SonexBuilders.net

Hi all,
Been working on some lower gear fairings to wheel pant fairings. Picked up a pair last oshkosh across from sonex display at cleveland aircraft tools. They are fiberglass for an RV-12. Took some modifying , cutting and reglassing. Came out nice. Currently sanding & priming, maybe white final coat tommorrow. At osh 16 , on the flightline saw that Jeff schultz made some nice ones , handcrafted from modeling puddy then glassed, i believe he said. Hope to pick up a few mph. Anyone else craft some lower fairings? I looked thru the cleveland tools display for the different Vans RV models lower fiberglass fairings. The RV-12 seemed to be the best fit so i purchased a pair. It takes some moderate modifying. Will leave the upper gear fairing to cowl as is.

WaiexN143NM
Michael

How about some pictures when you get done. Love to see them.

Hi bill, all,
Sure give me a couple days!

WaiexN143NM
Michael

no hurry

Steve Woodham, Sonex 892, has the best wheel pant/leg fairing setup I have seen. See http://sonexaus.wikispaces.com/Steve%27s+Sonex+892 and scroll down a short way. They are made from modified Vans parts. Maybe Steve would like to add some details.

Peter
Sonex 894

My partner in Waiex 0146 , Rick Adler and I whipped up a set following Jeff Schultz's photos and instructions . Probably not as artistic as Jeff's, but Rick worked his fingers to the bone glassing and sanding and we're very happy with the results !

Hi all,
My fairings will be more functional and are split in the rear, you slip them on from the front , will screw to wheel pants(inside nutplates) , and have a fairing flange in the rear with 2 screws and clip nutplates. Steves recovery pressure wheel pants look beautiful, fairings maybe glassed onto the pants. ?Thanks peter. Tim how are your fairings attached? Any pics? When i finish final paint will take a pic.
Today is final day of sun and fun in florida. Any sonex folks there , safe travels flying or driving back home.
Anyone else try making wheel fairings ? please share.

WaiexN143NM
Michael

Michael, ours are attached with screws and nut plates to the cowl and wheel pants. Exactly like Jeff's

Hi tim, all,
So you have fairings top and bottom, did u notice any speed diff . With them on or off? Sure looks nice im sure, wonder if if gives a couple more knots.
Oh , ur right, working fingers to the bone, glassing and SANDING. Ugh, i prefer aluminum.
WaiexN143NM
Michael

That is a good question, to me it looks like the gear fairings increase speed more than the wheel pants.
Using both, gear fairings and wheel pants gave me about 14 miles.
Sonexn16WE