Sonex-A purchase - What to look for

[Jester504]

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 got insurance through Avemco without 10 hours dual via the EAA Flight Advisor sign-off. There's almost no info on the EAA website about it and the Avemco agent on the phone didn't actually know what it was, either, except that it was a box he could check that waived the 10 hours requirement. The EAA website has a search function to find nearby Advisors. I spoke to a person two states away that ended up signing me off. Essentially, the work is as much or as little as the Advisor wants it to be, and results in paperwork that you can send to Avemco.

I also spoke to Victoria at AIR and she wasn't able to help me without 10 or 15 (I think it was 15 to be honest) hours of dual instruction.

[Hambone]

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...

Don't know if it will help but I've had great service from https://air-pros.com/victorianeuville/

Tell Victoria I sent you ...

Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel

Just zapped her a message.

[Hambone]

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 got insurance through Avemco without 10 hours dual via the EAA Flight Advisor sign-off. There's almost no info on the EAA website about it and the Avemco agent on the phone didn't actually know what it was, either, except that it was a box he could check that waived the 10 hours requirement. The EAA website has a search function to find nearby Advisors. I spoke to a person two states away that ended up signing me off. Essentially, the work is as much or as little as the Advisor wants it to be, and results in paperwork that you can send to Avemco.

I also spoke to Victoria at AIR and she wasn't able to help me without 10 or 15 (I think it was 15 to be honest) hours of dual instruction.

That's promising. I'll see if anyone at our local EAA chapter knows anything about the Flight Advisor program.

Thanks for the info!

[Bryan Cotton]

Victoria is our insurance agent also. She could not get Adam covered until he had 100 hours total/50 hours tailwheel.

[Hambone]

Victoria is our insurance agent also. She could not get Adam covered until he had 100 hours total/50 hours tailwheel.

Hmmm. This could be a potential deal-breaker.

[Bryan Cotton]

Victoria is our insurance agent also. She could not get Adam covered until he had 100 hours total/50 hours tailwheel.

Hmmm. This could be a potential deal-breaker.

Bummer. I'd say look at the big picture though. Can you find a CFI buddy to make the trip with you? Or someone insurable?

[Hambone]

Victoria is our insurance agent also. She could not get Adam covered until he had 100 hours total/50 hours tailwheel.

Hmmm. This could be a potential deal-breaker.

Bummer. I'd say look at the big picture though. Can you find a CFI buddy to make the trip with you? Or someone insurable?

Probably not practical to get someone to tag along for the 2000 mile trip. I'll pursue the EAA avenue, and see what happens. Where there's a will, there's a way!

[SNX1508]

Check out O2 Sports Insurance https://www.o2sportsinsurance.com/

$725.00 / year for my Sonex, 3rd Party Liability only though. You must be a USUA member (US Ultralight Association). When I initially insured the Sonex the requirement was 10 hours dual instruction in same category & class, i.e. Airplane, SEL, Tailwheel. No requirement for any time in a Sonex.

[Hambone]

Check out O2 Sports Insurance https://www.o2sportsinsurance.com/

$725.00 / year for my Sonex, 3rd Party Liability only though. You must be a USUA member (US Ultralight Association). When I initially insured the Sonex the requirement was 10 hours dual instruction in same category & class, i.e. Airplane, SEL, Tailwheel. No requirement for any time in a Sonex.

Thanks, Terry! I’ll check that out.

[Hambone]

Looks like I’ve gotten the insurance set up for Avemco. I managed to contact an EAA Flight Advisor (super friendly and knowledgeable RV-7 and Xenos builder and owner), and he’s going to sign me off.

Also had a long discussion with a very experienced Sonex builder and owner, and got lots of AeroVee information. It was a rather daunting amount of information, with discussion over Avgas vs Mogas and associated differences in required compression ratios, managing engine temps and preventing plug fouling by selective use of the ignition system, and the unique air and ground handling characteristics of the Sonex. He actually had a VW racing shop completely rebuild his AeroVee, resulting in over 100 hp without a turbo, no cooling problems, and smooth running in all conditions. I’m going to find out more about that.

Getting excited now! Anyone not too far from a course between KTHV and KGOO who would like to meet up first week in June, let me know!