I think that's the best walk around video of a kit-built plane that I've seen. I definitely appreciate the details you incorporated. Thanks for making it!
really nice looking aircraft man. I like the vintage fighter look you have going on with the Paint/Polish. One day I hope to build one and seeing your walk through is giving me some good ideas!
Beautiful build! I like the many ingenious personal extras. I'd like to know more about how you fabricated the fairings at the wheel pants and vertical stab.
Nice job thanks for sharing. Suggestion for your headset jacks. Leave them where you have them but cross wire them, Right for Capt left for fo. Then use routing hooks to bring wires to your outside shoulder.
I think you nailed every last detail of this build, even down to the krylon/polish paint combo. A++ I'm curious about the final weight with all of the extras tho. ? Thanks for posting.
For the headset jacks, would it help accessibility to use the starboard jacks as pilot and the port as passenger? Then each person can just reach across instead of reaching back so far. Just swap the cables at the radio...
Very well done, sir. Appreciate your modifications even more now that I've watched several videos- I definitely see why you would've gone with the Dynon radio- it would've been the last small piece of integration for your overall set up. I wonder if you would've been as happy (overall) with an AeroVee 2.1 or even the turbo? I really like how quiet your 3300 is even at max power and I enjoy the sound at cruise settings. It seems very smooth for all flight modes.
Jeff, I think it would be so cool to put the SubSonex retractable landing gear in a Sonex or Waiex even if it had to be beefed up a little. Like the BD5 Micro Jet, the gear could be raised and lowered by hand and not necessarily electrically to save weight. I'm sure there would be a lot less air drag and better speed with retractable gear. Do you know if it's ever been considered or possible? Just saying/asking.
What cruise speed do you get? Their site claims around 135mph /120kts at sea level and around 170mph/145kts at 8,000 ft. Both TAS for the Jabiru engine.
It was good to see you at SnF this year with your daughter. I am planning on attending Oshkosh this year again. You won't be able to miss my plane. It will be parked in front of the Red Barn in the Ultralight area. It is a 1983 American Aerolights Eagle with red sails and has "Coca Cola" written on them. I enjoy your videos and maybe someday I will build my own Sonnex.
Nicely done. Well thought out. I would love to build one but the hours needed to build the plane are daunting. I know Sonex has a Quick build option. Not sure I have the skills needed to build one. Never done any riveting. Thanks for posting
The Sonex is a great building project, and with a little experience is a joy to build. It is truly a rewarding process! With the pulled rivets used in the Sonex it takes practically no time to set perfect rivets, unlike traditional bucked solid rivets. For more info on building see my website at www.sonex604.com
Thanks Jeff. I wasn't aware that Sonex had a pull rivet option on the build. A friend of mine is building a OneX and using the flush rivet option. I guess that's why it's taking him two years + to complete.
I didn't know the Sonex was a two seater. That's nice! How far can you fly on one fueling? How many gallons an hour does it burn? How much did it cost to buy and have fully assembled and licensed and insured? It even has a luggage compartment? That's awesome!
My Sonex is a legacy (A) model. B models are a really nice refinement. They cost a bit more, but are easier and quicker to build, and fly great! The Jabiru is a perfect match for the Sonex, and I highly recommend it.
I'm curious, what happened to your first Sonex you built? Did you sell it or something? I see Sonex now has the 'B' model out with the wider cockpit... with that said, are you gonna go for Sonex build number three?! I love your videos by the way!
I notice that you have a fabric canopy drap on the inside of your glass overhead covering. It has a metal bar that the fabric follows to give you shade in your plane. Can you provide the manufacturer for me and the approximate cost of the item in your plane shown here. TU! Paul
Paul, that fabric sun shade is made by "Koger". They are nicely made, and although they are priced a bit higher than you'd think just by looking at it, the quality and performance is wonderful, and I'd never want to go back to flying without one!
The Sonex really is a great design, and I thoroughly enjoy flying it! Check out the "SonexFlight" podcast (sonexflight.com, or thru iTunes) for more info and a better understanding of the plane.
Lets be honest..... theres not many sonex builders who took the time to make a walk tru their planes... but let me tell you Jeff... i probably watched this video 5 times in last 6 months... thanks for sharing . Really great video. Complete video ! By the way. You must be proud of this beauty you homebuilt. This is one beauty! Congrats . May i ask you a question about your canopy and the others sonex canopy out there. Are they leaking from water in a rainy condition ? What about flyin in winter. Is there any heaters in those little planes ? And one more question Why jabiru 3300 instead of aerovee turbo or the aerovee ?
