Sonex - Affordable Homebuilt Airplane

[@lorinmiller1682]

Love my Waiex. Built it and have been flying it for almost 10 years now. Have the Jab3300 in it, performance is outstanding. Reading some of the comments, my initial reaction was the same when I first saw them - thought they were a little ugly. After searching around for a year for something that matched the performance and the $$ spent - I decided they looked pretty darn good and took the plunge.

[@X85283]

Damn, bold move on going up with a guy in a homebuilt airplane that he didn't build, who has only the ferry flight in that airplane for a total of 12hrs and only 100hrs total. Its impressive that the Sonex has the load to carry your cajones, Flying Doodles.

[@jakesmith2341]

Underrated comment. To be fair though, 100 hours in a year for a hobby pilot is pretty intensive. In the commercial world it's literally nothing, but the hours stack up quick when you're not paying LOL

[@jakesmith2341]

The CEO's untimely passing in the cockpit of one of his own planes makes me a bit nervous about ever owning a sonex myself tbf. RIP Jeremy, RIP Mike. You will be missed.

[@Jester-uh9xg]

@@jakesmith2341 That's a risk for anyone who spends a lifetime flying single engine piston airplanes. He just happened to spend most of his time in the Sonex.

[@jakesmith2341]

@@Jester-uh9xg that's true too I suppose. Not the worst way to go for sure.

[@alexmikhael5061]

yolo ?? lol

[@davidpierce8613]

The first time I saw a Sonex I thought it was as ugly as a mud fence. But they have grown on me. I would love to build one. Thanks Leland and Bobby!

[@AlexDenton0451]

Honestly I’m tempted to build one myself. Get a few buddies, teach ‘em how to use tools, and get everyone pulling rivets and having some fun! I’m debating on going to Oshkosh this summer too, they’re doing the one week wonder plane.

[@whitetrashgarage8110]

They are sort of ugly. The cowling they use with the corvair engine really makes them look better.

[@robertthomas2942]

They are ugly. But the performance per dollar is difficult to match. That makes them grow on you. That and the flying characteristics are simply excellent.

[@AlexDenton0451]

@@robertthomas2942 Honestly I love how they look, that might just be me but they look sleek IMO lol

[@robertthomas2942]

@@AlexDenton0451 It all depends on if the builder gets the canopy right. If the windshield to canopy has a perfect, smooth curve, it looks great. But many seem to get that not quite right, and there is a pronounced "bump", then it gets no bueno. I also don't care for the tricycle gear look at all. Taildragger configuration looks much slicker.

[@kaimeier8528]

Lol smoked out the poor Cessna on final practicing t/l equivalent to a lifted truck rolling coal on a driving school car

[@alexmikhael5061]

maybe it was a PERFECT time for a MISSED APPROACH sitch.... there are no coincidences..... ;)

[@Paiadakine]

Why would this guy turn on smoke on take off when someone was going to do a touch and go? Showing off of being an ass?

[@patriottexan]

Great little plane. The tail wheel looks a little weak though.

[@robertthomas2942]

I don't think there has been any issues with the tail wheel. There is an option for a larger wheel, and it is directly coupled so none of the vagueness that most tailwheels are known for. As taildraggers go it's a pussycat.

[@bphiggs]

The plane looked more like a Sardine Sonex the way the lads had to cram themselves in there !!! It did look like a greenhouse inside without any sun uv inhibiter canopy treatments too. Cramped and stifling hot would not work for me !!! Leland did a great job showing off his fun machine and my best wishes to him ............. salute !!!!

[@hongshi8251]

Once again I give you high praises for reviewing this aircraft . It’s bare bones but the price is right and he’s flying!

[@brent1041]

My first flight in a GA aircraft was a plans built sonex with a 80hp Jabiru. Cute little personal plane. But definitely not for full size America’s as I was smaller then and the 39.5” cabin that tapers forward is very tight for 2 people.

[@AlexDenton0451]

That’s awesome man! I’m honestly debating on building one myself.

[@TecnamTwin]

The current Sonex/Waiex-B is slightly larger 40” wide and does not taper forward.

[@alianjohnson6035]

Greetings from Australia. just to set the record straight the Australian Jabiru engine is pronounced JAB - R - OO (not You but ROO). not only it is the name of the Australian company that makes the Jabiru aeroplane but also the engine it is the name of one of our national birds and also a town in the Northern Territory. thanks for the vid.

