Scott Todd wrote:I've moved small airplanes back and forth across the country a dozen times. The alure and romance of the small uncontrolled or grass strip should NOT be in the plan unless you have made prior arrangements. I can't tell you how many times I have shown up at one only to find the fuel pump out of service, no transportation to food, no oil, etc. On long cross countries, I make it at point to stop at Delta airports. There will always be people, tools, supplies, and anything else you may need. From a safety perspective, If you botch a landing, have a flat, or whatever, someone will be able to help you immediately.
builderflyer wrote:Based on past experience with my Sonex and, so far, what others have not mentioned:
1. An extra spark plug or two and the tools to change them
2. A trickle charger and the ability to connect it to the battery without removing the cowling. Mine includes a long DC cord to be able to reach the airplane from any nearby AC outlet. This setup has gotten me home a couple of times when starting the engine had been difficult.
3. A torque wrench for prop bolts. When my Sensenich wood prop was low time, the prop bolts lost their torque in a very few hours. So on your trip, and without any additional assurance, I'd be checking the prop bolt torque before leaving PA and at least one time enroute.
Have fun and be especially wary of those strong springtime winds,
Art,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Sonex taildragger #95,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Jabiru 3300#261
Bryan Cotton wrote:One thing about the Sonex compared to other tailwheel airplanes I've flown - it has less low speed rudder power than a cub, C140, etc. The 3 point takeoff helps a lot, and I also recommend taking off with a notch of flaps. Gets you off the ground a lot quicker. So as you expand your crosswind comfort level in the airplane keep this in mind. The solid link tailwheel is part of your yaw authority on the ground at lower speeds.
I can't remember how many hours before my prop torque stabilized. These days it never moves, although I still check it when the cowl is off.
Hambone wrote:So I just hit a hurdle while trying to organize insurance with Avemco.
They require 10 hours (!) of dual instruction in a tailwheel Sonex, partially due to my low (30 hours) tailwheel time. In lieu of that, I can apparently do the EAA Flight Advisor program. I don't even know what that is!
I've got some research to do...
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests