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.

My first big goof.

Back on course and moving forward again.