SonexBuilders.net

My bird is ready to go, but my insurance wants me signed off by an instructor. I live near Raleigh, NC. Is there any Sonex instructors near me that can sign me off? Thanks for the help. tom.gregorski@gmail.com

Does your insurance require a certain number of hours? I think mine required 3 hours.

My understanding is that for an instructor to receive compensation for training in a Sonex, they need to have a LODA (Letter of Deviation Authority) from the FAA. Only a few people have gone through the process for the Sonex and when I needed it only the factory was actively providing training. The Sonex Foundation has an article the discusses the process of obtaining a LODA: http://sonexfoundation.com/Obtaining_a_LODA.html

There's a good chance you'll find that traveling to Oshkosh for the factory transition training is the best or only real option. I did and had a great time. The training was fantastic.

To date, there are only three LODA's we are aware of for the Sonex

The first was a gentleman in Illinois that I believe has stopped providing transition training.

The second is the factory T flight transition program. I cannot recommend this strongly enough. I went to the training prior to the first flight of my Sonex taildragger and it was excellent. We have a video on YouTube showing it.

Finally there is one LODA holder in Ohio, Michael Farley - but I do not believe he is actively offering training.

Your best bet is Oshkosh at the factory.


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
N1517S

Robbie - do you have a pointer to that video? I'd dig watching it.

gammaxy wrote:Does your insurance require a certain number of hours? I think mine required 3 hours.

My understanding is that for an instructor to receive compensation for training in a Sonex, they need to have a LODA (Letter of Deviation Authority) from the FAA. Only a few people have gone through the process for the Sonex and when I needed it only the factory was actively providing training. The Sonex Foundation has an article the discusses the process of obtaining a LODA: http://sonexfoundation.com/Obtaining_a_LODA.html

There's a good chance you'll find that traveling to Oshkosh for the factory transition training is the best or only real option. I did and had a great time. The training was fantastic.

I flew 25 hrs then got insurance

kevinh wrote:Robbie - do you have a pointer to that video? I'd dig watching it.

Our YouTube channel is

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCnIilmVPw6sVeUp_xPO7fw

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
N1517S

I will also agree with Robbie and all of the others who attended the Sonex factory T-Flight training. I just did mine about 3-4 weeks ago and took advantage of being near Oshkosh for business/pleasure (in Chicago) and drove up to the factory for the day. Joe Norris and his team have a very well run program that goes at your pace but is designed to accomplish the FAA designated transition training program in as little as 2 hours ground plus 2 hours dual in the air. You can pick the plane that most closely matches what you are building, so it's very relevant. I was also able to check off my flight review during my 4 hours with Joe, so a bonus in my books!

I flew with a instructor in a sonex in Greenville if your interested.nice guy

dynomike, please send me the contact for the instructor in Greenville. Also sent a private message. Thanks

Also looking for training in the Carolinas. Just purchased a flying sonex, want to get a few hours flight training. If you have a contact please send a PM. Cheers