bed we both laughed as I said this may be our most comfortable nights sleep this week!

Sunday morning, after a good nights sleep, the Kirksville Mayor was right on time to take us to the airport. I could tell he liked running the taxi service, it appeared he enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories. I dried the rain water and dew off the plane and finished pre flighting the plane. We spoke briefly with the other pilots and wished them well on their journey, then departed Kirksville for another day of adventures on our final legs to Oshkosh.

The weather was much better today while we progressed to Oshkosh. Since we did not fill the fuel tank before we left, we were only able to make it to Davenport Iowa. We landed and got fuel and weather updates and headed on to Monroe WI. Monroe was to be our last stop before arriving at Oshkosh.

We made it to Monroe WI about 11 am and did the normal fill up and weather checks. This time we were seeing some scattered light showers in the Oshkosh area on the radar. It looked like they might be moving out of the area so we proceeded to get all of our Oshkosh arrival information ready so it would be readily accessible. Oshkosh here we come!

Shortly after we lifted off and were departing the Monroe area I heard a good friend and fellow Sonex builder announce he was inbound for Monroe. "Jim, is that you?" I called out over the radio. Jim responded with his normal "Hey Guy!" We spoke briefly and wished each other well on our arrival to Oshkosh. Jim had just left Grove Oklahoma early that morning in his Mooney. It was very cool to hear him over the radio and to know we would be arriving at Oshkosh shortly after one another.

By now Alicia was a seasoned navigator running the GPS on the iPad like a pro. We were now about 30 miles south of Ripon and we could see a couple patches of showers ahead. We decided to fly east and then back to the west hoping they would move out. We watched them for about 15 minutes and they didn't really seem to be moving much. They appeared to be light showers the best we could tell. We had been flying an altitude of 3500 feet for most of the trip due to the 4500 ft ceiling. I knew once we got to Ripon we would need to be lined up at 1800 ft. Having watched these showers long enough to realize they weren't moving much at all and we could see there was about a 5 mile opening between the two rain showers. The skies appeared to be brighter on the other side of these showers toward Oshkosh. After talking about it for a few minutes we decided to descend and go thru the opening between the showers. I don't know if it was "get there itis" setting in or we were both getting more brave as the trip progress. It was like passing thru the gate to Oshkosh you could say. We descended into the opening with the hopes I would not need to turn around. A mist of rain started hitting the windshield as we descended thru the opening between the showers. Visibility was still good and I could see the skies were getting lighter as were passing thru. About the time mist stopped we were with in minutes of Ripon and started monitoring the approach attis for Oshkosh traffic advisories. Other planes were coming into sight on our left and right. This is it, we are officially getting in line for a Ripon approach to Oshkosh!

Now we were on high alert watching for other aircraft as we approached Ripon. We were lucky that weather was slowing the incoming traffic. I guess we were one of the few crazy people venturing on. We were in line behind what looked to be a low wing Cherokee who was flying very slow. I slowed the Sonex down to about 85 mph to keep separation. He started descending to maybe 500 agl. We could not figure out what he was doing. In hind sight he may have wanted us to fly past him but really not sure. Luckily when we got to Fisk they directed him to 09/27 and us to 36. The controller called out "RV rock your wings" I looked at Alicia and said I thinks he's calling us an RV. I proceeded to rock my wings and he acknowledged "good rock RV, follow the road to 36 the controller said. With know one in front of us we continued following the road to 36. Before long the controller at Oshkosh was calling out "RV clear to land 36 left." We rocked our wings once more to acknowledge and started turning final for my first landing at Oshkosh. Everything seemed to be happening so quickly as we passed Ripon and Fisk check points. The moment I turned final for 36L the shear magnitude of Oshkosh was before us. It was an amazing sight! The cross wind were very strong on 36 that afternoon but I was so focused I can hardly remembering it being an issue. Once we crossed over the threshold all of the spectators came into full view. Wow, I have never had an audience like this watch me land before I thought. I descended a little to quickly and the controller kept saying keep it flying to the pink dot. We landed really close to the pick dot and as I applied the brakes and they could probably hear us cheering out side the plane. Good job and welcome to Oshkosh the controller said. I looked at Alicia and patted her on the leg and said "We did it! We landed at Oshkosh." The sense of joy and accomplishment was overwhelming. We followed the direction of the ground crew to the main taxiway to the homebuilt camping area. It was almost magical being escorted like you were royalty as people were lining the taxiways. They directed us to the spot that would be our be our campsite for the next few days. The Sonex turned silent as I shut her down after her long journey here. As we opened the canopy a very friendly volunteer was there to welcome us. He gave us all the information we needed for our stay and checking in. My head was still in the clouds and I was walking on air with excitement!

With our feet firmly planted on the grounds where so many others dreams have landed, we unpacked a small mountain of camping gear and personal belongings. It was amazing that Alicia, myself, and all that stuff flew together in that little Sonex! The tent went up and we settled into our Oshkosh homestead for the week. I showed Alicia around the rest of the day as we began a great week of aviation, friends, and just enjoying time together without the pressure of normal life. Alicia commented many times on how relaxing it was at Oshkosh without the constant schedules and demands of work and being a Mom. At the close of the first day of Oshkosh, we laid in our tent under our handy free Harbor Freight LED light and Face Timed my daughters and laughed with them about our Oshkosh accommodation. We had a wonderful week together!

