Hello Michael, awesome video. Really enjoyed the acro stuff. I have a question (the sonex is on my list of planes that I would like to build). With the viking engine, does that make it an EAB, or ELSA certification?
@@mikesmith208 Thanks, that's what I thought. The whole who can repair thing, still trying to wrap my head around EAB versus ELSA. EAB, the original builder is the only one that can do the repairs, other than I&A, or A&P.
Correct. Sonex does not have an ELSA kit. ELSA means you need to build it EXACTLY per the kit and plans, with no modifications. Sonex does not offer such a thing, so it will be an EAB. As an EAB, if you build it then you get the repairman's certificate and can do the annual condition inspection. Note that ANYONE can modify and maintain an EAB. It's the annual condition inspection that has to be signed off by an A&P or the builder. Most A&Ps are not going to do that if they were not part of or privy to whatever modifications and maintenance were done by the owner prior to the condition inspection.
@@mikesmith208 ah, that clears it up a lot, thanks so much. So if you buy a sonex kit used, you'll need to find a A&P or Repair Station to do the annual condition inspection which if I'm understanding you correctly is difficult to find an A&P willing to do that. Sounds like it would be easier to build from scratch. Sort of kills the used market I would think.
Regarding the A&P, it depends. Most have no idea how to work with an EAB, so many won't do it. But others are perfectly happy to do so. Or may be willing to do so after they understand how the system works. If you are going to build it yourself, no worries. If you are going to buy a used Sonex, or any EAB, then it pays to ask around ahead of time to find a willing A&P. Thousands of EAB aircraft have 2nd and 3rd owners, so there certainly are A&Ps willing to work with you.
Congratulations Max!!! Can't wait to see the plane up close. B.A. "Bubba" Blaney
Thanks Mike, your a true friend!
Hello Michael, awesome video. Really enjoyed the acro stuff. I have a question (the sonex is on my list of planes that I would like to build). With the viking engine, does that make it an EAB, or ELSA certification?
EAB.
@@mikesmith208 Thanks, that's what I thought. The whole who can repair thing, still trying to wrap my head around EAB versus ELSA. EAB, the original builder is the only one that can do the repairs, other than I&A, or A&P.
Correct. Sonex does not have an ELSA kit. ELSA means you need to build it EXACTLY per the kit and plans, with no modifications. Sonex does not offer such a thing, so it will be an EAB. As an EAB, if you build it then you get the repairman's certificate and can do the annual condition inspection. Note that ANYONE can modify and maintain an EAB. It's the annual condition inspection that has to be signed off by an A&P or the builder. Most A&Ps are not going to do that if they were not part of or privy to whatever modifications and maintenance were done by the owner prior to the condition inspection.
@@mikesmith208 ah, that clears it up a lot, thanks so much. So if you buy a sonex kit used, you'll need to find a A&P or Repair Station to do the annual condition inspection which if I'm understanding you correctly is difficult to find an A&P willing to do that. Sounds like it would be easier to build from scratch. Sort of kills the used market I would think.
Regarding the A&P, it depends. Most have no idea how to work with an EAB, so many won't do it. But others are perfectly happy to do so. Or may be willing to do so after they understand how the system works. If you are going to build it yourself, no worries. If you are going to buy a used Sonex, or any EAB, then it pays to ask around ahead of time to find a willing A&P. Thousands of EAB aircraft have 2nd and 3rd owners, so there certainly are A&Ps willing to work with you.