SonexBuilders.net

Greetings,

I was able to visit Sun N Fun today and spent some time looking over the new Waiex B prototype. First, I have to say this airplane is beautiful! He factory has done an outstanding job on the fit and finish of the airplane and it was attracting a lot of attention today. The traditionally "difficult" areas, such as the cowling and canopy, are perfect! The firewall forward area, including baffles, wiring, etc. are all extremely well done. The airplane hasn't flown yet but is ready; in fact, after talking with Joe Norris, he said the paperwork has been submitted and the airworthiness inspection will happen shortly after the team returns to Oshkosh.

I will attach a bunch of pictures to the post: Photobucket doesn't offer the highest resolution but hopefully everyone will get the idea.

Thanks everyone!

Turbo AeroVee with factory recommended Sensenich cruise prop



Beautiful panel of MGL goodies! Electric flap switch on the left, and heated seat selector on the right!



Left side throttle and brake handle



New seat geometry to offer more headroom and shoulder room. Also note the pre made canopy frame.



The new cowling looks beautiful! The looks of the airplane really are improved.



This will look familiar to any turbo AeroVee person. Note the lack of a cooling exit on the bottom



Cowling exit areas are side scoops



The engine mounts will install with new mounting point locations in each corner. No more trimming those bottom supports!



Congratulations to the factory for a beautiful airplane!! I can't wait to see it fly!!

Did Sonex fly the B to the show or trailer it? Not that it really makes a difference.
Do like the looks. Many of the "enhancements" we have asked for.

The number of changes is very impressive. I see elements of many of our suggestions and modifications over the years - congrats to Sonex for taking this to heart!! I gotta admit - I'm rather tempted to build another one!

Lorin Miller
N81yx

fastj22 wrote:Did Sonex fly the B to the show or trailer it?

They trailed both the B model and the gray SubSonex. The Waiex is ready for inspection but has not yet received the Airworthiness Certificate. First flight should happen soon.

ldmill wrote:The number of changes is very impressive. I see elements of many of our suggestions and modifications over the years - congrats to Sonex for taking this to heart!! I gotta admit - I'm rather tempted to build another one!

Lorin Miller
N81yx

You're right Lorin! I agree. They are even adding a second "notch" to the canopy lock slide for a taxi position. It looks great!

Thank you so much for the pictures!

MichaelFarley56 wrote:Beautiful panel of MGL goodies! Electric flap switch on the left, and heated seat selector on the right!

Wow, "real airplane" ;) panel space!

MichaelFarley56 wrote:The new cowling looks beautiful! The looks of the airplane really are improved.

It looks like there's lots of room in the engine compartment too, now, with lots of easy maintenance-friendly access.

MichaelFarley56 wrote:The engine mounts will install with new mounting point locations in each corner.

I also like the way the engine mount is now more "aircraft standard" with standard bolts. Looks just like a Cessna; will not scare your A&P.

Wow, what a super nice airplane...!

Ihab

Thanks Michael for posting the pics! I see they used a single stick instead of the Y stick as was first advertised. I like the single stick better. Did they tell you the reason for the side cowling exits?

John Usher wrote:Did they tell you the reason for the side cowling exits?

Im not quite sure why they've decided to switch to the side exits. It will be a neat test to see how effective they are!

My guess is better cooling during climbs?

Just curious, but did anyone happen to note what sort of electric flap operator Sonex is using in the new B model and how it was installed ?

David A.