Flying to Oshkosh to BUY A SONEX???

I flew up to Oshkosh today (where Sonex aircraft is based) to look at a nice two seat Sonex with a Jabiru engine. Let me know what you think!

[@shawnwalsh5430]

Thank you again! I always enjoy your content! Stay safe up there.

[@tpspc03]

@4:04 Looks like that RV-6 also has a crack in the Stab spar.

[@bryancotton7279]

Are you based at 82IS? We are based out of C77 and have a Sonex Waiex with the Aerovee. It's a great airplane but very minimalist. With 80HP, it is low performance, but the performance you get out of 80HP is amazing. It does great positive G aerobatics! For a bigger pilot the hot setup would be the center stick, then you can fly it like a huge single place airplane if solo but still take somebody if you want. We have an A model that we built. It is tightest shoulder-to-shoulder and I am not sure the B is wider at that point.

[@quinnjim]

I am based at 82IS. I ended up buying a Vans RV-6A. The Sonex is very interesting. Seems like a good way to fly affordably.

[@nick.simmer]

Bessie's! I love going up there on Sundays.

[@quinnjim]

It's a great spot. I like Rochelle in the summer to eat outside and watch the skydivers.

[@35whiskeygirl]

Thanks for the no ads Captain 👨‍✈️. I think a person would really need to know what their buying. I would probably want a mechanic or someone like you who is knowledgeable, when it comes to buying a plane ✈️. Always interesting as usual! 👍🏻

[@quinnjim]

Thanks! You definitely want to do a "pre-buy" on any plane purchase. I can find a lot of issues, but having a guy with tons of experience in the particular model of plane is invaluable.

[@jacknevitt7384]

I’m 6’7” and I’d have to wear the Sonex if I ever tried to get in one. I really appreciate the “no-ad” videos; thanks!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

I missed this one! I hate KZbin's notifications - I miss a TON of videos. Used to be great with the email alerts. Anyway, yeah those tail bolts were SCARY!! I would have to redo that on an automobile, never mind something that flies! Crazy! I was going to buy a used paramotor at first (with a new wing), but decided against that. Even though I can fix just about anything, I wanted to be flying and not fixing someone else's mistakes. Sounds like you'd need to do a FULL inspection of any kit aircraft before purchase. Nice find, though! It's good you know what to look for. That was a strange seating arrangement in that Sonnex - I've never seen anything like that before. Like half-seats on the sides. Interesting! Nice aircraft, though. Would be fun to fly, no doubt about it, especially knowing how tough it's built. :)

[@quinnjim]

That RV-6 was a real disappointment. I lost about $900 on that one (pre-buy and the fees for wiring the money and then having to cancel). If I end up with an experimental, I still think it might be an RV-6 or 7. I'd like to build an RV-14, but I'm afraid it would take me 10 years.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

@@quinnjim Yeah, I hear that. I love those RVs! Pretty nice machine for the money. Sorry to hear about the loss. That really sucks.

[@v1rotait23]

Seeing your own 182! that's funny John! The Sonex cockpit was built with the DC3 in mind with more rivets than metal per sq in. I love the 182 and the Arrow. Got some good hours in a 200hp Arrow many years ago flying to the very northern tip of New Zealand from 1/4 of the way from the southern point. With only 2 islands here we can't go too far without having to island hop across the deep blue to Australia. Slightly jealous of the US in that respect. Lunch at Bessies? That's on my bucket list too after flying around lots with Kevin & Jaime at 310 Pilot. I'm kinda getting to know my way around IL and WI. Cheers, David downunder.

[@quinnjim]

If you ever find yourself in the Chicago area, I'll take you to Bessies!

[@kalancosta7650]

That the A model? The newer B model has a wider cockpit

[@billyhbarkley9530]

Hi John: I tried to send a reply but lost it. I think the Sonex-B might be close to what you are looking for. It is wider and larger panel. You might consider a Corvair engine, The Sonex that Jeremy Monnett crashed had a 100hp Aero Vee Engine they say. but I'm sure there are many Sonex planes with that engine with no problems. Since you, Maddie and Quinn have many hours in the Cub and Ercoupe you might look at RANS-S7, Alon-2, Taylorcraft B-12-D , Cessna 140A or Pietenpol???? Always enjoy you videos. Regards to all the family. Texas Bill

[@quinnjim]

I think a Citabria may be in our future. Hard to say, but going upside down is a plus.