Thanks for the comments, and the compliments! The Sonex is a really great airplane, that truly hits the sweet spot between performance, easy of build, and cost. I love mine! Rain does get in the canopy at the seam, but there are ways to minimize the leakage at the seam using weather stripping, and I use a canopy cover when parked outside. Installing a heater is easier on some engines due to the design of their exhaust system. My Jabiru exhaust is hard to fit a heat muff onto, so I use electric heated seats instead of cabin heat.
Tell us a little more about the foil backed sound proofing solution. Is that the bubble wrap radiant barrier stuff one could find at Home Depot, and how did you hold it in place? carpet tape or spray 77?
+mike20sm The sound insulation is called "The Insulator". It is foil backed on one side, and a sort of felt material on the other. It is burn resistant, and cuts easily with scissors. I bought it from Aircraft Spruce. It's 48" wide and sold by the running foot. I spray 3M Super 77 on both surfaces and stick it to the inside of the tailcone with the foil side facing away (glue to the felt side).
HI Jeff. I am looking at buying a RV12 but have also thought the Sonex B model would fill my mission needs. I have 8 hrs on the RV12 but no experience on the Sonex models. Can you describe the flight characteristics of the Sonex for me? Also if you've flown an RV12 how do they compare? Is the Sonex a smaller plane than the RV12?
Gord, I have not flown an RV12, so I can't compare the two planes directly. I can say that the Sonex flies delightfully! The handling is light and crisp, and the plane does exactly what you ask it to. I thoroughly enjoy the way it flies. I have some limited experience in a RV6 and RV9, and can say that the Sonex feels quite similar to the RV6. Very responsive, without being twitchy. The biggest difference is really the cost. The Sonex will always be significantly less money, even well equipped. For some this may not be an issues, but for many this value-sweet spot really hits home! Good luck with your project search!
Jeff, if you don't mind me asking, what does a plane like this cost? I'm thinking about buying a plane for work travel (I service distant territories, so I could drive 5 hours to get there or just hop in the plane and fly). I was looking at a Van's RV10 (a four seater), but if these are substantially less expensive, it might be the way to go and I'll just wait on a 4 seater until I have more money and use something like this in the interim.
Hi Jeff, nice video!! I'm getting ready to start a sonex but haven't decided on my engine yet. I noticed you switched to the Jabiru from the Aerovee (from your first Sonex). Why was that? Any problems with the Aerovee (I'm in CO and am thinking of the Aerovee Turbo). Thanks in advance!
The Jabiru is such a great match for the Sonex that I really enjoy flying behind it, and recommend that engine to everyone. The extra power will be really useful in Colorado, too. The Turbo is a bit more finicky than the Jabiru, but does make great power. If you can afford the Jabiru, go that way.
I think that's the best walk around video of a kit-built plane that I've seen. I definitely appreciate the details you incorporated. Thanks for making it!
What a beaut, all the little features add up: this is the sharpest sonex I've seen on youtube and by one hell of a margin. Damn!
Thanks for the walk around, your polish turned out absolutely gorgeous!
The tank camera was a really clever idea!
Beautiful plane and such great explanation for everything, especially LOVE the clean panel! Thanks for creating this video.
wow nice build ,beautiful paint scheme. well fabricated, Im sold
Thanks. I think that's the first video that even showed the baggage compartment. Very thorough.
Beautiful and smartly configured. Love the colors.
❤looks amazing inside and outside! 👏👏
Excellent video - thanks. Love the camera showing the fuel level.
Nice video, love the detail and the interesting tour.
That's one of the best looking sonex planes ive seen. Love it!
That is a really nice plane, nice job Jeff.
really nice looking aircraft man. I like the vintage fighter look you have going on with the Paint/Polish. One day I hope to build one and seeing your walk through is giving me some good ideas!
Beautiful personal touches. I thought all Xonex were part 103, so that is what I was loking for
Nice looking aircraft, should make you proud and your day when you look take it for a spin!
Wow you have a VERY nice Sonex. Great video, inspiring ideas to improve the Sonex basic design. I love everything you did. Thanks
Great detailing and work !
