Bi-annual in a Sonex?

[jjbardell]

Good morning group!
I hope everyone is having a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Quick question for the group. As I learn more about Amateur homebuilder and the rules...I had a question which SirGoogle didn't find me a good answer to.

Since I plan to be flying under Private Pilot rules, if I have throttle,mixture,flaps and brakes on the left side of the aircraft, will that limit my ability to get a bi-annual in my own Sonex?

Once I quit flying with my Piper club and start flying the Sonex, what are the basic rules on how to get checked out in a Sonex, getting current if I break currency, etc.?

The reason I ask is around two touchy subjects (less than 3mi vis and night flying). I know both can open a big debate, but my goal is to minimize both those, but be legal in the event I were caught in either one.

Also, if anyone is bored tonight, Wednesday or Thursday night, I will be tinkering in my garage for the first time since I got my plane. Come on by! Shoot me a message and we can have a beer.

Thanks,
Josh

[Bryan Cotton]

Josh,
If you have an instructor that is comfortable with you and your Sonex then it is no problem to donthe flight review in it. One thing to consider is an auxillary throttle on the right side like they have in the Sonex factory fleet. I would not put that in just for the flight review but if you like to fly with other pilots and give them a turn it is a neat setup. The right hand throttle has a cable loop under the tank somewhere and it controls the pilot's quadrant.

Otherwise you can get a flight review in any rental spam can and you are covered.

Currency rules for your Sonex will be the same as any other type. If you are current in your Piper you are current in your Sonex. True for day or night since all are nose gear. The important thing is to stay proficient!

[jjbardell]

Bryan,
Never thought about putting a right throttle as a slave to the master while still retaining the current setup. Great idea!
I agree, staying current is key and rarely an issue for me. Knowing I can get my bi-annual in the sonex is key.

How is your build coming?
Josh

[Bryan Cotton]

Josh,
The build is good. I am 42% done, 138% to go.

If you go to a builder's workshop at Sonex, go to their open house during Oshkosh, do transition training at Sonex with Joe, or just visit them you will see the slave throttle.

[MichaelFarley56]

Hi Josh,

You ask some good questions. According to the regulations, there is no difference in currency requirements in a Sonex as compared to a Cub, Skyhawk, etc. 3 takeoffs and 3 landings every 90 days to carry passengers (to a full stop at night and/or in a tailwheel airplane) and a Flight Review every 24 calendar months.

The flight review is where you may possibly run into a small challenge per FAR 91.109 that states "no person may operate a civil aircraft for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls", which is ultimately up to the CFI to decide. In the case a CFI sitting in the right seat of a Sonex, if they feel comfortable that they are able to reach all controls on the left side then it shouldn't be a problem; otherwise, you may need to have your Flight Review done in a rental which is also just fine. Ultimately that will be up to the CFI to decide.

Night flying is fairly common in Sonexes as long as the airplane is equipped properly per FAR 91.205 and the pilot is comfortable with operating the airplane at night. I suppose the same could be said for IFR flying but as a long time CFI myself I strongly advise you against even considering any IFR flying in a Sonex. They are designed with light controls which is great for fun flying but very bad for IFR flying. I have an attitude AHRS built into my EFIS just in case I accidently fly into a cloud, but have no intentions on doing that on purpose. You could always do the same.

Hopefully this helps a little. If you have any other questions please ask!

[DCASonex]

[quote="Bryan Cotton"]Josh,
If you have an instructor that is comfortable with you and your Sonex then it is no problem to do the flight review in it. One thing to consider is an auxiliary throttle on the right side like they have in the Sonex factory fleet. I would not put that in just for the flight review but if you like to fly with other pilots and give them a turn it is a neat setup. The right hand throttle has a cable loop under the tank somewhere and it controls the pilot's quadrant.

Did not notice dual throttle on factory planes, but copied Zenith idea of two bell cranks on common tube spanning width of space under upper cross member of engine mount. Works well with center stick, keeps wife (co-pilot) happy. Just remember to remove locking bushing from co-pilots throttle.

David A.

[jjbardell]

All great info. I will built the aircraft with left controls and then assess my future setup at a later time once I get time in the plane. Conveniently, my flight review is due next month, so I will be completing it in the Archer I currently fly. That will give me two years to assess adding a second throttle.

But, the information gives me the comfort in building the airplane with left controls.

Thanks all!

[kevin814]

I received my sport pilot training in my Sonex. It's a center stick, and the throttle, brake and flap levers are on the left side. My instructor didn't have a problem giving me lessons in my plane, so I think you will be OK if you find the right instructor. If you want a real treat, you could come to Waynesville Ohio and rent a Stearman biplane for your bi-annual. You can get your ticket punched and have a blast doing it.

[N111YX]

I prefer biennials myself. Bi-annuals must make the instructors happy ... :D