Frank from Maryland

[Frank]

Hi all,
I've been lurking on this BB for a month or so as I've been trying to make some decisions on what to buy/build and how much work I want to commit to doing.
I'm 99% decided on building a Sonex with tri gear and an Aerovee engine. Due to work constraints I'm still at least 8 months from purchasing and starting, but I happen to have a lot of time to get my research done right now so I am trying to read ahead as much as I can. Hopefully the process will be a little smoother if I do enough research now. This will be my first aircraft build and the sonex looks like a good place to start. I hope it will be a decent one-hop weekend cross country plane (~400 NM).

Little about me, I'm a helicopter pilot by trade but recently spent 4 years going back to my fixed wing roots as a primary flight instructor in the T-6 for the air force. Now I'm back in helicopters I want a little of that fixed wing flavor still. (I occasionally like to go upside down)

Well that's enough for now. I'm sure I'll have questions for you guys as I make some purchase decisions and start into my building.

-Frank

[kmacht]

It is a bit of a drive but if you can fly up there is the Northeast Sonex gathering happening on September 7th at the airport in Keene New Hampshire. There is a website with the information:

http://home.comcast.net/~mike.smith208/ ... _********/

There are usually a large number of builders there and at least a few aircraft with some giving rides. It's a great place to go and talk with other builders to see if the Sonex might be the right fit for you.

Keith
#554

[Sonex1517]

Hey Frank

Welcome to the forum and the Sonex community! Lots of good information here and some fantastic new friends.

Robbie
Sonex 1517

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Sonex1588]

Frank,

I would like to add my welcome to the Sonex community. I think you will like the airplane and Sonex is a class company. I recommend the weekend builders workshop offered by Sonex and the American Sonex Association fly-in in Crossville, Tenn 11-12 October. The Fly-in is a great place to see airplanes and to talk with builders. Rides are usually available. Don't forget your local EAA Chapter.

I am currently buiding the wings of my tri-gear, aero-vee powered Sonex just a bit south of you in Northern Virginia. Tail feathers are done. This is my first airplane project and I am enjoying the process.

Michael
Sonex 1588

[Frank]

Keith, Robbie, and Michael,
Thanks for the welcome.
I plan to take advantage of the workshop and fly in's as soon as I can. For now due to geographic restrictions I'm limited to internet research. (also the only reason I haven't made a purchase and started building) Unfortunately my travel distance right now is a few thousand more miles than my home location would indicate. As my return home gets closer, I will probably buy plans to have a few months to review them before attending the workshop and ordering/starting to build. I have been checking out builder logs and this site quite a bit. I can see this community has a wealth of info that you are all willing to share. That's been a huge plus as I have been making my decisions.

-Frank

[Frank]

Keith, Robbie, and Michael,
Thanks for the welcome.
I plan to take advantage of the workshop and fly in's as soon as I can. For now due to geographic restrictions I'm limited to internet research. (also the only reason I haven't made a purchase and started building) Unfortunately my travel distance right now is a few thousand more miles than my home location would indicate. As my return home gets closer, I will probably buy plans to have a few months to review them before attending the workshop and ordering/starting to build. I have been checking out builder logs and this site quite a bit. I can see this community has a wealth of info that you are all willing to share. That's been a huge plus as I have been making my decisions.

-Frank

[Brad Strand]

Frank,

I just returned from my second house hunting trip to Maryland. The wife and I are relocating to the Eastern Shore. It is good to know that there are builders in my new state.

Brad

[Frank]

Hi Brad,
The eastern shore is a nice area. Will be great for flying. Staying clear of the DC airspace is much easier on that side of the bay. I'd live there if i felt like commuting and dealing with bridge traffic. As it is my commute is long enough. I will probably end up flying out of St Marys Co. (2W6) when I get to that point. But Bay Bridge (W29) has been one of my favorite airports since I was a kid.
Good luck on the move.

Frank