Beautiful aircraft!
Beautiful build! I like the many ingenious personal extras. I'd like to know more about how you fabricated the fairings at the wheel pants and vertical stab.
+Jm Ryd I've got a pretty good write-up on my web page:
sonex604.com/tail_fairings.html
sonex604.com/tail_fairing2.html
Thanks for the compliments!
Nice job thanks for sharing.
Suggestion for your headset jacks. Leave them where you have them but cross wire them, Right for Capt left for fo. Then use routing hooks to bring wires to your outside shoulder.
Great job, looks awesome
I think you nailed every last detail of this build, even down to the krylon/polish paint combo. A++ I'm curious about the final weight with all of the extras tho. ? Thanks for posting.
Great video, thanks 👍
Very nicely done Jeff....
Sierra Hotel...
just made me want to go finish up my sonex
Sweet plane !!!
Very interesting video. Many thanks.
For the headset jacks, would it help accessibility to use the starboard jacks as pilot and the port as passenger? Then each person can just reach across instead of reaching back so far. Just swap the cables at the radio...
nice work
Very well done, sir. Appreciate your modifications even more now that I've watched several videos- I definitely see why you would've gone with the Dynon radio- it would've been the last small piece of integration for your overall set up. I wonder if you would've been as happy (overall) with an AeroVee 2.1 or even the turbo? I really like how quiet your 3300 is even at max power and I enjoy the sound at cruise settings. It seems very smooth for all flight modes.
Jeff, I think it would be so cool to put the SubSonex retractable landing gear in a Sonex or Waiex even if it had to be beefed up a little. Like the BD5 Micro Jet, the gear could be raised and lowered by hand and not necessarily electrically to save weight. I'm sure there would be a lot less air drag and better speed with retractable gear. Do you know if it's ever been considered or possible? Just saying/asking.
Interesting idea! I don't think anyone has suggested that before.
Thanks for sharing again. I really do love your videos Sir and cant wait to see more ... ;)... i subs!
Are you still please with this beauty ?
What cruise speed do you get? Their site claims around 135mph /120kts at sea level and around 170mph/145kts at 8,000 ft. Both TAS for the Jabiru engine.
Very Nice!
It was good to see you at SnF this year with your daughter. I am planning on attending Oshkosh this year again. You won't be able to miss my plane. It will be parked in front of the Red Barn in the Ultralight area. It is a 1983 American Aerolights Eagle with red sails and has "Coca Cola" written on them. I enjoy your videos and maybe someday I will build my own Sonnex.
+James Moody Sounds good - See you at OSH!
I really like your auxiliary tank idea, did you use like a racing fuel cell or fab out an aluminum tank or something else?
What is your empty weight? Awesome build!
Nicely done. Well thought out. I would love to build one but the hours needed to build the plane are daunting. I know Sonex has a Quick build option. Not sure I have the skills needed to build one. Never done any riveting. Thanks for posting
The Sonex is a great building project, and with a little experience is a joy to build. It is truly a rewarding process! With the pulled rivets used in the Sonex it takes practically no time to set perfect rivets, unlike traditional bucked solid rivets.
For more info on building see my website at www.sonex604.com
Thanks Jeff. I wasn't aware that Sonex had a pull rivet option on the build. A friend of mine is building a OneX and using the flush rivet option. I guess that's why it's taking him two years + to complete.
I didn't know the Sonex was a two seater. That's nice! How far can you fly on one fueling? How many gallons an hour does it burn? How much did it cost to buy and have fully assembled and licensed and insured? It even has a luggage compartment? That's awesome!
Is this the B model or older one? I’m thinking of buying a used sonex as my first plane. Definitely with the jabiru
My Sonex is a legacy (A) model. B models are a really nice refinement. They cost a bit more, but are easier and quicker to build, and fly great! The Jabiru is a perfect match for the Sonex, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the Sonex tour. Such a great plane. Do these planes have fuel tanks in the wings?
I'm curious, what happened to your first Sonex you built? Did you sell it or something? I see Sonex now has the 'B' model out with the wider cockpit... with that said, are you gonna go for Sonex build number three?! I love your videos by the way!
Nice. How long did it take you to build? What’s its ceiling?
Where is the location/state for your hanger and runway? It seems nice there!
Bravo!
