SonexBuilders.net

Hi Ed,
We haven't heard from you in awhile. Please post us an update on your flying and experiences with your O-200 . Too bad Sonex didn't offer a mount and cowl for a O-200 with the 'B' models.
WaiexN143NM
Michael RADTKE

I have finished 40+ hours on it now and no problems other than my oil temp early on was hitting 225 to 227 F . I solved this with a direct flow oil filter and a little scoop to direct outside air on the filter. I scratch built this so I just made a jig to weld up a motor mount, simular to the vw mount but repositioned the engine bushings and used 3/4 tube. The cowl was the only real problem in the O-200 installation in that I had to add checks and three spark plug bumps and make a hole for the hot box. I was thinking of posting that I put 27 inch wheels on it with 2 inch sidewalls to please the idiots but I won't.
Cruise is 97 kts at 2400 rpm and 115 kts at 2550 rpm.

Hi Ed,
Thanks for the update on your 0-200 Sonex!
I'm glad to see other "big engine" Sonex conversions are doing well.
Yes, there is life beyond the Aero Vee.
Yesterday I received my special airworthiness certificate and phase 1 and 2 operating limitations for my Viking Waiex.
I have been assigned a 5 hour test program within 5 miles of the airport.
As soon as I get some recurrent flight training and a fresh BFR I'll be heading for the runway in N49YX.

I like the idea of the modification to the 27 inch wheels! Maybe that could be my next winter project! :-)

Fly safe,

Don Bowen
Viking Waiex N49YX

Very cool Ed! You should consider the big wheels though. Over on the C140 forums it drives some of the guys nuts.

Hi Ed,
Great to hear about your update. Can u tell us your empty weight, are u using lite wt. starter , alt, and mags? How about carb? Exhaust? Muffler? Prop ? Dia and pitch? Send us a few more pics?
Good job , !! Enjoy now your out of phase 1.
WaiexN143NM
Michael

WaiexN143NM wrote:Hi Ed,
Great to hear about your update. Can u tell us your empty weight, are u using lite wt. starter , alt, and mags? How about carb? Exhaust? Muffler? Prop ? Dia and pitch? Send us a few more pics?
Good job , !! Enjoy now your out of phase 1.
WaiexN143NM
Michael

Weight & balance info was posted in the Conex thread here:
viewtopic.php?f=39&t=2676&hilit=continental&start=20

Hi michael,
Thanks , forgot this info in the other thread. Answered all my questions just looking at the pics. Congrats to ed for all his work, getting his plane flying, and completing phase 1. Just received b model plans for 183 waiex. Will be staying at waynes 7th heaven for airventure . Look forward to wed nite's bbq, to say hello to everyone. Safe travels to all.
WaiexN143NM
Michael

I have been ill for a while and have only flown it once this year. Spilled fuel on the windshield and watched it crack in many places. I am doing a conditional and the windshield seems to be on the top of the list. I have a 60 X 54 propeller and would probably do better with a 60 X 56 for all around performance. I cruse at 5430 RPM as I like to baby the engine and this gives me about 105 Kts. If I run it at 5550 cruse gets up to about 112 KTS. It would probably do this at at 5430 with a 60 60 but the climb would be like 500 FPM and I like it better at 900 FPM with my 60X54 but could live with 700 to 800 FPM . Might mention that I load tested at 1230 LBS gross It stalls at sport pilot limits but is sluggish. Never flew a VW Sonex so could not tell what the difference would be at 1100 LBS. Easy airplane to fly but it does not do real well hands off.

I live on the South Coast so the airplane is painted inside and out. This adds a good 50 or more LBS so if corrosion was not a factor the empty weight would be closer to 700 LBS than the 748 it is now.

Due to my illness I havent been racin my Toyota. Wasting my twice pipes, air dams, wing and so on.

Getting old and will probably sell them both in a year or so.