SonexBuilders.net

Hello Group,

I would like to hear from anyone who has added a step to the fuselage (behind the wing trailing edge) to assist "less flexible" aviators in stepping up onto the tri gear wing. I've seen a few pictures of Sonex aircraft with steps (on the web), but don't know who the planes belong to, or where they're located. Sonex Tech Support suggested I contact this group for ideas. If anyone has pictures, materials, and details about adding a step please contact me. Thank you very much!

Dave Misner
Bloomer, WI
Sonex tri gear N984DM (in progress)
davidmisner56@gmail.com

If you E mail me off line I will send pictures of my step that I have sold but out of stock now
Merle Reppert centecmr@aol.com

Hey Dave,

Van's Aircraft (www.vansaircraft.com) has an online catalog that contains an external step for installation on most of their 2 seat airplanes. It appears to be 4130 steel and I'm sure you could install either that or something similar.

The big issue may be the installation of some additional fuselage reinforcement to handle the load while you're putting weight on the step. I would guess that the installation of some additional ribs will be necessary. Hopefully you can get some feedback from people who have actually done this. If you decide to add a step, please take pictures for others who may be interested!

Good luck!

At this year's ASA gathering I saw Walt's very nice Sonex trigear (painted white with a USAF theme) with a step in front of the leading edge. At first I wondered why he'd mounted it up front, but then realized that the structure right there made it a good spot, plus there's no need to step over the flap if you go this way.

Now, if I could only remember Walt's last name. . . .

Is this the one, the name on this photo is Walt Truk.. but I believe it is Walt Turk :)
I have seen close up of the step somewhere but can't place them, might be in the Yahoo photo sets..

http://sonexbuildersandpilotsfoundation.zenfolio.com/p180209606/h3173ad8f#h3173ad8f

You can also see a shot here....

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

And here

http://sonexbuildersandpilotsfoundation.zenfolio.com/p180209606/h3173ad8f#h3445f310


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

tonyr wrote:Is this the one, the name on this photo is Walt Truk.. but I believe it is Walt Turk :)

Yep, that's Walt's plane. Thanks to you (and Robbie) for finding those pictures.

Hi-- I have ten pictures of the step and the builder's instructions--sorry I don't know where I got the pics or whose plane it is.

I have no idea how to post it so if you want a copy email me and I send them to you.

sonexn9sl at gmail dot com

Best

Stuart