SonexBuilders.net

Hell guys,

Just a quick reminder that the Mile High Fly-in is fast approaching with less than a month to go. All the details are coming together and we should have a good turn out. Please drop me an email and let me know if you're coming so I can make sure we have enough food, and I look forward to having a great time!

Jeff Shultz
Colorado Springs, CO
sonex1374@gmail.com

Hey guys,

One last reminder about the Colorado Mile High Sonex Fly-in this weekend. Everything is set and the weather is looking great. I look forward to seeing everyone!

Jeff Shultz

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and I'll be there with the "Hound Dog".

The flying hot dog stand will make an appearance.

Hey guys,

We had a great event last Saturday! The weather cooperated (for the most part) and temperatures and winds were mild all day. A total of 4 aircraft were present. John Lingwall had his 3300-powered Purple and Silver taildragger. John Gillis brought over his red and yellow 3300-powered Waiex taildragger. Dave Dooley and his wife flew their beautiful 3300 powered Xenos from Erie, CO, braving morning fog and turbulence to get out of their home airport and on their way to the event. And I pulled my Sonex out from the hangar and onto the ramp.

Approximately 20 people drove in for the event, including at least 5 or 6 active builders and many other interested potential builders. Builders had plenty of time to look each airplane over and pilots answer thousands of questions along the way! It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and information. Ron Sipple from the Kansas City crew got honors as the furthest traveled to attend. He's making good progress on his kit and reported that he was hard at work starting his wings as soon as he got home!

Dave Dooley's gorgeous Xenos was a big hit with the group, and I lost count of how many people said they wished they were building a long-winger instead! If larger hangars were more common, I think there'd be many more Xenos's flying in Colorado! Dave gave a short talk on his experience building and flying the Xenos. He said building it was no more challenging than a Sonex, but there was just more of it! He clearly enjoys flying his motor-glider.

John Gillis talked through the process of converting his tri-gear Waiex to a taildragger. He described flying his tri-gear as "Stupid Simple!", but said that he just wanted a tail dragger, and was happy he did it. John also described his cowling modifications (horizontal split and larger air exits) and his Tracy O'Brien brakes conversion.

I finished off the presentations with a discussion on Jabiru FWF installation tips and considerations. I think all the presentations were informative and very well received.

We wrapped up the day with a BBQ lunch and hangar talk session, and all three visiting airplanes departed around noon to beat the building clouds in case they turned nasty. Overall we had a fantastic event, and look forward to building on our success next year. I hope to see you all in 2015!

Jeff Shultz

Sorry I could not make it. I went to the airport early even though it was IFR. The forecast said it should lift by 9 am but it did not become even marginal VFR until almost noon. Then the forecast was for more rain in a couple of hours. Hopefully next time. :-(

Sorry you missed it Gary. A lot of the guys wanted to know about Aerovee suitability in Colorado. This was a Jab fest.