Michael's Sonex #145

[rizzz]

She's standing on her own Legs!


SNX-L01

SNX-L01

SNX-L01

Van's tail wheel on the Sonex thanks to Kip's magnificent tail sheel bracket, thanks Kip!

SNX-L03

[N111YX]

Lookin good... ;)

[structurespilot]

Looks good, keep posting pictures, it helps me to stay motivated!

[142YX]

looks awesome!

[rizzz]

For the people like me who are willing to give the std mechanical brakes a go before swapping to hydraulic brakes, here

[rizzz]

I installed the engine on the airplane today.
In the end this was not a difficult job, at least, if you have an engine hoist. Just set the hoist at the right height, slide the engine in place and install the bolts.
It's a very satisfactory exercise though.

With no wings or tail on the plane it would tip over (only just, you can hold it in place with one finger) with the weight of the engine hanging from the front of the plane, for now I'm leaving the hoist in place but I will attach a weight to the tail later so I can remove the hoist.

[rizzz]

In order to be able to remove the hoist I had to attach a weight to the aft most end of the plane where the tail will be, without the weight of the tail and wings the aircraft would tip over because of the weight of the engine.
I suppose this is normal?

[rizzz]

As you can see my engine is a bit if a custom VW conversion.
More pictures and details of the engine can be found here:
http://vwaircraftengines.com/viewtopic. ... 464#p76464

[MichaelFarley56]

Hey Michael,

The engine and fuselage is looking great! I do believe it's pretty normal to weigh down the tail when you're at that phase of the build process. Once you install the tail it won't be an issue.

Keep up the good work!

[Bryan Cotton]

Michael,
Looks great! I am starting to think about my engine. Will see what Sonex offers for a show special.