Hello from New Mexico

[Fritz]

Hi All,

Just checking in. Our EAA Chapter (555) was one of the chapters selected to receive a set of wings in the EAA Give Flight Project http://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/features-and-attractions/special-attractions/give-flight

We were fortunate enough to get the Waiex wings! We're really looking forward to building the rest of the airplane in time to fly it to Oshkosh 2017. I'll be the chapters project coordinator for the build and I'm looking for all the advice I can get ;)

Fritz

[Bryan Cotton]

Fritz,
When I was president of EAA 533 in Elmira, NY we had kicked around the idea of a Sonex as a chapter project after we finished the C140. Now that I am building a Waiex I am sure it would be a good chapter project. My advice: set ground rules to stick to the plans and keep the weight out. There are a lot of clever builders who add neat stuff. As a club airplane I think light, simple day VFR is the way to go. Congratulations!

[Fritz]

Thanks Bryan,

I was just looking at your build log, very inspirational!

Your advice: "set ground rules to stick to the plans and keep the weight out" could be the motto of this project. We're on a tight schedule so there won't be any "new ideas" going into the build. And our field is at 4,500' MSL with very hot summers so keeping it light will be a priority.

I'm looking forward to getting started.

Fritz

[DCASonex]

A camel is a horse designed by a committee. To avoid building a camel. decide on options tail-dragger or tri-gear; center or dual sticks, hydraulic or mechanical brakes; standard or 5.00 x 5 tires, 4" or 6" tail wheel AeroVee, turbo, or Jabiru / Camit; etc. etc. Then pick a group leader to keep all focused and coordinated.

David A.

[Sonex1517]

We will be working in your wings starting first thing in the morning!

We were asked by Sonex Aircraft LLC to organize some experienced builders to work on this project so we have a small, dedicated group who is pitching in starting first thing in the morning.

I will try to post some photos if possible.


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

[Bryan Cotton]

Where are they doing it Robbie? I bet I could talk Adam into doing a little bit. Cool!

[Sonex1517]

By the EAA tent. Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday I think

[Fritz]

I heard yesterday that the wings were finished! That's very encouraging. Our chapter members that made it to Oshkosh should be making arrangements to pack them up and bring them back.

Ref: "a camel is a horse designed by a committee".
I couldn't agree more. We put a lot of planning into this as soon as we decided to try for a set of wings. We assigned a Project Coordinator for the build (me) and have our initial builders group lined up, most of us are experienced builders and two of us are EAA Tech Counselors.
We also started incorporating an Areo Club that will buy the airplane from the chapter when it's finished (chapters can't own a flying airplane). They'll make all the "tailwheel v. nose wheel" kind of decisions.

[Sonex1517]

Fritz

I have a lot of photos from the wing build at Give Flight if you are interested. Drop me a private message.


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

[Bryan Cotton]

Sorry we were too late to help!