Sat, Jul 17, 2004
First Waiex and Xenos kits out the door, Float Plane makes
first flight
Sonex Ltd. has announced that the first Waiex kits were shipped
to Ken Scott in Oakdale, CA and Joel Fuller in Minneapolis (MN) on
June 4. The Waiex meets all Light Sport Aircraft criteria and gives
another very unique option to the kit aircraft builder.
In addition, the first three Xenos Kits are set to deliver on
July 21. The Xenos
is a hybrid airplane as it meets the FAA and JAR Criteria for a
powered glider as well as the new Light Sport Aircraft
rules.
Finally, the Sonex Float Plane made its maiden flight off water
on July 12. Test Pilot John Monnett flew the Float Plane from
Wittman Airport to nearby Lake Butte des Morts. After doing a gear
retraction test, he decided it was time to set it down in the
water. A high-speed step taxi on the water and slow speed water
rudder operation both proved positive with the Sonex handling
well.
John was very impressed with its ability to get off the water.
The wind conditions were calm and the water was close to glass,
which made for a very good test of the 3300-Jabiru Powered Sonex
Float Plane's ability to break out of the water.
Other general observations from the flight:
- Gear retraction is effortless with the hand operated hydraulic
pump (mounted where the brake handle in the standard Sonex
Configuration usually is)
- Cruise Speed of 120+ mph with the current prop
- 1000 fpm climb
- Handles well in the water
- Steers well on the the ground with hydraulic brakes
- With an optimized prop for the float plane, we expect to see
cruise speeds around 130 mph.
The float plane will be on display at the Sonex Open House and
at AirVenture 2004, most likely in the EAA's Sport Pilot Booth
located Show Center at AeroShell Square!
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