SonexBuilders.net

I weighed my Sonex today and want to see how I compare to others. The total weight is 654.1 pounds. I have an Aerovee with oil separator, extreme EFIS, garmin 295 (panel mounted) MGL V6, ameriking ak451 ELT, Sandia remote transponder, full MGL AHARS and all the wiring to hook it all up. I did not do any mods just stayed to the plans. Does this weight reflect what others have with similar set ups? I thought I would be closer to 630 lbs.

-----

Ok. I forgot to mention I have AVEO LED nav lights and 2 landing lights and pods for the wing tip lights so that sounds right. Thank you for the reply!! I'm getting very close. I just have a few small details left.

I came in at 650 with a very similar setup minus the oil separator. The only way I can think of to get 620 lbs would be to remove the upholstery and fiberglass tips, wheelpants, etc. It's interesting that we are all coming in within a few pounds of each other.

The Yahoo group had a spreadsheet of weights and CG locations.

I'm at 667 but my plane is fully painted.

Keith
#554

My setup is almost identical to yours and I was at 654#. Yes, I would have liked less, too, but it is what it is. I added the Sonex smoke setup as well. Two identical planes won't be at the same weight. Just too many variables. But it sure sounds like you're in the right ballpark.

Great numbers, mine weighs #708.

Just to add a bit more data, my Sonex is primed inside and out and painted. Engine is a 3300. When first completed it had a pretty light prop, no spinner, MGL Stratomaster and no leg fairings or wheel spats. Empty weight was 301 kg (664 pounds).
I have since fitted the spats and fairings, a heavier prop and light spinner, a luggage bay and a pretty heavy SU fuel pump. Empty weight is now 306 kg (675 pounds).
I think the paint adds less than you would think because a fair bit of the paint mass evaporates.
I'd take that 620 pounds with a big lump of salt. Sonex quote the same weight regardless of engine type. It is achievable with a Jabiru 2200. According to the Jabiru engine brochures, the 3300 engine weighs 46 pounds more than the 2200, so presumably if mine had been fitted with the 2200 engine it would have come in at about 620 pounds, even including paint.
Peter Anson
Sonex 894
189 hours

For those interested in seeing more specifics on the Sonex Factory birds, check out this oldie but goodie webinar...while taped in mid-2013, most of the information presented is still current including viable alternative engines:

Weight, Balance and Reality Check (on alternative engines): 6.20.2013:
http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=2494546731001

Best,
-jeremy

NOW I feel good about my Sonex's weight! :) 634 lbs without paint but with gear fairings, wheel pants, and Sonex Smoke system etc...
Happy Landings
John
N50NX