SonexBuilders.net

Woe is me. Its been over a year since first flight. 79 hours, one annual, converted to tailwheel. And my garage is without project.

Reading the latest Experimenter magazine, I noticed an article about the Pietenpol Aircamper and a story of a guy who built it. He's flying it now, and is currently building a Sonex. I got to sit in a Pietenpol friday and really liked it. It has a corvair. Talked to builder, looked at the plans, and I think its my next project.

I'd love to put the Rotec radial on it. Maybe after a few years of building, I can scratch enough money to buy one. Corvair would be another acceptable option. Or an O235.

Completely different builder skill set I will need to master, but that's part of the fun isn't it?

The Pietenpol would be cool. There is a guy here with a Baby Ace that has a Rotec and it sounds great. He has had some engine issues though. I agree getting the skills is part of the fun. After the Waiex we will finish the hummelbird, then I have plans for a Skybolt.

Empty garage syndrome is a real malady. I was struck by it as soon as 982SX left for the airport.

There is only one cure, start another project! Despite almost 275 hours (and still climbing) of happiness in my Sonex, I had to start another project.

The new project is slowed down some now as I take time to fly - what could be better.

Build again!

Well I did it. Bought the Pietenpol plans and the recommended EAA books and publications to build a wooden plane. Just waiting for the postman now. I also requested a price quote on the Rotec R2800. Surprisingly just a bit more than a Jab 3300.
I will not neglect the Waiex. I'll still devote plenty of time flying when the weather and free time intersect and use the rest of my time for the Piet.

While researching the R2800, I ran across a story about a Sonex with the LCH heads on their website (first one). Guy is in Canada and his install looks very promising.

Cool! Regarding the a Rotec LCH heads...pretty sure the second guy doing it is our friend Steve with Waiex #054. He's been researching and showed Mike Farley and myself the write up from the guy in Alberta who did his Sonex. I told Steve I would,help,with his project. If it goes forward we will have some documentation on this forum for the instal.

I researched the LCHs last year during my Phase 1 as I fought with high unbalanced CHTs. Almost bought them and would have been the first Sonex. But I kept experimenting and found a solution to stay air cooled. I'm still interested though. If I ever have to replace a head, I think I'll just convert at that time. Good to see others trying them.