billy's plans built sonex 1735

[Rofomoto]

Thanx guys. Been a long trip ...Billy

[Rofomoto]

Well getting close. Paperwork done today and ready to send in. What a journey. Now facing first flight jitters. I’m a 300 hr pilot with about 100 in a chief. Most of those hrs were 15 years ago. My only flights since starting this project were my biannual two years ago in a 172 and last week in a 150. I’ve never flown any thing this fast and am very nervous. So I think I’m looking for a brave soul who has experience in this type aircraft to do the first flight. It’s a legacy sonex tail wheel with basic instruments and a 125 hp corvair engine with sensenich prop. Thanx billy

[sonex1374]

Billy,

Now's the time to really invest in your own proficiency and safety. Spending a few hours with your CFI to really brush up you skills will pay for itself in piece of mind, and metal you don;t have to replace. Use the SBPF transition training syllabus to get an idea of the areas to focus on (slow flight, coordination, speed control in the pattern, etc). Even if you can't find anything other than a C-172 this will guide you on what to practice. Seriously, don't short-change this process.

Jeff

[Rofomoto]

Thanx Jeff

[WesRagle]

HI Billy,

First, I agree with Jeff. Get in the air as often as you can. Invest some hard work. We have all "watched" you build this plane, don't break our hearts now.

Judging from your post, you already know that a couple of check rides in a C-XXX over the last two years has not prepared you for the first flight of a high performance Sonex. No way no how. Once you are proficient in the Sonex you will agree that it is a fun and easy plane to fly. But being easy doesn't mean it is like anything else you have ever flown. It is different. That's where the SBPF transition training syllabus comes in.

BTW, do you want our opinions? Do you want to talk about it?

Wes

[Rofomoto]

HI Billy,

First, I agree with Jeff. Get in the air as often as you can. Invest some hard work. We have all "watched" you build this plane, don't break our hearts now.

Judging from your post, you already know that a couple of check rides in a C-XXX over the last two years has not prepared you for the first flight of a high performance Sonex. No way no how. Once you are proficient in the Sonex you will agree that it is a fun and easy plane to fly. But being easy doesn't mean it is like anything else you have ever flown. It is different. That's where the SBPF transition training syllabus comes in.

BTW, do you want our opinions? Do you want to talk about it?

Wes

Always looking for help. Thanx wes

[WesRagle]

HI Billy,

Since you just sent in your registration we probably have some time before the airworthiness inspection. No need to rush :-) Since the first flight experience is fresh on my mind I have too many opinions to try and cram them into a single post. So, I'll throw out a few at a time and give the more experienced pilots a chance to correct, concur, or comment. Let's just start with where you are right now. We'll see how this goes.

1) If you can find an highly experienced/current test pilot pilot to perform the first flight, by all means, that's the way to go. Keep looking. The only disadvantage to this is that after that first flight *you* still have to perform your first flight. It does relieve some of the pressure though.

2) Taxi Tests: Do a lot of it. Not high speed tests but up to maybe 30 MPH. That will get you used to the direct tail wheel steering. It will also give you a chance to memorize the site picture for landing. Keep at it until your hand moves naturally between flaps, brakes, and throttle. Maybe you will even be able to see the airspeed indicator come alive. That would be comforting. If the locals give you a hard time about it give them the opportunity to perform the first flight. That'll shut'em up.

3) I wouldn't consider performing the first flight of a tailwheel Sonex without being tailwheel current.

That's a start :-)

Edit: Here is a link to a presentation by Joe Norris on the first flight of a home built: https://www.eaa.org/videos/105192196001. I didn't find it until after my first flight. It had a couple of suggestions I should have known about.

Wes

[Rofomoto]

Thanx Wes.. that was a good link to listen to. But got me more nervous lol

[Rofomoto]

Is it true a second pilot can now be used during phase 1 testing? Also is this a good idea?

[Sonex1517]

Billy

Yes. There is a second pilot program. Reach out to Joe Norris for specifics, but I think it has to be requested when you submit the paperwork. I’m wrong more than I’m right, so verify that.

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/med ... 90-116.pdf

Reading that circular makes me think they excluded plans built aircraft.

As for is it a good idea, well that’s up to you. But since we all like you, and you tell us up front you’re not current in tailwheel aircraft, my opinion is this is why they designed the program.

Kudos for being up front about this. You’re being smart.