I notice that you have a fabric canopy drap on the inside of your glass overhead covering. It has a metal bar that the fabric follows to give you shade in your plane. Can you provide the manufacturer for me and the approximate cost of the item in your plane shown here. TU! Paul
Paul, that fabric sun shade is made by "Koger". They are nicely made, and although they are priced a bit higher than you'd think just by looking at it, the quality and performance is wonderful, and I'd never want to go back to flying without one!
Thanks for that info......I appreciate it.
Hey great video I love your airplane.I'm thinking of buying one .can you give me some real opinion on the plane ??
The Sonex really is a great design, and I thoroughly enjoy flying it! Check out the "SonexFlight" podcast (sonexflight.com, or thru iTunes) for more info and a better understanding of the plane.
Lets be honest..... theres not many sonex builders who took the time to make a walk tru their planes... but let me tell you Jeff... i probably watched this video 5 times in last 6 months... thanks for sharing . Really great video. Complete video ! By the way. You must be proud of this beauty you homebuilt. This is one beauty! Congrats .
May i ask you a question about your canopy and the others sonex canopy out there. Are they leaking from water in a rainy condition ?
What about flyin in winter. Is there any heaters in those little planes ?
And one more question
Why jabiru 3300 instead of aerovee turbo or the aerovee ?
Thanks for the comments, and the compliments! The Sonex is a really great airplane, that truly hits the sweet spot between performance, easy of build, and cost. I love mine! Rain does get in the canopy at the seam, but there are ways to minimize the leakage at the seam using weather stripping, and I use a canopy cover when parked outside. Installing a heater is easier on some engines due to the design of their exhaust system. My Jabiru exhaust is hard to fit a heat muff onto, so I use electric heated seats instead of cabin heat.
Tell us a little more about the foil backed sound proofing solution. Is that the bubble wrap radiant barrier stuff one could find at Home Depot, and how did you hold it in place? carpet tape or spray 77?
+mike20sm The sound insulation is called "The Insulator". It is foil backed on one side, and a sort of felt material on the other. It is burn resistant, and cuts easily with scissors. I bought it from Aircraft Spruce. It's 48" wide and sold by the running foot. I spray 3M Super 77 on both surfaces and stick it to the inside of the tailcone with the foil side facing away (glue to the felt side).
HI Jeff. I am looking at buying a RV12 but have also thought the Sonex B model would fill my mission needs. I have 8 hrs on the RV12 but no experience on the Sonex models. Can you describe the flight characteristics of the Sonex for me? Also if you've flown an RV12 how do they compare? Is the Sonex a smaller plane than the RV12?
Gord, I have not flown an RV12, so I can't compare the two planes directly. I can say that the Sonex flies delightfully! The handling is light and crisp, and the plane does exactly what you ask it to. I thoroughly enjoy the way it flies. I have some limited experience in a RV6 and RV9, and can say that the Sonex feels quite similar to the RV6. Very responsive, without being twitchy. The biggest difference is really the cost. The Sonex will always be significantly less money, even well equipped. For some this may not be an issues, but for many this value-sweet spot really hits home! Good luck with your project search!
Jeff, if you don't mind me asking, what does a plane like this cost? I'm thinking about buying a plane for work travel (I service distant territories, so I could drive 5 hours to get there or just hop in the plane and fly). I was looking at a Van's RV10 (a four seater), but if these are substantially less expensive, it might be the way to go and I'll just wait on a 4 seater until I have more money and use something like this in the interim.
👍👍👍
What is your empty weight?
Hi Jeff, nice video!! I'm getting ready to start a sonex but haven't decided on my engine yet. I noticed you switched to the Jabiru from the Aerovee (from your first Sonex). Why was that? Any problems with the Aerovee (I'm in CO and am thinking of the Aerovee Turbo). Thanks in advance!
The Jabiru is such a great match for the Sonex that I really enjoy flying behind it, and recommend that engine to everyone. The extra power will be really useful in Colorado, too. The Turbo is a bit more finicky than the Jabiru, but does make great power. If you can afford the Jabiru, go that way.
@@jeffshultz1116 a CFM56 would be okay, too
Oops I see someone else already suggested it.
What is the name sonex Engine
Can i buy this in india
Its a jabiru 3300 6 cylider engine. And im sure you can have it shipped or they may have a dealer over your way that sells them.