SonexBuilders.net

Anyone put skis on a Sonex yet?

That might be the last frontier.

Next to the last frontier:

https://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/releases/pr_040204.html

Wes

"If the tests prove successful, there will be an installation package offered through Sonex,ltd."

15 years later, I guess they weren't successful...?

Sure looks fun though.

I don’t know of anyone who has tried skis on a Sonex. That can put a lot of stress on the airframe so I would want to get their opinion first.

The floats were a cool idea but there was no customer interest so they never really pursued the project.

I would seriously discourage anyone from putting skis on a low wing airplane. I have seen, firsthand, the upper surface of the wing get covered with snow from the spray off skis. Fortunately we got the wings cleaned off before anything bad happened. Then we had to get snowmobiles to pack down a "runway" to prevent the spray.

JMHO

Bill,

I hear you - though there seem to be plenty of Pipers up in Alaska that make skis work. Ibsuspe t it has a lot to do with the surface you are operating off and the level of prep.

Floats - I think someone had their tounge firmly in their cheek when they issued that press release - apparently a day late.

When you say "Pipers in Alaska", are you referring to high wing or low wing Pipers?

GraemeSmith wrote:Bill,

Floats - I think someone had their tounge firmly in their cheek when they issued that press release - apparently a day late.

It was built and flew great but everyone who wanted one when it didn't exist didn't want one when it did. Lotsa talkers in the world.

https://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/rel ... 40204.html

Sonex Aircraft

SonexFactoryTech wrote:

GraemeSmith wrote:Bill,

Floats - I think someone had their tounge firmly in their cheek when they issued that press release - apparently a day late.

It was built and flew great but everyone who wanted one when it didn't exist didn't want one when it did. Lotsa talkers in the world.

https://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/rel ... 40204.html

Sonex Aircraft

And don't forget:

https://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/releases/pr_071604_2.html

Wes

I'd love to see it, but I don't think I'd be the first "penguin into the water" on that one. Low wing float planes were common in the golden age, know I've seen ski versions too.

My preference for snow, and gravel for that matter, would absolutely be a high wing...