B-Model Conversion Kits!

[markschaible]

Hello SonexBuilders.net!

Sonex Aircraft had a very successful showing of the Waiex B-Model at Sun ‘n Fun 2016, and we received a tremendous amount of interest from builders at the show wishing to convert their existing Sonex or Waiex projects to B-Models. As you have seen discussed on this forum, the level of interest was enough to make us reconsider the possibility of a conversion kit, and we are already working hard to organize the details of such a conversion.

I have created a poll with this message to solidify the level of serious interest into numbers that we can evaluate going forward. Please be sure to respond to this poll if you are interested, as a lack of response would reduce the likelihood that we will offer a conversion option.

Some things to keep in-mind when considering your interest level and providing your responses to our poll:
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• No exchange of legacy Sonex or Waiex parts will be made available.
• Builders will have to get their projects to a defined “starting point” for conversion. That may mean either building-up to the point where changes begin to take place, or removing parts to get “back” to the starting point of conversion changes. We can only offer detailed technical support for the conversion from the starting point forward, and no “partial conversions” will be supported — we can only offer support for construction as defined in the plans that will be created for conversion.
• Depending upon your project’s status and condition, you may need to fabricate or purchase replacement parts at additional expense that are not part of the conversion kit. This will be more likely if you need to remove parts to return to the conversion’s defined “starting point.” There are some common parts between legacy and B-Model, so if you’ve used or altered those common legacy parts, you will have to fabricate or buy them at additional cost. All new B-Model parts will be included in the conversion kits.
• Conversion may not be as-easy of a project as starting with a completely new B-Model kit. No Quick Build services will be made available for conversion of your existing assemblies by Sonex shop staff.
• Conversion kits and instructions will be made available only after full B-Model kits and plans are completed and shipped. New B-Model kit shipments are planned to commence in June, and some plan update packages may need to ship after kits begin shipping — Conversion plans will not be finalized until all B-Model plan update packages are completed. Our best estimate at this time is that conversion kits and instructions would not begin shipping until the late Summer or early Fall 2016 timeframe.
• Total cost to you: Pricing of conversion kits will vary depending upon what you already have at the current time. If you have a Complete Airframe Kit, the conversion kit will be approximately half the price of a new B-Model Complete Airframe Kit. The wing conversion kit will be the least expensive at approximately $900, and as you can imagine, the fuselage conversion kit will be the most expensive at approximately $6,500 (these estimates are subject to change). Regular B-Model Sub-Kits can be purchased in-place of any legacy Sub-Kits you haven’t yet purchased. We are actively working on the conversion packing lists and will have better pricing estimates available soon. You can find the current B-Model order form with pricing details for new kits at: http://www.sonexaircraft.com/documents/B-Model_Order_Form.pdf
• Regarding wing conversion kits, the price estimate mentioned above does not include new wing skins. The builder may trim their existing wing skins. Note that there will be some “ugly” unused holes and even some places where the new trim line cuts through unused legacy holes. This does not pose any structural problems, and will never be seen in your finished aircraft because it is covered by the wing root doublers. Our prototype Waiex-B displayed at Sun ‘n Fun used trimmed legacy skins and it looks great! Builders may purchase new B-Model wing skins at additional cost if desired.
• You will need to retain your original plans set with your project and your legacy aircraft serial number will not be valid for building additional projects. Legacy aircraft that have been converted will receive a version of their original serial number that includes a conversion designator.
• Aircraft that are already flying may be converted and logged using the “major change” provisions of your aircraft’s operating limitations (in the United States). The conversion of a flying aircraft would be a very extensive project, but it can be done and poses no problems from the regulatory standpoint.

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Some instructions for those interested in conversion when it comes to working on your existing projects that will make conversion easier:
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• Don’t install or rivet root ribs and wing skins.
• Don’t construct the tail cone forward of the #2 formers.
• If you only have a Tail Kit at this point, remember that B-Model Tail Kits are unchanged — you can just proceed with a regular B-Model order for the rest of your kit!

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We’ll be working to document more FAQ’s regarding construction and preparation of legacy projects for conversion, as-necessary.

