Waiex Project

[LarryMcG]

HI All

Cant seem to post info directly from the site, so herewith web info.

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/waiex.html


Have a look, let me know thoughts.

Build project going well, will post pics soon, fuselage well on the way, empenage almost complete, ready to be fitted.

Have chosen the Jabiru 2200 option, engine waiting for collection.

The way were going now, hoping to complete early next year, hopefully February

LM

[Miskiet]

Good luck! - I've done a lot of surfin and in my opinion this plane/Sonex presents one of the best cost/performance ratio's out there and would be high on my list of "Wanted" aircraft.

With the Jabiru engined Waiex you've got a project that ticks a lot of my boxes:
- All metal plane so it should last loooooong
- Titanium undercarriage for those early "training" landings
- Compliance to the KISS principle
- Compliance to the "Build it light" principle (Sonex is one of the lightest kits out htere)
- Very Good cruise speed so you can go places
- Lowish stall speed so if the worst happens you get a good chance to walk away
- Excellent fuel economy from Jab engine
- It looks mean and aggressive and goes fast even when standing still!!!!

I'd really be interested in what the landed cost of the kit was and any build progress you make. If you stayed closer I would have volunteered my help free of charge so I can get some build experience!

Moderators - Can we have a sticky on this project?

[Splitter]

Looks like my V35 little cousen twice removed

[LarryMcG]

Ok, some pics!

[LarryMcG]

Next Lot

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[LarryMcG]

last for now, lots more if anyone wants to talk directly. This jusat an overview. On about 200 hours now.

LM

[Rudix]

Great stuff LM !

I agree with Miskiet, this has to be one of the best options out there. The combo that you have chosen will result in a great flying economical plane.

I have been looking at this, or the conventional tailed Sonex, for a while as a replacement for my KR2, it should last longer with a bit more space. I have ordered a Jabiru 3300A (Long waiting list !!) for the KR2 but it will be a winner in this.

One thing that has bothered me a bit were the problems with past planes from this guy, a couple of models turned out to be not strong enough and a few broke up in flight but it looks like those problems are gone with the Sonex/Waiex/Xenos. I have not seen any problems reported.

A few questions:

Any reason you chose the Y tail over the conventional other than looks ?

Are there any other flying in SA, what about instructors that can do conversions ? Any CAA problems if it is first of its kind in SA ?

Are you happy with the quality of the kit ?

How long did the kit take to arrive after the order was placed?

+- Shipping costs ?

Thanks !

Please keep us updated,
Happy building,
Rudi

[LarryMcG]

Hi Rudix and Miskiet


Sonex factory, plus extras leather upholstery, brakes etc- $16345
Shipping, vat, customs etc, R31577.00
Jegs for oil coolers etc $248.00
Wicks aircraft supplies $2314

So, about R165 K

Now I still need to get the jab motor - R90 K, prop and instruments.

Will probably put the mgl enigma, or latest version, still to be released, into the plane, with the mgl compatible radio. will have to look at a transponder as well, as will be visiting many new destinations in SA, and Moz, etc.

With regards strenght, there are lots flying now, without any break ups that I know of. THey have apparently been tested to Plus and Minus 11 !!

Thought the Sonex was not a great looking plane, but it grew on me, but I eventually preferred the look of the Waiex. All flight tests seem to indicate no difference in flying characteristics, so thought why not be a first?

Only one I know of that flew in SA, had an engine problem, and crashed with two fatalities. Other than that, one that I know of, flying in Zim. One in PE, ready for completion, but owner dragging his feet! Another, built from plans in Jhb, either finished or very close. Owner now working with CAA to get non type approval, a huge mission, but seems to be in hand, and coming along.
Another about 60 % in PE, being built by SA agent. Another one or two, being built in Bloem area.

I think two kits available in PE at the moment.

All Sonex, mine the only Waiex.

Quality of the kit very good, lots of work building brackets, cutting, drilling etc, but measurenments seem accurate. Sometimes a lack of an actual desciption causes confusion, and the plans can be difficult to understand.

About 3 monts from ordering, to leaving USA, and another 5 weeks to arrive at home.

Any more questions welcome, will keep posting as we go along.

Lm

[grostek]

Hi Larry,

There is another one in Secunda but it is a Sonex so maybe not of interest to you.

You seem to be moving along at a fair old pace and it seems as if in another 300 hrs or so you might be close to finishing.

Good workmanship, keep going you will soon have a super flying aerie.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek.

[LarryMcG]

Hi Gunter

Is the one in Secunda finished, and or flying? I did hear of another one, somewhere up your side, that was for sale, I think with fuselage finished?

Maybe the same one?

I will be away for a week now, and will start the wings when I get back, while Jack, my co-builder, carries on with the turle deck, and forward fuselage

Cheers

LM

[Tailspin]

Larry

Looks good. Keep posting pic's will enjoy watching you build.

[grostek]

Hi Larry,

The one I saw in SEcunda a month ago was at the fus more or less finished stage, so it may be the same one.

The workmanship on that aircraft has been done to a very high standard.

I live in Dubai and occasionally venture back home, but if you need more info will try to help you.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek