Sonex 759 defies gravity for the first time
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 8:18 pmI am pleased to share the fact that Sonex 759 took to the sky for the first time today. A little over one year to build and 2000 hrs culminated in a successful first flight.
Its very hot in Sydney Australia at the moment so the day after getting the permit to fly I along with three pilot friends got to the airfield early. I had already done some taxying waiting for the permit and everything was fine. I have about 450hrs of tailwheel time mostly in a Corby Starlet. The main difference I knew was going to be sitting off to one side and I now have flaps to play with.
With a plan of attack made with my friends, abort takeoff point and best field to land in if the engine failed at low level I couldn't see any reason not to go. The 2,2 Jab started straight away (no more hand propping in this baby) I taxied to the end of the runway and let the engine warm up which didn't take long even at 8.00am. Called my mate on the radio with a reply of 5. I had already decided not to use any flap for the first take off and had the dial a trim set to neutral.
No other aircraft around so I made the call, lined up and fed the power in slowly, I was just about to push the stick forward to lift the tail but I didnt need to, it took off by itself around 45 knots but it was accelerating real quick, at 60 knots I let it climb and continued the climb at 75 knots. At 3500' (1500 agl) I started looking more at the panel, no warning lights, all temps good the only thing I found wrong was the Mech ASI did not match the MGL digital ASI so I decided to use the lowest one for an indication. Got the speed back from 100 to 70knots and tried putting the first stage of flap on, a little surprised how much force was required and how much the nose dropped but at least I knew what to expect.
Flaps back up, time to do some tighter turns. The ailerons are a little heavier then I am used to the same with the rudder, the elevator is perfect. After 20 minutes it was time to think about landing, a call to the guy's on the ground confirmed there was no wind so I decided 24 was the go, one pass down the runway first for some pictures, then a landing for real. One stage of flap for the first landing I had to be a little careful when I realised how much speed those flaps were washing off. 60 knots on final, flared, the wheels touched earlier then expected, the directional control on landing with that little wheel is good (ask me again after a crosswind).
This is the third aircraft I have built and test flown, it still a great buzz.
I plan to do the same thing tomorrow after checking under the hood. There is some pictures here. Video to follow
https://goo.gl/photos/u7CxfbRP37gA1Wdr5
Its very hot in Sydney Australia at the moment so the day after getting the permit to fly I along with three pilot friends got to the airfield early. I had already done some taxying waiting for the permit and everything was fine. I have about 450hrs of tailwheel time mostly in a Corby Starlet. The main difference I knew was going to be sitting off to one side and I now have flaps to play with.
With a plan of attack made with my friends, abort takeoff point and best field to land in if the engine failed at low level I couldn't see any reason not to go. The 2,2 Jab started straight away (no more hand propping in this baby) I taxied to the end of the runway and let the engine warm up which didn't take long even at 8.00am. Called my mate on the radio with a reply of 5. I had already decided not to use any flap for the first take off and had the dial a trim set to neutral.
No other aircraft around so I made the call, lined up and fed the power in slowly, I was just about to push the stick forward to lift the tail but I didnt need to, it took off by itself around 45 knots but it was accelerating real quick, at 60 knots I let it climb and continued the climb at 75 knots. At 3500' (1500 agl) I started looking more at the panel, no warning lights, all temps good the only thing I found wrong was the Mech ASI did not match the MGL digital ASI so I decided to use the lowest one for an indication. Got the speed back from 100 to 70knots and tried putting the first stage of flap on, a little surprised how much force was required and how much the nose dropped but at least I knew what to expect.
Flaps back up, time to do some tighter turns. The ailerons are a little heavier then I am used to the same with the rudder, the elevator is perfect. After 20 minutes it was time to think about landing, a call to the guy's on the ground confirmed there was no wind so I decided 24 was the go, one pass down the runway first for some pictures, then a landing for real. One stage of flap for the first landing I had to be a little careful when I realised how much speed those flaps were washing off. 60 knots on final, flared, the wheels touched earlier then expected, the directional control on landing with that little wheel is good (ask me again after a crosswind).
This is the third aircraft I have built and test flown, it still a great buzz.
I plan to do the same thing tomorrow after checking under the hood. There is some pictures here. Video to follow
https://goo.gl/photos/u7CxfbRP37gA1Wdr5