Now that the winter is starting to break, my local Waiex/Sonex brethren have convinced me (didn't take much) to get up in the air for my first flight(s) in a Sonex type aircraft. Last weekend, and again this morning, Mr. Steve Stahl, proud new owner of Waiex #0054 was kind enough to take me flying. On our first flight he quickly handed me the controls on climb out, and I had stick time for almost an hour. Today after engine start...he asked if I wanted to take off. Of course I did. Steve's Waiex is a tri-gear, Jabiru 3300 powered bird. Engine response with both of us on board is amazing. It's got me thinking about the AeroVee I have ordered... Anyway, today I flew us over to another regional/local airport and did about 4-5 touch and go's. I think my first landing was probably the best but they were all passable (no bent gear or severe bounces!). After climb out from the airport I handed the controls back over to Steve so I could relax and enjoy the flying and take a few photos.
Steve in the pilot seat and I'm in the right seat
Steve's panel with MGL Enigma
We flew over my campus at work (Honda R&D Americas). I'm kinda proud of this place, I am the campus Architect and we have been growing like crazy the last 3-4 years since the economy started getting better and after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami in Japan
On downwind back at KMRT