SonexBuilders.net

Greetings,

Just out of curiosity, how many people plan to use the short vs long wingtips? Has Sonex provided any performance numbers comparing the two? Of course the shorter tips probably have a slightly higher stall speed, maybe slightly faster cruise, and a little faster roll rate. I just wonder how much the difference really is.

I'm thinking there probably isn't a big difference, but on the practical side, someone did mention that the shorter tips allowed them to have a lower folded height for either a trailer or garage door (can't remember which it was).

Cheers,
Rusty (still debating turbo vs non-turbo)

I believe the longer tips are for plus sized pilots who want to keep the Onex LSA legal. Something to do with stall speed.

fastj22 wrote:I believe the longer tips are for plus sized pilots who want to keep the Onex LSA legal. Something to do with stall speed.

You may be right. I'm 6-1 and 180lbs, so maybe I can qualify for the short wingtips 8-)

Cheers,
Rusty

I believe you're fine either way Rusty. If memory serves, the general guideline is that, for pilots over 200 lbs, it's recommended they go with the long wingtips so there's no concern with the LSA stall speed requirements. For pilots under that limit, they can choose to go either way. As you said the short wingtips offer faster roll rates and the airplane is a little shorter with the wings folded. The longer wings offer slower stall speeds.

I suspect you're right Mike. The difference in empty and max gross weight allows for a pretty big pilot, and I should fall well under that if I don't make the plane too heavy adding other stuff (turbo, diff brakes, etc).

FWIW, I asked Sonex via email after starting this thread, and they said the longer wingtips were necessary to remain sport pilot compliant. I'm assuming that means at max gross weight though.

Fortunately, the wingtips are something I can decide on later, or not. I can easily imagine using screws to attach them, and being able to try both sizes. My more immediate decision is turbo or non-turbo, since I need to get the engine and prop ordered.

Cheers,
Rusty