transitioning from C 172 to Sonex tri-gear

[Johns]

Currently flying 172's, just wondering if anyone has done this and how long it takes to be proficient in a Sonex.

Thanks, John

[fastj22]

Have you only flown C172s?

If so, the stick will take some getting used to. As well as how sensitive it is. You can manhandle a C172 yoke around a lot, can't do that with Sonex or you will over control it.
Site picture is completely different too. The low wing will obstruct your view of the ground during final, so if you rely on looking out the side window to judge your height and flare, you are in for a big change. Keep your eyes on the end of the runway.
The sonex slows down a lot quicker on final too. You really need to watch your approach speed and not let it degrade too fast. A C172 has a lot more mass and slows down like a bus.
You chop the throttle in a Sonex and you are going down quickly. If you deploy your flaps too early on base, I find myself dragging in at half throttle to the threshold. The plane can drop like a rock when slow.
Other than that, it flys just like any other plane I've flown. Just different. They all have their quirks.
I had C172, C150, Gobash, DA20, Citabria, RV7 time before flying my Sonex. That helped a lot.

[MichaelFarley56]

Great questions John. Can you fill us in on what your background is?

The most educated person to give you an answer is Joe Norris up at the Sonex factory. Joe created and runs the Sonex T-Flight program for people transitioning into the Sonex. If you'd like to see an excellent article that Joe wrote to explain some of the "catches" of people learning to fly a Sonex, go to the Foundation's webpage ( www.sonexfoundation.com ) and under the 'NEWS' tab (right side) you will see where the 'Newsletter Archives' are found. Read the November 2013 edition to find Joe's story.

To offer my two cents to your question, remember that everyone is different at getting a feel for an airplane, but as a general ballpark figure I'd say 5-7 hours will start getting you comfortable in a Sonex. The biggest challenge is mastering the sensitivity of the Sonex compared to a 172. Controls are much lighter which will be fun in the air, but getting a "delicate" touch during takeoff and landing will take a little practice. Once you get comfortable with the Sonex though, the 172 will be boring!

[Bryan Cotton]

I have flown a bunch of different types. To take it to extremes, the PA12 I learned in was a lot different from the Pitts, helicopters, and gliders. But if I can transition types I bet you can too.

[Johns]

Thanks for the replies guys! Mike, great article, thanks for the tip.

I did have the pleasure of getting a ride in a Sonex last year and was able to fly for a few minutes. Very responsive plane. I am just getting back into aviation after a 16 yr absence. After 2 one hour flights the instructor signed me off. Just want to get some hours in before I purchase a Sonex. Maybe the owner of the plane I find would be willing to give me a few hours in it.

Thanks again, great site! John