Sonex 1284 - Spin Testing and other Acro

[@loampey1]

As a pilot I recognize your expressions. Entry=terror , exit=I'm alive sweet!!!!

[@berniemccann8935]

May I quote, "... me teaching myself ..." Yeah Gods!

[@oregonsonex]

Bernie, I didn't mention that several weeks prior to this testing I'd taken 2 days of unusual attitude and aerobatic flight training. The training was specifically to teach me the skills (especially recovery) so that I could "begin" to explore the acrobatic envelope. I wouldn't encourage anyone to just "teach themselves" although it's been done by many. - Mike

[@kennethkamp495]

Almost no traffic scanning or clearing.

[@txdave2]

Gee, Mike...looks like you might be enjoying yourself just a little bit. Nice video!

[@oregonsonex]

After the initial fear of performing the first maneuver is over, they began to be fun. But, the first time is terrifying!

[@ohwell2790]

I was taught spins in a Cessna 150 but the door kept coming open on my side of the airplane, so my instructor decided maybe we should not do that anymore. Santa Maria CA, my instructor was a retired Navy F-14 pilot. 1976.He also taught me wing overs that I saw on Baa Baa black sheep on TV. Keep positive G and it became a lot of fun. Used to get the altimeter setting from Santa Barbara CA so I could let down through the overcast to land at Ventura CA. I know very illegal, but I was fresh out of Veitnam and it did not seem dangerous at all.

[@skruzbucket5957]

G'day Mike, I've just got myself a sonex with a revmarster 2300 (80hp), what engine are you running in yours?

[@oregonsonex]

Jabiru 3300...luv it!

[@collinnewberry]

For that Split-S, you need to hold that inverted for 1-2 seconds, let that harness take the full weight of your body (airspeed will bleed off no problem) and then pull through. On that hammerhead, get the bird perfectly vertical and let the airspeed almost drop to zero, then put in your cross inputs and the plane "should" do the rest and you'll end up 180 degrees nose down. But working your way into aerobatics is the best way to feel out how your senses will respond. Unlike me who had the instructor snap roll me right from the get go. But still the most fun flying I have ever done and will ever do. Clear skies and good tailwinds.

[@oregonsonex]

Thanks for the suggestions! I had just a little over 2 hours "unusual attitude" training in a Citabria doing just spins, rolls and loops before I tried & filmed these. It's a blast, but know that I can be doing the maneuvers better. BTW - if you hold inverted for just 3 seconds...it'll get real quiet up there! I am hurrying to keep most maneuvers +Gs. Due to the type of ignition and the compression of the engine, the Jabiru's will not prop start, so I would need to go through a restart procedure.

[@Mike-01234]

I'm assuming no parachute is required for solo aerobatics?

[@oregonsonex]

That is correct. In an emergency, I'd hate to have to even try getting out of this cockpit! I'm hoping with the wings at +6/-3 that I'd be able to fly it down. These maneuvers have only pulled up to +3G...and that's when I did them poorly!

[@Mike-01234]

Mike Kelley I think I would rather have a BRS system which probably would be much safer to deploy then trying to climb out just pull a handle.

[@oregonsonex]

No one has figured out a good way to mount the BRS on a Sonex, although a few have tried. Plus with the weight of the plane, fuel and pilot, you'd be up in the 1350 - 1600 systems, at an additional 33-35 lbs (all behind the CG) brsparachutes.com/files/brsparachutes/files/BRS%206%20Specifications.pdf That would hurt performance, and may restrict the maneuvers you can perform

[@lucasariellopezferreyra13]

+Mike Kelley also considering that the BRS system would cost more than the plane itself. A common parchute is more logica for this plane/pilot. right? Any comments or recommendations on building this plane? I'm trying to get as much info as I can from the Sonax. Not entirely sure if its a Experimental plane for amateur builders (my case). Did you consider any other options?

[@ohwell2790]

Very nice.