SonexBuilders.net

Noel,

I really like the Prince Prop. The engine runs almost vibration free with the Prince. When I purchased the Prince I asked Lonnie to bias it slightly for cruise. With my normally aspirated Aerovee the static RPM is 3000 and RPM gets a little bit lower on climb out (2900 to 3000 rpm) and in level flight tops out at 3260 rpm at 2000 feet and drops down to 3180 rpm at 3500 feet and above. The rate of climb is between 500 and 700 fpm at a weight of 1000 lbs. I am considering asking Prince to take out the cruise bias to get a little more RPM and better climb rates. At a takeoff and climb RPM of 2900 you really then notice any little engine performance changes due to high density altitude, compression losses due to valves not fully closing due to lead or carbon fouling, and improper mixture settings. Cruise speeds are 8 to 10 mph higher with the Prince Prop. The plane also glides much better with the Prince but it also approaches red line speeds very quickly in a dive.

The Sensenich seems to have the engine to have some minor vibrations at different RPMs. This feels strange to me because I do not have this vibration with the Prince. Static RPM is 3100 and is 3100 for takeoff and climb. In level flight it attains 3400 rpm. Climb at 1000 lbs is 700 to 1000 fpm. But speeds are 8 to 10 mph slower than the Prince.

Thanks,

Jake

Here is a little motivational photo for all the Sonex builders out there.



My Aerovee powered Sonex is equipped with Whelen LED landing lights in each wing, Whelen Nav Lights and Strobes.

The canopy and windscreen are the stock tint version from Sonex.

Keep on Building!

Jake

Here is a photo I shot of flying over Clearwater and Treasure Island on the way to St. Petersburg as a motivational photo for all of you builders and pilots.

In the last month I have flown from Atlanta to and from Pensacola, to and from St. Petersburg, FL from Atlanta and next week I fly to Pensacola once again.

The Sonex is great fun to fly!




Enjoy and keep on building and flying!


Jake

Hi Jake,

I'm thrilled to hear you are using your Sonex for some fun winter time traveling! I sure wish I could fly mine down to Tampa; with temps in the mid 20's here in Ohio, heading south seems like a great idea about now!

I hope your engine is running well and you can continue having a lot of fun flights in your Sonex! Thank you for sharing your flying stories sir, and please keep it up!