[@chippyjohn1]

Thinking the same thing mate. Yanks and pronunciation, lol. They are still working on the letter 'Z'

[@EatPezzzz]

You didn't set the record straight. Your phonetic writing just made it more confusing.

[@Echo-dw2qi]

I own a 1987 Monnett Moni Motorglider. Single seat self powered glider-like airplane, good stuff. Love these lines of airplanes

[@AlexDenton0451]

Really? Tell me more about that, I’ve honestly been interested in Motorgliders!

[@tylerwright497]

Can you send me a picture or tail number of the one you have please?

[@sactu1]

Nice. I built one a few years back. This one has the acro ailerons, which give it a really crisp roll rate. A real pleasure to fly.

[@GoatMan-dl5ds]

Apparently they've just widened them out a little bit so that helps a little

[@ryanlemons3255]

@@GoatMan-dl5ds just use cardboard to widen them out

[@AlexDenton0451]

YES! I’ve been waiting for this one man! I think this will be the first plane I own.

[@saltydecimator]

20:23 that tail wheel looks tiiiiiimy!

[@christophermetcalf4720]

I have been wanting to build an airplane for a while now and thought I had settled on some variant of the RV. I think I need to find someone with a Sonex and check it out before I decide. Awesome video. Thanks for sharing!

[@1972challenger]

Check out the Zenith lines too.

[@Useless-information]

Looks like a fun sporty little plane and I love his enthusiasm and excitement. I wish more people were like that and not so negative. However, I would call that a one and a half place not a two place maybe a man and his Maltese.

[@mojogrip]

I only came for the shirt. Where can I get one?

[@AlexDenton0451]

Mike with the Mojo shirt? Also, if you ever get the chance I’d love to see you cover one of these, you make great content man!

[@mhilderbrand7693]

I am sure he got it from your store 😂

[@ozarklanding]

Sonex was on my homebuilt short list fir a while and I still enjoy watching sonex bird videos. I decided on a different homebuilt and started my journey. Great video BTW…

[@FingerJam12]

What did you decide on? I'm thinking of this. That 150mph and acro seems nice.

[@ozarklanding]

@@FingerJam12 I went the STOL route with the Zenith 701. I have the tail kit and pick up the wing kit in aug.

[@FingerJam12]

@@ozarklanding I'm thinking of that one as well! Excellent choice! I still have to get my LSA certificate yet but it will take more time to build so no worries there. I want a plans only so I can save money on raw materials. Enjoy your build!!

[@FingerJam12]

@@ozarklanding Also thinking on the Sonex high wing, choices...

[@ozarklanding]

@@FingerJam12 I honestly had to spreadsheet all attributes to finalize my choice 😎. G

[@vividvulpe9842]

Wow, that plane looks like a blast!

[@MojaveDan]

I can see why he likes flying with his fiancee. That cockpit is so small that she'd almost have to ride in his lap. Also that was a heck of a touch and go. Train to the left and turn the smoke machine on.

[@philc.6051]

If the smoke is getting into the cockpit then maybe some carbon monoxide from the exhaust is also.

[@antonyh37]

I was thinking the same thing. 😬. That smoke could also be a visibility issue.

[@mwp1088]

Looks pretty tight inside. I really like the idea of a Sonex, but my wife and I are pretty tall (6 foot +) and I don't think this would be comfortable for long trips. I am hoping that something comes in the future that can fit two people and gear comfortably.

[@robertthomas2942]

It is tight. There is a lowered seat option if you are building. The bigger question is are you slim, average or chunky? Slim, you're OK with the lowered seat. Reality is, Sonex is not really a travelling aircraft, not much room for gear, not much range. It's a simply fantastic solo, go out and bore some holes in the sky for a few hours aircraft. You can travel two up in them, but there are better choices.

[@sammarmon3965]

Is the 'B' fuselage any better? That's one tight airplane!

[@chevyon37s]

A cozy cockpit indeed!

[@randyporter3491]

Thanks guys for a great ride and video ! Safe skies and keep 'em coming !

[@FingerJam12]

I like it, looks cramped in there. Be nice to have it a few inches wider. I'm thinking on building one.

[@gibcardwell3792]

Wow! Cool to see you in an Experimental. Think you've done an RV. To complete the big four, you need a ride in a Zenith and a Rans.

