Viking Engine

[fastj22]

I think before anyone considers placing an order for a Viking, one do more research than I did on how he treats his customers. There is absolutely zero support for his Subaru customers. If they invested in his motor, they are now on their own. How will you feel if in two or three years you need service on a Viking component like the reduction gears and finding there is no longer anything. The SeaRay saga is very telling.

When I placed my order and slapped my deposit down at AirVenture last year, he told me the deposit was refundable. I was naieve and convinced that motor would work well on a Sonex and my enthusiasm and lack of experience got to me. I should have waited until several were flying. Live and learn. I hope I'm proven wrong but I doubt we will ever see a successful Sonex/Onex installation.

I've asked for my deposit back and received nothing. He even called me twice and asked for the next deposit to secure my delivery slot (like he never heard about me asking for a refund). I asked him again for a refund. He said OK. He has now changed his website to indicate the deposits are not refundable, but on the FAQ, it still says it is.
Buyer beware.

[rizzz]

Jan just keeps avoiding answering questions about weight/performance numbers directly,
another recent example:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vikingair ... ssage/1660

This is just too much, we

[fastj22]

There have been quite a few calls from the RV12 community to post real installed weights.
Always, he's been elusive and the builders have also been quiet.
Why? If he's got a good solution, why not trumpet real numbers.
I patiently await the first Sonex installations.

[rizzz]

Has anybody followed this discussion on the Viking forum?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vikingair ... ssage/1705
This is so pathetic, it goes a little like this:

forum user: Are there any Dyno numbers available for the Viking with the new manifold?
Jan: Yes!
forum user: And the numbers are?
Jan: the numbers are good?
forum user: why all the secrecy around the numbers?
Jan: we have many good secrets
forum user: ok but before I spend the money on a new manifold I want to know what it will do for me.
Jan: it will do good.
forum user: Every other manufacturer publishes their numbers, why don't you? What do you have to hide?
Jan: we have nothing to hide, here's a link to our website (where no numbers can be found)

LOL!

[rizzz]

The Viking Onex has a cowl:

http://www.vikingaircraftengines.com/SONEX.html

[fastj22]

Did you notice the large spinner plate? Doesnt look like a smooth transition to the cowl. Wonder how it will look with the spinner and windscreen.
Other than that, it could be a very exciting aircraft. Any sonex guys get their engines yet?

[rizzz]

The spinner plate looks indeed out of proportion, I've posted a message on the forum asking what the deal is with that.
Don't know of any Sonex builders having received their engine yet.

[fastj22]

Just got a notice today to send a 50% deposit on my Viking Engine for an August delivery.
I guess Jan didn't notice the two other letters I've sent him to cancel my order and refund my deposit.
I am interested in how the Onex Viking will shake out. I guess I'll just say I'm waiting for that, then maybe he'll honor my initial deposit if I buy one for the Onex. But I have to finish the Waiex first. I'm 90% done, 90% left.

[rizzz]

Did you see this:
http://www.vikingaircraftengines.com/news/News.html

Apparently there are 10 Viking engines scheduled to go to Sonex builders in the August delivery.
You might be one of them ;)

[chris]

Just noticed a picture was added to their website of a Viking mounted to a Sonex.
http://vikingaircraftengines.com/SONEX.html