Lower Cowling Removal

[Bryan Cotton]

When I saw Ken Irwin put his cowl on, I saw nothing that would make me want to change the split. That was why I asked the question. Vertical split for me!

[DCASonex]

Do not know how it is on an Onex, but on my Sonex, I have lower cowl in its original two pieces, but upper cowl bonded at center joint and split horizontally. Removal and installation of upper part is very quick, using only the nail file tip on a 2" pocket knife for the SkyBolt fasteners and no crawling on the ground. Lower cowl halves held by standard Sonex hinges are very easy for one person to remove or install.

David A.

[Sonerai13]

You are the first person I've heard to say the standard vertical split is just as quick (and can I assume as easy?) as the horizontal split cowl. I was planning on changing to the horizontal but wasn't looking forward to the extra work as the KISS principal appeals to me most. This gives me hope. It would be nice to hear from others who also feel the standard vertical split is ok.

I know everyone's experience is different. Your mileage may vary, and all that stuff. But I have never found the vertical split cowling to be a problem. In fact, I find it easier than many horizontal split cowlings I've dealt with on other airplanes. Once you've done it a couple of times and develop a procedure, it's no problem at all. At least, that's how I find it.

K.I.S.S. is a great way to build airplanes. Remember the words of Orville Wright - "Simplicate, and build in lightness!"

[sonex892]

I'm with Joe on this. When I finished my plane I found removing the cowling quite a task and so annoying I was considering changing to horizontal split. Now glad I didn't bother. After a few times I worked out the best sequence and its now not an issue

This morning I had to remove my vertical split cowling to do some work. Out of interest I used the stopwatch on the phone to time the process.

With tools ready. Remove cowl 1 min 40 sec. / Install cowl 2 min 50 sec.

Steve
Sonex 892

[Fastcapy]

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[drbeiz0]

Does anyone have a video removing and replacing their Sonex or Onex cowling.