[@utubejdaniel8888]

Good to see the Flying Doodles back on KZbin

[@chetmyers7041]

9:08 Dear "More Mojo," please learn to communicate on radio as if a life depends on your clear delivery of critical information. You might save the life of someone you love! Specifically, drop the "top gun attitude" when the mic is keyed. Time on freq is free, and there are no rewards for "sounding cool, or speaking in short clipped words." Remember, you are sharing airports with old farts who may not hear as well as you, and also process the words more slowly. Please, slow the delivery, and leave some space between between the words. Not all pilots are qualified to comprehend the fast talk that comes from Newark or LaGuardia controllers. 10:12 Sounds like a student pilot doing an excellent job of COMMUNICATING.

[@flyingkub]

If the smoke is coming in isn't the CO? That would be my worry!

[@bartofilms]

This Sonnex reminds me of the Globe Swift, but with a Bugati tail section. Nice.

[@blainejeffreys]

Nothing about the Sonex makes me think Globe Swift.

[@perfectweather]

Can you put dual jet engines on a sonex?

[@coastalbbq1]

I really enjoyed this video, Kudos to you and the owner,

[@wfd245]

Just realized watching this video you are at hicks airfield in Saginaw I was just up there Sunday looking around. I’d love to check out this airplane I’m looking at one on the web for sale

[@navy_flyer2331]

FYI: it's "aero", not "acro". Acrobatics is a type of gymnastics.

[@michaelpenny888]

Yes exactly what I thought haha

[@commentatron]

Acrophobia is a fear of gymnastics.

[@BurntKittyForge-pl8ol]

wow , what a cool, practical but crazy plane , i'm at minute something ...i like the side by side seating i wonder if it could fit a subaru 2.5 turbo car motor maybe....looks super cool to copy fron flat composite sheets and make a fibered foam wing , but same geometry maybe ...

[@jm3280]

If show smoke is in the cockpit you better believe exhaust is, too. Carbon Monoxide for sure and Lead dust, too, if you're burning 100LL. Get that remedied ASAP or you'll be dead.

[@JohnVHRC]

Awesome, Id love a sonex, torn between that and a kitfox....

[@stealhty1]

Sonex is Amoung one of my favor planes ,,just a question: if the smoke gets in the cockpit so is the CO2 from the engine exhaust ?

[@EatPezzzz]

Engine exhaust has CO, not CO2.

[@peterbuchhart7553]

@@EatPezzzz Engine exhaust make CO and CO2 for to die you need CO2 . Peter Car mecanic from Germany .

[@MrWirebrain]

I would point out if you’re getting smoke in the cabin, you’re getting exhaust fumes in the cabin at the same time. I would think you’re getting exhaust gases in the cabin all the time regardless of whether the smoke is on. I think I would be checking that out. I know you said something about an inspection port that was not closed. I think that plane would be very unsafe to be in at this point.

[@robertthomas2942]

He stated that he had removed an inspection cover in the tail, but not replaced it and that is where the smoke was getting in. Sonex are notoriously drafty aircraft. Unless the exhaust was ducted directly into the cockpit I doubt there would ever be enough CO2 to b of consequence.

[@MrWirebrain]

@@robertthomas2942 I am inclined not to agree with you. The smoke is nothing more than a coloring agent indicating the amount of exhaust fumes getting into the aircraft. I think with an understanding of that much exhaust getting into the airplane that aircraft should’ve never left the ground. And I’m thinking it’s a shame that a pilot would take another pilot for a test ride and not inform him of a possible problem with exhaust in the cabin. Knowing this issue a reasonable person never would’ve gotten into that airplane for a test ride. There’s been other pilots that guessed there was no exhaust issue and they’re not here to explain it to you.

[@robertthomas2942]

@@MrWirebrain Fair enough. I've just flown in a few Sonex, and they leak a lot of air. A lot. Several builders have gone to lengths to seal them up, fairly successfully. And again, the design isn't known for CO2 issues. Maybe that particular aircraft is?

[@judd_s5643]

@@MickyTicky2x4 virtually every smoke system I’ve seen the smoke oil is injected into the exhaust manifold inch’s away from the exhaust port of the engine.

[@BurntKittyForge-pl8ol]

Try more mojo....if i get a time waster second , sounds cool the preview scond...thanks for the plane vid

[@flynic3]

I am extremely happy to see Mike Kaminski's Waiex go to another great owner! Hope you enjoy it and if you are looking to upgrade any of the Avionics, I am happy to help in anyway that I can. Hope you have great success getting into aerobatics... Great video! Cheers!

