SonexBuilders.net

I'm happy to report Sonex #145, aka VH-MND, flew for the first time today.
Below is a link to a little video I've compiled from footage taken on the ground and inside the cockpit:

https://youtu.be/VKGuEdH9Fcs

The aircraft and the engine performed flawlessly.
I was very nervous all week in anticipation, but once I was lined up and pushed that throttle forward all my nerves went away and I just got into flying mode.

Other than a bit of a bumpy landing the flight was uneventful, I'm sure I'll get better at landing my girl with a bit more practice.
Take-off was quite exciting, I never expected a little VW engine to be able to pull that hard. She climbed like a rocket, at least that's what it felt like.
I did not go up very high, mostly stayed between 1500 and 2000 feet, there was some scattered cloud about today which I had to navigate my way around.
Off course I stayed within gliding distance of the airport the whole time.
Total flight time was about 20 minutes and I enjoyed every second of it, so much so that I will probably have to go do it again tomorrow :-)

Blue skies!
Michael

Beautiful plane and great job! Congrats on your achievement.

Congratulations!


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

Congrats! First flights are always a thrill.

Cheers,
Rusty

Very cool Michael! Thanks for helping to inspire the rest of us builders with your success!

Congratulations Michael, beautiful aircraft!

Awesome Michael, congrats!

Well done, Michael!

Nice tailwheel, too...

I liked the video. Wow, for VW power your ship really left the earth with a pretty good climb. Then again, with all you guys being upside down and all, it is a miracle that anything sticks to the ground down there.

Don't forget to update your signature!

Congratulations Michael! Your Sonex looks beautiful and it looks like you had a textbook first flight!

Great work and I look forward to hearing how your test flights continue!