One of the highlights for me at Oshkosh the last few years has always been going to the Sonex Sunday morning open house and Monday night party that they hold at the company headquarters. Unfortunately, due to weather delays we were not able to make it to the Sunday open house. During the Monday night party there is a special time that they ask the pilots that flew their Sonex in for AirVenture to stand up and tell about themselves and where they flew in from. While I was building my Sonex, I always looked forward to the day I would be able to fly my completed Sonex to Oshkosh and be standing along side the other pilots. Unfortunately I was so excited to finally be standing along side the other pilot that evening, I am not sure I remember where all the other pilots flew in from. When it was my turn, I turned to my wife and thanked her for her unending support and encouragement along the way and making the trip to Oshkosh with me. Everyone gave her a well deserved round of applause. Then I turned to John and Betty Monnett and thanked them for designing and bringing such a great aircraft to the market so that so many of us could fulfill the dream of flying a airplane we built ourselves.

Well before we knew it, it was Thursday and it was time for us to try to cram all the camping gear back in to the bags they came in so we could fit it all back into the Sonex. It was really unfortunate for us that the air mattress decided to stop holding air two days ago, so it went to the dumpster. Now that the plane was loaded and we had a weather briefing it was time to make the journey home. The plane was pulled out and we were trying to wave down the ground personnel when we got word that the airport was closed due to an accident that just occurred. Our hearts sank with the thoughts that someone may have been hurt in the accident when we starting seeing smoke over in the area of the runway 36. We were so saddened to hear more news about this tragedy. Oshkosh went silent for two hour as it mourned the loss.

The time came for Oshkosh to continue. The sound of aircraft starting up sounded like the startup of a NASCAR race. There was two hours of planed departures backed up waiting to depart along with just as many planes wanting to arrive. We could tell we were going to be sitting a little longer before we could taxi. It ended up being about an hour before we got the signal from the ground crew that we could taxi. Not sure how this happened but we taxied out right behind Kip Laurie and Mike Farley beautiful Waiex's. Both Kip and Mike had encouraged me the last couple years when we met at Oshkosh and it was an honor to get to take off together and follow their lead as I departed from my first Oshkosh trip in my Sonex. After we taxied for nearly an hour it was our time to be cleared for takeoff on 36L. Kip lead the way and Mike and I followed. Mike was on my right as Kip was cleared for takeoff. Next Mike was cleared and within seconds I hear silver and orange low wing go go go! Slowly adding full throttle, we were chasing Mike down runway 36L and Kip was in a turning climb to the east. Mike lifted off and within moments we were airborne. I took a quick look at the crowd of people along the flight line that were watching as we departed. What a beautiful site. Kip was almost out of site by the time we turned back to the south. I was flying off Mike's right wing for a short time before we went on our own ways. This was the first time I had ever flown along side any other Sonex aircraft and it was amazing experience for me!

We continued and made our first stop at Monroe WI. We had not been flying long but we both needed a break since we had been in the airplane for over two hour due to the long departure from Oshkosh. We filled up with fuel and headed on Moberly MO. For some reason we decided to land at Mt Pleasant IA. By this time it was almost 5 pm and time had ticked by faster than we expected. We still had about 3 1/2 hours of flying before we would get home. We weren't going to make it before dark. I didn't want to fly after dark anyway, so we though we would see if Alicia's Aunt and Uncle were home, who lived in Fairfield IA. As it turned out they were home and were thrilled to hear from us. Alicia's Uncle was also a pilot and was interested in seeing the plane. We loaded up an made the short 15 min flight to Fairfield where they were waiting to pick us up. It had been a few years since we had seen them so it was wonderful to see them again. They treated us to a great meal at a local restaurant and then went back to their house for the night. We had wonderful time visiting together and it was great that it worked out that we could spend time with them. The next morning they dropped us off at the airport to see us off.

Our final stop of the trip was Lake of the Ozark and then back to my home airport in in Springdale AR. The return trip home from Iowa went smoothly. As we approached Springdale I wanted to call the tower and say; Springdale tower 367SX inbound from Oshkosh! But I didn't. It was so exciting to roll her back into the hangar so she could rest after her big AirVenture to Oshkosh!

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
― Ernest Hemingway

Photos of our trip can be viewed at the links below.
http://www.nwawingman.blogspot.com/2014 ... -2014.html
http://www.nwawingman.blogspot.com/2014 ... -2014.html
http://www.nwawingman.blogspot.com/2014 ... hotos.html

[Brett]

Fantastic story Rick :) Well done :)

[Klimek]

Great story, Rick. a bunch more to the story than I've heard before.
In reading your story, I was right there with you and your wife.
Maybe when I get home you can elaborate more on your last trip to Iowa. See you soon.
Frank
OINEX 0980
N1970T
99 and 44/100% done.

[MichaelFarley56]

Excellent story Rick! Thank you for sharing!

I can't wait for another new adventure this summer! Hope to see you back at Oshkosh soon!

[mike.smith]

Great trip report! It really is about the adventure. I've never made it to OSH or Sun-n-Fun in 1 day (from MA). Something (usually wx) always interferes. This year I will get to fly my Sonex to OSH for the first time. I wonder if I'll make it in a single day? No worries either way. Thanks for sharing your trip!

[Corby202]

What a great story, thank you.

[SonexN76ET]

Rick,

After the events of the last week or so, I really needed to hear your story. I appreciate you sharing it!

Jake

[andrewp]

That was awesome. Loved it.

AP
#618

[N111YX]

Thanks for the recap of that exciting takeoff, Rick! That was indeed an odd couple of hours beforehand.

Mike and I enjoyed sharing some airspace with you...

[mike20sm]

Rick,

After the events of the last week or so, I really needed to hear your story. I appreciate you sharing it!

Jake

My thoughts exactly.