While building an RV-9A I built a stand to hold the plans while I worked.
Old style Van’s stand
For the Sonex, The plans come in a different format. They are a “pad” of plans stapled together into a very thick stack. By lowering the plans surface and clamping the plans to the top, we have a very workable arrangement.
New Sonex style
The plans are tough and can be opened and close many times without wear.
Plans clamped to table top
So, I modified my Van’s stand to be a Sonex stand and I’m very happy!
Flip plans
By changing from an upright stand to a lay down stand, and clamping the Sonex pad to the desktop, I’m able to flip through and page quickly and easily.
With the Sonex plans, you work on a page at a time anyway. No loss.
It is the first day of spring and all is beautiful.
First day of spring
and extra beautiful because this guy is here.
First day of spring AND this is here!
So, XPO Logistics have arrived and I am at the airport (On Friday, my car didn’t make it as far as the airport, but that is another discussion. I said bad words).
BeforeAfter
I see 6 boxes. All in pretty good shape. Box 2 was kinda clobbered on the top, but contents are OK. Some backorder stuff, but I’ll be able to get started with wings, no problem.
Does backorder stuff go to the airport or my house? I’ll email and find out.
We were able to unload the truck just as the Sonex website says, and all boxes fit in the hanger, and we waved good bye to the driver.
Immediately we are starting the inventory that will take a few days to complete. LOTS of stuff to count and review (Do I need 4 rudder cables?) What is a 1/8 oops?
6 boxes to inventory. Yikes!Off the truck, no forklift required.Box 3 of 6Spar
Great job with packing.
Where are the skins?Here they areCowl
The plans are VERY intimidating. The entire airframe looks very complex. The Emp was easy, but this? Am I getting cold feet? Can I do this? So much to do.
And the plans! The plans are VERY intimidating. The entire airframe looks very complex. The empennage was easy, but this? These plans make War and Peace look like an evening read.
For the Sonex Model B there are a couple of heavy aluminum pieces that need to be bent. To do this, we really need a press. I’m at an airport with lots of experimental aircraft and many shops. Do you think I could find someone with a press? NOPE! Most folks in the experimental community and friendly and helpful. I went to shop after shop and folks were even opening other people’s shops to find a press. No luck.
So here is the request: A press is rarely used with the Sonex kits. AND require careful setup AND are hard to find, I would like to suggest that Sonex go ahead and bend the parts that need bending. They have the tools and setup (some Sonex parts do come pre bent) to ship the few bent parts we need pre bent.
Because I did not have a press, I did not build the rudder bottom first, AND I read the plans incorrectly (missed the hidden line) I incorrectly cut the notch in the bottom rudder skin.
Because of many life changes, I ordered a new Sonex Model B tail kit last August and it will be delivered in the next few days.
I’m setting up the shop with new worktable tops, new saw blades, new sandpaper, new clecos (we need more copper clecos), new hand cleaner, new first aid kit, new drill bits and a ton of other stuff to be ready to start building my new airplane.
I still have my old tools from the RV-9A build, and I’m ready to get underway.
Project Phoenix
I’m now retired and I’m ready to build again. From the ashes will rise a Sonex Model B with a Rotax engine. Tricycle gear, center stick.
It is Time.
Plans holder with no plansClecos not in a project?Ready for work
