SonexBuilders.net

Side cowl exits just look cooler. Not that they are much cooler.
Thanks folks, I'll be here all week, try the veal.

David, the new flap actuator is behind the seat assembly, probably close to or right behind the rear spar carry through assembly. That was actually one of the weight saving measures when the flap torque tube and actuator rods that ran through the spars were removed.

I can't help but wonder if the factory will develop a retrofit kit to add electric flaps for us legacy owners! I'd be in for that!

I added the second notch to the canopy slide using the "aluminum solder" sold in the fly market by the guy soldering beer cans. They are made from a piece of angle. Two years and still working.



http://s16.postimg.org/rmg9hac5h/IMG_2388.jpg/img

I stopped by the booth many times and it sounds like Sonex has been asked by many about offering a "B" model upgrade for "under construction" existing models and others. Not sure what it will cost but they were kind enough to mention what NOT to do with the wings and other components to accept the possibility of the upgrade. I would suggest that anyone who is interested in this possible upgrade path contact Mark and let him know. Here is hoping that they will offer the upgrade kit. Because of the upgrade potential and the improvement I've learned about the Cammit engine, I will probably be going that route.

Michael,

Thanks for the info on the B model flap actuator. When contemplating mine considered moving actuator to aft side of main spar to make handle easier to reach and eliminating push rod through main spar, but sounds like they have eliminated the linkage entirely and tie the two flaps together much like the two elevators on the standard tail. Assume from that behind the seat location that there is no manual override capability. (Nor does mine.)

David A.

Hi all,
Michael F. Thanks for posting the pics. Plane sure looks nice. I' be in for a model "B" upgrade kit for our waiex 183. Mark Schaible make it happen!

WaiexN143NM
Michael

I'd like to add that there were more Waiex's than Sonex's in Lakeland (the "B" model kept us one up).

Pretty good showing for the 10%'ers.

WaiexN143NM wrote:I' be in for a model "B" upgrade kit for our waiex 183. Mark Schaible make it happen!

I'm in the same boat - just finished the aft fuselage and haven't yet started on the forward section. If I could have a "B" model by making some minor turtledeck changes, wing root-rib changes (& re-trimming of the skin), and a different set of parts of the forward fuse I would buy that upgrade kit in a heartbeat!

I'm not holding my breath; but my build is gonna be on hold for the next 5 months anyways (summer soaring season), so we'll see what Sonex is offering come September [please please please please please please...]

--Noel
Sonex #1339
TD, Center-stick, Acro-Ailerons, Flush pulled rivets, AeroVee Turbo

If you are interested in the "B" model conversion you should let the factory know. It is my understanding that they weren't even considering it before Sun N Fun but had a possible change of heart after all of the requests received there. I am sure they now see it as a possible revenue stream from customers who have already spent money with them and like any business, they would like more of it. Its a Win Win for the factory and for us interested but they need to know of the demand. I already sent an email begging them to take my money ;-)

The improvements are vast and the B model is much more elegant and refined now.

I also saw the B-Model at Sun-N-Fun and inquired about a mod kit for those of us still working on the A-Models to incorporate the changes. As previously noted, it sounds like a distinct possibility, and as suggested by others on the forum, I just sent Sonex an email to remind them of my interest. In the mean time, I'm holding off on working on any more affected areas of the fuselage, and making sure some funds are available if the mod kit comes to fruition--I think the mods would be great, especially for a larger guy like me :)