[@johnwilliam502]

Specifics on how you’d upgrade the avionics on the Sonex? I’m a future Sonex owner.

[@flynic3]

@@johnwilliam502 Well it truly depends on how much your budget is and what your end goals are… mission etc. I can certainly help you design a panel that works for your Sonex…

[@prepperpilot7379]

Hope he fixes smoke issue. Carbon monoxide .......yup if smoke is getting in, so is exhaust. Not good

[@ana-fly]

I wish he would do the Vision Jet someday. Great video!

[@philbro1829]

Please get some VENTILATION for the cockpit and the crew that live there 😮... nice plane and video

[@Sonex825]

Nice! I have a VW powered Sonex!

[@adamcorby804]

Nice job dropping smoke on the runway with someone on short final.😏

[@adambudda3822]

Ya, that was my thought too. Tower just said they had someone coming in after him, and he blows smoke mid-runway.

[@yousi31]

Thing you dont know is that hes marking the runway for better visibility of the other pilot 😅

[@mma1153]

wow, i flew cessna N25779 back in 1997 with Pro-Aircraft Is Pro-Aircraft still around?

[@scottrichmond3400]

Super cool. But aren't those V-tails little dangerous or many accidents / crashes related to it. Isn't it why the early bonanza changed from Vtail to straight?

[@stephendonahue9764]

Sonex and sailing doodles keeps getting hotter!

[@kirkstable]

Is there another site where all these videos can be viewed from besides KZbin?

[@GoingToGenocideSLK]

Love Sonex aircrafts - hoping to be owning one myself someday. Great video! Not sure what to feel about the cockpit smoke 😅

[@AlexDenton0451]

I’m in the same boat man! Also yeah I wouldn’t wanna put Smoke in mine after this lol.

[@howardforder4481]

I have to agree, as much as smoke is fun, what about that airplane behind him on final for 32 and now has to land IFR.. :)

[@Crafftyyy]

That thing is just cool man.

[@kam1583]

Thanks for the video. Sonex is coming out with a high wing aircraft at some point.

[@monocogenit1]

Hey, Hicks airfield. I work at KFTW. Nice airplane. What is the price range of these aircraft? Smashing air particles.

[@spinnetti]

Where'd you take lessons? I've only got a few hours in, and looking for a flight school home. Cresson where I was going is a fair hike; looking for closer to Frisco (also considering building a Waiex/Jab - visited their shop but torn between this and an RV especially since the kits cost just as much now)

[@bikemancody2752]

How much can you pick one of these up for? And what are your Landing speeds? And what is your stall speed? I feel like this could be my next airplane outside of my to Quad City Challenger aircraft

[@showlogisticsllc5109]

How does the cockpit compare to a 150 or 152?

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice.

[@LiveLNXgaming]

I know that 150mph cruse at 6gph is a good statistic but I really would love to see some aircraft and engines that can bring that number down to 4. I get your trading efficiency for speed and fun but 25mpg is not great. Not a fault of the aircraft or anything, just would love to see that in aviation in general.

[@blainejeffreys]

A Prius wouldn't get 25mpg at 150 mph.

[@josephc.9520]

@@blainejeffreys But a Prius seats 4 comfortably at least and it's a car, I emphasize the road drag

[@blainejeff]

@@josephc.9520 the drag on a plane doing 150 is probably the same as a Prius doing 75. A four place plane sipping 4gal/hr at 150 is a tall order. A plane is not a car.

[@aerotuc]

bit cramped up in there?

[@jazzdirt]

Maybe I missed it.. but how much is "Affordable"? Found it...

[@BAgodmode]

10 days later it’s like 25 in Texas right now lol. I always wanted to learn to fly, but I don’t think my health or vision will let me pass as a pilot. Love the idea tho. Having a cub or a Cessna, comfortable seat, heat and air, night fights. I dream of it.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Look into Basic Med. Then decide for yourself if you want to risk it.

[@michaelsell6928]

Where is this plane and pilot out of? Would love to look at one of these planes in the Ohio Michigan region.

[@rodneyabercrombie7868]

T67 nice! You should check out the starship that's based at kads. Cool video!

[@bobm2331]

I think I would hold off flying for a while. Didn't mention a take off check list. Hummm, Slow down a bit friend and smell the roses.

[@JulianoRangelcmte]

Tem os dados técnicos da aeronave, consumo VNE, cruzeiro, teto se serviço, motorização hélice e valor para aquisição?

