SonexBuilders.net

I fitted the new split cowl last weekend. Very impressed with the fit. Total time was about 5 hours to get it just perfect.

- the cowl was picked up at Sonex. They boxed and protected it well
- the bottom required me to create a cut for the Nose wheel. Save the cutout as it can be used later to fill behind the nosewheel
- the turbo exhaust cutout needs to be measured twice to ensure you account for the final fit
- the bottom half mounts with minimal cutting. I had to shave about 1/4" off the top half of each side where it connects to the fuselage
- the top required about the same

I think that a motor spaced a little forward would require 0 cutting.
The bottom along the floor board fit perfect.

Nice job guys! Love my cowl. More pics as I finish next week.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb4 ... 26CC25.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb4 ... C85CD7.jpg

That's just not fair,
It took me weeks to get that old vertically split cowl to a point where I was happy with it.
It was the only part of the whole build process I did not enjoy at all!

Anyway,
It's so good to see Sonex has really been listening to their customers in order to improve their products over the years.
Not many companies do this. A lot are just too arrogant.

Some examples:
- new VW baffles
- new tail wheel with more ground clearance
- hydraulic brakes
- std oops fittings on fuel tanks
- now finally a horizontally split cowl
(sure there are more)

All of these mods are things that have been suggested and/or had been done already by existing customers before Sonex came out with their version.
Well done people at Sonex!

A 912 engine mount and firewall forward package would be nice now...

Brett wrote:A 912 engine mount and firewall forward package would be nice now...

I don't see Sonex ever going with a liquid-cooled engine as a factory option; it just directly flies in the face of their KISS attitude towards the aircraft.

But I'm happy to see the other improvements in the kit over time! As I get back to building this winter I guess I'll need to order some Oops fittings, and a new cowl, and a bigger tailwheel. :D

--Noel

You are probably right about the possibility of Sonex providing support for a Rotax installation.

That's too bad, as not everyone is in love with the AeroVee and Jabiru engines and desire something better to power this great airframe.

Good companies listen to the needs and desires of their customers, not just heeding their own attitudes towards their product.

Just because they don't want a Rotax in Wisconsin doesn't mean there isn't a desire to have a Rotax engine on Sonex aircraft.

Brett wrote:A 912 engine mount and firewall forward package would be nice now...

Yes I agree Brett

If the current issues and operating restrictions with Jabiru engines in Australia had existed when I was ready for an engine 6 years ago. Rotax would have been my choice of engine. Sonex support or not.

Sonex would likely sell a lot more airframes if only they offered this choice. A lot of people like and will only fly behind Rotax engines. Regardless of whether sonex offered a rotax firewall forward or not. The aerovee will always be the best seller due of the economics of it.

Steve
Sonex 892 VH-ZSX
Jabiru 3300

Another engine option not to overlook is the CAMit Aero Engine. NOT subject to any CASA limitations or restrictions. Simple reliable solid lifters and many other improvements over the Jabiru, a drop in installation, and much less expensive than a Rotax.

David A. Sonex TD #1327, CAMit 3300 #0004 now with over 115 hours.