[@skycop56]

Hey Neighbor! I’m at Casa with a RV6A and watch all your videos. We will have to have breakfast at JVL this summer. I go there often with flying buddies.

[@quinnjim]

For sure. We will have to meet up! I’d love to see your plane.

[@joseruiz-Joecool]

A sonex "B" model with a UL POWER engine would fit the bill. There is lots of help from the EAA and a local chapter near your home. Come join us, we can help!

[@quinnjim]

Thanks, Jose! I'm looking at an RV-6 tomorrow. I may check out Sonex at some point in the future.

[@michaelb.8953]

Being a private pilot renter I've been looking at different options myself and the Sonex being the main contender. Looking forward to more great stuff on your future updates.

[@quinnjim]

I hope you find a nice one. Getting insurance might be difficult. Many insurance companies don't like writing policies on experimental planes. If you are 5' 10" or less, you will probably fit just fine.

[@doncatch1]

Did you look at a B model. Enjoyed the video.

[@quinnjim]

I haven't yet. Maybe those are a little bigger.

[@TheJasonmurphy2005]

4:24 Holy Smokes! To think that I rejected the work I did on my wing spar because I had a a sliver of a doubt there was a full 2 hole diameters edge margin on one of my rows of rivets. And that wasn’t even into sheet metal!

[@quinnjim]

It was a big error. The guy who signed off on it should lose his certification.

[@patrickcoleman6088]

Popper!!

[@jasonharvey827]

Would you consider teaching an Army Vet to fly?

[@quinnjim]

I have a long list of people that want to learn how to fly. Maybe in retirement I will instruct more. My current airplane isn't really great for basic training. It's a little too high performance.

[@sodbuster1677]

I would go with the Sonex Jet on barnstormers for 179, would be a lot more fun flying the little hair dryer around

[@quinnjim]

That's a great idea. I saw that one listed. Can I borrow $150,000?? :)

[@sodbuster1677]

@@quinnjim with triple time just a couple extra trips 😂😂

[@quinnjim]

@@sodbuster1677 BRING BACK TRIPLE TIME!!!

[@easttexan2933]

John, no doubt you were like "wuttttt" seeing your 182. Crazy huh? Suggestion: have you considered the carbon cubs or huskys that are prevalent on Trent Palmer's or Blancolirio channels? Now that looks like a lot of fun which you said was what the second airplane is all about. Might be something worth looking at.

[@quinnjim]

With 3 kids to put through college, those planes are a little too pricey. I have looked at a Kitfox. I think a Kitfox with tundra tires would be fun.

[@easttexan2933]

@@quinnjim 3 in college? Ouch!! I only had 2 at one time back in the day (89-93). State tuition but that was bad enough lol. I know you'll make a wise choice when you do pick a plane.

[@quinnjim]

@@easttexan2933 Not at the same time, but one right after another.

[@irishcurse65]

"because I'm a dork" lol

[@waukeshapilot6462]

You could sit in the middle of the Sonex and fly it like a Skid Steer!

[@quinnjim]

I just looked at one where the guy made it flyable from the center seat. THAT would work!

[@thesearcherman6652]

That was cool, thanks for sharing. You have one of the nicest C182’s on the planet! I was thinking you were maybe thinking about 2 engines. But, other than faster with more engines, it is going to be hard to beat your perfect C182. Speed cost money, lots of it, as you know. Perhaps you might have the beginnings of the male mid-life crisis starting? Take it from me, you are surrounded by a great family, great home, cars, job, and plane. And, most importantly, good health. Best Wishes to you and your family! PS- If you are looking for something to stay busy, maybe you should start a media empire! You seem to have the talent and energy.

[@quinnjim]

Thanks again for the feedback! The 182 will be around for a few more years. My wife made me promise.