Darick's Sonex #1646

[Darick]

In order for the "partially open position" of the canopy lock rail to be secure, I lengthened the alignment pin. The pictures below shows the lengthened pin engaged to the hole in the longeron. The pin is slightly small for this application and is not very sturdy. A bigger diameter pin may be the answer.




I didn't tap the bows, instead used lock nuts and spacers, which are the black things between the bow and canopy. Also used generous clearance holes in the canopy and bows for the #6 screws. This is the only picture I had showing that detail, while I was making airplane noises in my stocking feet.

[Darick]

Finishing up a few last minute details...a cover for the master bus bar made from leftover canopy piece and Peter Anson's tailwheel steering rod.

[Friesen5]

Good idea using a terminal block as a buss bar. Could also be used for the grounding block.

Mervin Friesen
Sonex 122

[Darick]

Wings loaded up on truck for transport to airport...sob, sob, post partum wing blues


Fuselage in trailer...yes it actually fit!f


Unloading fuselage at friend's rural grass strip airport...


It took about 2 hours to put the wings on...remember to add lubrication to sliding surfaces like I did on the second one we put on. I didn't remember to lub the right wing and we had lots of problems.


Today I'll get the wing root fairings in place and riveted.

[Corby202]

Great shot, picture#3 looks like you can see through the metal of the VS.

[Darick]

Put wings, ailerons, flaps, pitot tube, AOA probe on this week. Tomorrow I rivet the forward bottom skin. As many have said before, make sure everything is done BEFORE you rivet that last forward bottom skin.

Remember to check all your electrical circuits too. My left wing strobe didn't work and I had to trace that down with my head behind the panel. I just realized I haven't checked the radio yet so that needs to be done tomorrow before the bottom skin.

[Darick]

Hooray I got my airworthiness certificate 9/28!
Also started engine first time a few days ago. Had a small problem with the mixture cable attach point to carb. The little set screw at the mixture control arm, can't be too tight or it pushes the wire against the arm preventing smooth operation. Not too tight, not too loose. I'll post a picture later.

The local DAR is 94 years young and still flies a Cub! This past Saturday he flew to this private airport and not having a starter, I hand propped the old Cub...wish I would have gotten a picture of him in the Cub.
Yesterday he and two fellows from the Local FSDO, who wanted to witness the inspection, gave me the airworthiness certificate.

[Bryan Cotton]

Outstanding! I better get cracking if I am going to beat you into the air.

[Darick]

First flight today! 10/21/2017! Four years to build. Pilot friends were there! It was fantastic.

Flying off a grass field I thought it was prudent to keep the wheel pants off.


Grass was a bit long resulting in, what I thought to be a long takeoff roll. However it was good for short landing distances...below...


The cake says "congratulations Darick"

[Sonex1243]

Congratulations Darick!