skippydiesel

Forgot I had already corresponded with you on this topic - You do have an Airmaster - Yet to be commissioned. Unfortunatly, for me, that makes me the experienced one - such is life. Still, if you have any thoughts on Airmaster management/fine tuning for best speed/fuel consumption, let me know.😈

All interesting comments.

My Sonex is a plans built Legacy (A). It features significant departures from a standard Sonex (B) ;

• Rotax 912ULS/Airmaster Constant Speed Prop
• 30L Wing Tanks + 40L Fuselage Header Tank (95-97 L usable).
• Tracey O'Brien toe brakes 
• Custom full swivel tailwheel
• Custom elevator trim wheel
• Custom engine cowling
• Cowl flap (off at the moment due to actuator issues)
• Solid riveted throughout
• Under seat storage 

I have researched "Wing root flares" - to date there is minimal/no documented advantage. This may be due to the design of those fitted or it might just be they will never have much benefit.

"The factory canopy frame requires beefing up as well to prevent distortion and inflight departure" Mine seems to be fine. Surprisingly little distortion (or have I adapted?) as for inflight departure - can't see that happening unless incorrectly latched. The only change I have made, is to use a clear polycarbonate rather than the factory supplied tinted.

"......its an aircraft that requires to be piloted constantly while airborne" True! however this was also true for my Zephyr. I have found that experince results in a level of intuitive handling, ie I don't seem to notice the near constant adjustments needed to fly straight & level, bit like riding a bike. One day I may fit an autopilot but for for now she flies just fine - planning a Sydney to Perth flight.

Do you have an Airmaster (or similar) prop? - I would like to compare management notes😈

Wow! - I wish I had purchased one of the two Europas I bid on.

My Sonex Legacy/Rotax 912ULS/Airmaster, Whirlwind 3 blade, AP332, Still tweaking, however can make 150 + knots true at 5500 rpm (forget the MAP at don't often go there) using about 19L/hr.

I usually cruise at 130 knots true @ 5000 rpm 25.6 MAP for 14 L/hr

Climb out is 80 -90 -100 knots @ WOT for a max weight climb of 1500 ft/min (initial)

My Sonex is only just a two place aircraft being both squeezy and weight limited.

What engine /prop are you using?

Okay - have tried that several times without luck. I will try that again now.

From the photo (on its side) showing cowling/air inlets it looks like you may have overdone the incoming air. What do the top/bottom scoops feed air to?

On my last aircraft, ATEC Zephyr/912ULS, I restricted exit air during the cooler months. I just made up a very light weight aluminium plate that covered about 80% of the exit air hole. Probably went through 3-4 versions (started large & progressively reduced plate) until I was happy with all the temperatures.

Yeh! In Australia we really need to focus on our long hot summers, with some sort of fairly easy winter flying temperature fix.

Hi Mark,

I tried responding to your contact but ended up with Ian Baker/Admin - You will be most welcome to visit & view my poor Zephyr (repair work has yet to commence). Call me on 0499030659 or e-mail [email protected].

Regards

Sean Griffin/Skippydiesel

Hi Robin,

Like you I am not too sue of the correct contact system  however I hope you get this:

My phone number is 0499030659  & my direct email is scangriffin@ bigpond.com.au  (note: the spelling scan is correct and accidently similar to my name) I am located about 3  km from The Oaks airfield NSW just west of Camden.

Let me know if you get this - the last person I replied too gave no indication of having received my communique

I will appreciate a chat almost any time.

Sean Griffin