fdkirkland wrote:I know that there will always be conditions that upset the plane, like turbulance, but will it return to its trimmed plane of flight?
N111YX wrote:This is likely subjective but here goes...
I have literally flown cross country in my Waiex. 4300 miles in 7 days (and a total 25000 miles in 14 months).
Would I install an autopilot? No. My main reasons are cost and weight in that order. Were there times that I wished that I could push a button and have "George" take over for a while? Sure. Maybe for 15 minutes to take a break or maybe to fold a chart. If I get bored, I'll do a roll. I don't have to hold altitude to within 50 feet, or even 300 feet (over the desert maybe 3000 feet!) so I don't use brainpower to hold tight tolerances.
My Waiex goes where it was pointed last. I point it level and do what I need to do and it stays there pretty well. I have flown a 172 on a 500 mile trip but it was long ago and I don't remember the battle for straight and level. I was probably wishing it was less stable...;)
fdkirkland wrote:These are helpful comments. Now the obvious question. Is the Waiex more stable than the Sonex? Something else to question regarding the Waiex is whether or not there are any tendencies for the Witchita Wobble like a Bonanza. My DA2 did not even though it was a V-tail, however, my Polywagpn did while it was a conventional tail. Just curious whether Waiex builders/fliers have an opion as to the difference in ride/glide/performance versus the Sonex.
dbdevkc wrote:Kip can answer that question the best but if you research that specific topic/question on the Sonex site you will find that their answer is that there is no noticeable difference between the two. And there is no reported 'Bonanza wobble'. Obviously, I am building a Waiex.
If this is your ideal in an airplane...
"even though it had a working trim system, one had to fly the airplane at all times. I want to be able to relax on those legs."
and by "relax" you mean pay very little attention to flying the plane, then perhaps the Sonex is not for you. I think to get that you will be trading off some of the 'fun-to-fly' factor though.
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