--
Mark Schaible
General Manager
Sonex Aircraft, LLC
phone: 920-231-8297
fax: 920-426-8333
http://www.SonexAircraft.com
http://www.AeroConversions.com

Sales Info: sales@sonexaircraft.com
Orders: orders@sonexaircraft.com
Accounting: accounting@sonexaircraft.com
Tech Support: tech@sonexaircraft.com

Build a Sonex Aircraft in Your School!
Check out the Sonex Education Initiative: http://education.sonexaircraft.com/

[Brett]

Hi all,
I just thought id throw my .02 cents into the conversation as it seems ideas are being considered around modifications.
I am so far very happy with my A model airframe and doubt I'll grow any taller or wider so I shouldn't need the extra space. What I would really love though is a factory supported auxiliary tank and perhaps based on the one Steve made from downunder that is held in behind the seat with piano hinge.
Being experimental I know we can do this mod ourselves however a factory approved and endorsed tank would just be fantastic.
Everyone I know seems to be able to cope ok with the 16 gals but there is nothing like piece of mind having a few extra litres. I know in my case any long trip will be solo so gross weight shouldn't be an issue.
- Brett

[wlarson861]

I agree with Brett, adding the turbo makes the AeroVee a real traveling machine but at the cost of endurance. An extra 6 to 8 gallons would add an extra 120 to 150 miles and leave a little more reserve.

[MichaelFarley56]

I also would love to see the electric flaps made available for us A drivers! I'd love to see the removal of the steel torque tubes and bet it would save some weight.

Just my two cents of course....

[fastj22]

I know its not "factory" supported, but several of us have electric flaps. Its not that difficult to remove the detent plate and put in a 150lbs force linear actuator to move the arm. Costs around $150.

Jeff Schultz also devised a clever aux tank that utilizes an outboard boat fuel tank, 12v pump, and fitting/lines to quick connect to the top site gauge port on the tank. Plugs into the 12v accessory port. You can place the tank either in the pax seat or behind it in the baggage compartment. Gives you an extra 6 gals. Total cost around $150. I did one and it really made it easier to fly across northwest texas. My only problem is I can't put in the baggage as I'm a bit tail heavy so it sits next to me. Which is fine if I don't want a pax.

[samiam]

I would love to have the 20 gallon tank, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I probably won't be upgrading my "legacy" kit. I love the upgrades, but the cost tradeoff is just too high for me. Of course, if this build ends up going on for years more than I expected, I may change my tune.

[WaiexN143NM]

HI all,
Just getting mark s. Post front and center again. Vote if you are interested in a conversion kit. I'm not sure what magic number the factory is looking for to make this a go. As for gas tanks in the baggage compartment, all I know is with two two hundred pounders in the seats in our waiex, I don't want to put much weight in the baggage compartment. We have a jab3300. Pitch gets lite. Watch if u putting much weight in that baggage compartment. I think a better solution would be wing root tanks like the RV series. Also hoping the factory would consider a motor mount for the small continental series engines for the "B" models. The. "b" models with the bigger gas tank and bigger panel is much appreciated.looks much more refined aircraft.

WaiexN143NM
MichaelRadtke

P.S. If you would like to like to donate to Mr . Paul Laurent's recovery fund pls see the update link. Thanks John.

[WaiexN143NM]

Hi all,
I noticed today that on www.sonexaircraft.com there was a post from Mark S. On April 14 About offering the "B" model conversion kit.
I would assume it will be offered as sub and full kit conversions.
Looking forward to see the B waiex at OSH 2016.
WaiexN143NM
Michael RADTKE
#143 flying
#183 under construction

[markschaible]

Hello SonexBuilders.net!

Thanks to everyone for participating in this thread, voting in our poll, and providing your personal messages to us via email. We WILL be offering B-Model Conversion Kits and are working to finalize all details and provide order forms ASAP. If you have not yet voted in this poll, please do if-interested in a conversion, as the data certainly helps us with planning.

There will be Sub-Kit versions of the upgrade package, and those who don't already have certain legacy Sub-Kits may just order the standard B-Model kits in their place (gear, controls, etc.) per the standard B-Model order form at: http://www.sonexaircraft.com/documents/B-Model_Order_Form.pdf

Please continue to send us your questions and feedback, and we'll have more details soon.

Regards,
--
Mark Schaible
General Manager
Sonex Aircraft, LLC
phone: 920-231-8297
fax: 920-426-8333
http://www.SonexAircraft.com
http://www.AeroConversions.com

Sales Info: sales@sonexaircraft.com
Orders: orders@sonexaircraft.com
Accounting: accounting@sonexaircraft.com
Tech Support: tech@sonexaircraft.com

Build a Sonex Aircraft in Your School!
Check out the Sonex Education Initiative: http://education.sonexaircraft.com/

[smithbo]

I am interested in the "B" model Conversion Kits. I currently have an "A" model full kit with standard gear, J3300 engine mount, and dual sticks.
Current construction so far is complete tail structure, ailerons and flaps, main and rear wing spars and all wing rib details. The wing skeletons have not been started. The rear tail cone and details are completed, but only clecoed.
My interest might be an "A+/AB" model with; electric flaps, hydraulic disk brakes, dual throttles, aux fuel tank, center stick with "Y" grip?, large tail wheel? Flying dual with two 165 pounders ,or solo ferry flights with aux tank in passenger seat, or solo center-line seating for aerobatics.