Taking off with Flaps

[nwawingman]

Keith,

Be extra careful not to raise the tail too soon in a cross wind. I did that once and I did not have enough speed to compensate for the cross wind. My tail was up but with very little directional control til my speed built up more. Maybe elect not to use the flaps at all in heavier crosswinds.

[rizzz]

For those of you flying, which would you recommend on a first flight? With or without flaps?
My Sonex has a VW hanging in front and my runway will be 1819m (5967ft) long so plenty of space.

(I’m used to not using flaps (take-off or landing) at all on the Citabria I fly today)

[kmacht]

For a first flight from a long runway I would suggest a three point takeoff with no flaps. It keeps the tailwheel on the ground the longest and will give you the most control of the plane if you need to quickly abort the takeoff.

Keith
#554
40.4 hours

[tonyr]

If the tailwheel is on the ground longer, the lighter direct steering of the Sonex, compared to the Citibria, might see some sideways oscillations down the runway until the tail comes up?

[kmacht]

I highly suggest some transition training or at least some stick time in a sonex before the first flight. The sonex is easy to fly but is much different on takeoff and landing than a citabria.

Keith

[rizzz]

I highly suggest some transition training or at least some stick time in a sonex before the first flight. The sonex is easy to fly but is much different on takeoff and landing than a citabria.

Keith

I'm afraid transition training is not possible here in Aus. I contacted Joe about coming to the states for this but I would still need to get my license converted which is a PITA.
I will try and fly with a local Sonex owner as much as I can before my first flight.

I'm also flying with instructor for the moment to get me prepared for the day, he's taking me up in various other planes as well such as the Piper Sport and a Pitts s2b ( :-) ).

[sonex892]

For those of you flying, which would you recommend on a first flight? With or without flaps?
My Sonex has a VW hanging in front and my runway will be 1819m (5967ft) long so plenty of space.

(I’m used to not using flaps (take-off or landing) at all on the Citabria I fly today)

I generally only use flaps for soft field takeoffs or if I forget to retract them on a touch and go. :oops:. For the first test flight I would be going flapless . Get some altitude then test them out. It will be one less thing to concentrate on whilst climbing out.

Steve
Sonex 892

[LarryEWaiex121]

Agreed, forget the flaps on first flight. One more thing not to have to concern yourself.
I have the 3300 and only use takeoff flaps for soft field conditions. Flaps will get your plane airborne in ground effect earlier.
For best rate, you clearly want them stowed. My guess is this is even more critical with the 80hp?

Larry
Waiex 121YX 436hrs.

[DCASonex]

I highly suggest some transition training or at least some stick time in a sonex before the first flight. The sonex is easy to fly but is much different on takeoff and landing than a citabria.

Keith

I'm afraid transition training is not possible here in Aus. I contacted Joe about coming to the states for this but I would still need to get my license converted which is a PITA.
I will try and fly with a local Sonex owner as much as I can before my first flight.

I'm also flying with instructor for the moment to get me prepared for the day, he's taking me up in various other planes as well such as the Piper Sport and a Pitts s2b ( :-) ).

Keith,

May be wrong, but think you can fly dual with an instructor without your holding any license, but cannot log the time as PIC. This might not help if you need logged time for insurance, but should accomplish the purpose of transition training. If you find yourself coming over here for something else, check it out so as not to waste the opportunity.

David A.

[MichaelFarley56]

David,

That's sort of a tough one. By our regulations a CFI can certainly train a student for Primary training, but the LODA that the Sonex factory operates under prohibits training for a certificate or rating. In their infinite wisdom (sarcasm font needed) the FAA doesn't allow anything other than Transition Training under the LODA, so Joe or any other CFI is limited to only flying with people already certificated with at least a Sport Pilot or Private license.

Quite the pain but that's the way it's written. I'm sure Joe wants to help out but unless Keith is able to convert his license to a FAA license he's stuck.