SonexBuilders.net

We just got an email from Sonex this morning telling us that our new Xenos kit is on its way! Great news for builders just itching to get started on a new project. We (my wife and I) haven't had a new airplane project for over two years - looking forward to getting the tools out again and seeing what building with the Sonex bunch will be like.

Paul

Welcome to the group Commander! We're very excited to have you join our family and hope you love your Xenos as much as we love our airplanes. I'm sure you'll love the building and flying of your Xenos kit; it's a very cool airplane and looks like a lot of fun.

Please keep us up to date on the progress of the build, and if you get a chance, check out our builders group at www.sonexfoundation.com for more Sonex info.

Again, welcome!

Very cool Paul! Where do you hail from?

Currently living at the Dayton Valley Airpark just east of Carson City, Nevada.

For those of you who don't remember right off hand, Mr. Dye has had an icredible aviation career.

Please correct me if I mess any of this up Paul, but I believe you've had a long and successful career as a NASA Space Shuttle Director before becoming a contributing editor to Kitplanes magazinze. Paul was named Senior Editor to Kitplanes approximately a year ago and has been doing an outstanding job delivering us an excellent magazine. Having already built an RV-8 and an RV-3, I can't wait to hear about the Xenos building experience!

Have you given any consideration to engine choice for the Xenos Paul?

Oh - so you are THAT Paul. Cool! Welcome to Sonexbuilders and the Sonex family! Always glad to see another fork tailed devil among us, long wings or short ones.

Uh...yeah...I'm THAT Paul. :) I've been telling people that I have experience with three different (intentional) gliders - the 1-26, the 2-33, and the Space Shuttle. Two of those have the same drag polar as the Xenos, so we're good with it....

We've decided to go with the Aerovee - simple, inexpensive, and plenty of power for its intended task of self-launching the motorglider. We live just over the hill from Minden, so there is plenty of lift around to play with. Best benefit of the Aerovee? You get to build it!

Thanks for the welcome to the community - I am looking forward to meeting many new faces.

Welcome to the group Paul, and we would love to have you join the foundation! (It's free!)

Looking forward to hearing about your build!

Blue skies

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

Welcome aboard Paul. I'm sure you'll find the Xenos build enjoyable...these Sonex planes are really straight forward and are built like tanks...But don't hesitate to ask any questions. There are a few areas where builders have found excellent ways to craft certain parts with minimal tools...this is a very creative group.

I have 1-26 and 2-33 time, but no shuttle time. I used to work at Schweizer after Sikorsky bought them. I went out to work the X2. They are good gliders, had a lot of fun. When my kids hit 60# I was able to put them in the front, with ballast, and that is the only time I had too much aft trim in a 2-33. Usually there is not enough.

I look forward to hearing about the build and the flying. A year into the build I am still happy with my decision to buy a Waiex kit.