[@yousefhamed]

Man so tempting i want a plane any plane that flys

[@bryanadriano88]

nice one thanks for the flight guys. =)

[@TheHexperience]

So he said "lots of students around" then leaves the runway covered in smoke... ?? Are there any regulations about smoking a runway?

[@BurntKittyForge-pl8ol]

i'd rather attempt a fibered semi honeycomb garage wing to a poprivet aluminum my self i have some foam ideas maybe ...i like boats but they both demonstrate extremes , boats are easier because ....anyway for me i'd feel more confident in a self made composite wing maybe a sprin joint so if it over g's it flexes too....

[@imontime77]

V-tails have very interesting landings with a crosswind.

[@stephendonahue9764]

Great fun video I'm still building #1472

[@alexmikhael5061]

''SUPERSONEX'' is the ''smokeON'' mode :) LOL

[@irpk239]

This video is 2yo but i was wondering about the smoke he deployed when ATC said someone was landing. Is that for 💩's and giggles?

[@Duderino27]

how much affordable?

[@jbl7092]

This should be classified as a single person airplane, lol.

[@rustusandroid]

I don't think the people are digg'in the smoke...

[@Ronbc000]

Cool Bobby 👍

[@justana3507]

Jabiru is an aircraft company

[@vg30boy]

Hey. I’m in Fort Worth too. Could you take me up some time?

[@MBdrummer3288]

NICE ONE!

[@calumsutherland2862]

Can anyone advise how tall a pilot can fit “comfortably” in the Sonex?

[@jimmyhaley727]

about 5 ft.,,,, ehheheheh

[@darrellroeters4951]

Why would you cover a runway with smoke, stay clear for emergency landings.

[@nateabelflyingclub6867]

Ha ha he said Tweety!!

[@yeller95vette]

Tweety is in the video too

[@davidalexander4043]

not a pilot cockpit is tight you rub shoulder just wondering

[@rinzler9775]

"One of your snot nosed jockies did a fly by with smoke past my tower..."

[@Mike-01234]

I didn't know the sonex had such a good cruse speed kind of like poor mans RV. I was really considering one of these until the owners son died in one after engine failure. The investigation was kind of shady the NTSB had sonex do the engine tear down. It was a aerovee VW engine they sell with a no name turbo charger. The reason for the engine failure was never really figured out, but the turbo was suspect. I always wondered why would they install a no name (Likely Chinese made) turbo charger when a lots of name brand highly respected turbo manufactures around. I think the aircraft is still good design, but maybe stay away from that aerovee.

[@1972challenger]

Andddddd we are just going to smoke the runway for student pilots and other traffic waiting to depart because it's cool...

[@b4566bb]

Killin' me Bobby....

[@billbergquist4722]

I kniw exactly what I would tell him to do with his smoke.

[@jeffreysheridan5205]

Looks like a scary little ship.

[@jwald6795]

You two look like a couple of sardines in there. LOL

[@BrittneeDrummer]

Price for that kind of plane plz?

[@brent1041]

About $40,000

[@BrittneeDrummer]

@@brent1041 awesome thanks sir! Didn’t have time to research. Will this evening. :)

[@AlexDenton0451]

@@BrittneeDrummer it heavily depends on what you go with of course. This particular model will be 35-40K listed typically, to buy it outright. If you want to build the plane? Expect 45-55K.

[@MichaelGolpe]

Great 👍

[@NorthOfTheSates]

Bro is not taxiing at a brisk walk. My instructor slams me if I go anything about 10km/h he looks like he is going 20+

[@BurntKittyForge-pl8ol]

another, one thing too , the jet tail is tested , so a pulsejet booster or rocket auxiliary in theory is tested if it has same position exhaust and thrust ....anyway hypothetically ....i was dayreaming of an ejection motor so if that f**cker stalls the pilot could drop the tiny motor and glide instead stall though ? ...weird deviant thought...edit: maybe not "deviant" if the motor had parachute recovery drop away line simple ...(?)

[@cameronlapworth2284]

Jab-a-roo. 😂 don't encourage jabbing roos they are much stronger than they look.

[@superskullmaster]

Nice

[@desertfresh3740]

"This Y-model has a V-tail with a Y-shaped rudder." -_-

[@darrellroeters4951]

2 looks crowded

[@FlyingNDriving]

That thing is C O Z Y with two people