SubSonex LOA Check Ride

[@robertclarkguitar]

My grandfather, Bob Frownfelter served and flew in 2 wars. Shot down behind enemy lines and was able to make his way to a station where eventually the nurse that saved him became my grandmother Edith Frownfelter. He was a well known gentleman of the Aor Force. RIP .....Sadly I never flew. Never got the chance. Since youtube has been a thing I've watched so many flight shows, but this little craft is so amazing. Great job gentleman. Way to Go Bob!

[@kevinbutler9786]

Just found this video. Bob gave me my private checkride. What a freakin legend.

[@servicarrider]

Every once in a while, in life, a machine comes along that you just fall in love with. This is one of those times.

[@jeremy7923]

So impressed by the stall characteristics... so undramatic.

[@ashadowawhisper]

INCREDIBLE! Sonex has REALLY come a long way... I've never wanted one more than I do right now... haha. I've always loved the cool, sporty, sleek lines of a Sonex. Man, I miss flying so badly, combat PTSD can suck it.... Semper FI!

[@fj9460-lr]

Semper Fi

[@mitchellkaye9619]

very competent pilot in a beautiful aircraft.

[@aumarigan]

Probably trained in test pilot school.

[@TheViking2008]

Nearest thing to having your jet fighter,amazing aircraft thanks for the video🇬🇧👍🏻

[@jrfoleyjr]

Haha My wife commented that the engine sounded like our shopvac. I loved watching this video. Beautiful little jet.

[@djquestionthis]

I extracted my shopvac motor assembly and mounted it to my homebuilt plane all while my wife watched.......I was able to takeoff within 75 miles of runway!!! It was awesome......😂😂😂😂

[@BruceBoppoTiemann]

Yeah, I have a turbine-powered shopvac too. The trouble with it is that when I vacuum the rug, I vacuum THE RUG.

[@flymachine]

"Take it to the break...such as it is" I am so deeply smitten by this little bird I can't tell ya. Given the advancements in microturbine technology recently I hope we start seeing a lot more of these 1 and 2 place jets

[@AJ-jy6lb]

I've seen a few that were converted from piston engine props to these microturbines. Absolutely amazing. Of course, in that case, CG is a concern. But it's doable!

[@zacharymohrmann4329]

I know this was your LOA but I also know that you were having a blast going through the motions... Many more hours of flying fun... Cheers.....!

[@mode1charlie170]

Great little aircraft. And it has a parachute as well

[@philmonat9352]

Awesome flight.

[@southnc63]

Very interesting & informative check ride ops for that Jet. Gives a very good perspective of expectations for basic skills to operated this aircraft. Of course, high altitude descents and instrument ops will be essential as well.

[@robertohaver9116]

+southnc63 Optimum altitudes are from 10,000 to 18,000 feet so high altitude operations are not really a factor. As far as approaches and instrument procedures are concerned, the aircraft is not really equipped for IFR and those ops would come under emergency procedures

[@thedarkknight803able]

Just started watching and noticing about Sonex jets! They are Awesome!🌟😁😎👍🏿

[@savagecub]

Very nicely done ride sir. It does appear that perhaps a little more of an overhang from the glare shield would help. I noticed in several other videos as well as this one the pilot having to take a hand off the controls in order to shade the PFD in order to read it.

[@bowhunter8235]

Thanks for th nice ride.

[@Navyuncle]

As my brother-in-law would say, " that ain't the way we did it in 'nam" 😀 Great job.

[@shreddder999]

11:49 I don't think you are supposed to retract the gear until you see positive rate. Flaps to x (usually the same degree as full aileron down deflection), positive rate, gear up, x speed, flaps up, configuration check. I like the entire video, but this is my favorite segment: 17:01 0:00 Meaningless chatter. 1:39 Checklist, engine start, taxi. 3:14 Rejected take off on ground. 4:53 Normal take off. 6:06 Slow flight and stalls. 12:12 Return to airport for simulated flame out approach. 14:16 Go around. 15:38 No flap approach and landing. 17:01 High speed pass. 17:13 Normal landing.

[@pizzasubs]

Would love to see one of these built for 2 passengers.....

[@chrisjohnson4165]

I think they're making one now.

[@bobski8203]

Power by hair dryer. ABs by Hair Spray. Each plane comes with shoe horn and can opener for entry/egress. FAA does not recommend for claustrophobic pilots. For everyone else, just make sure you bring lots and lots of hair spray. All kidding aside, nice looking little (*LITTLE*) plane. I would measure shoulder width before trying to climb inside. Short people, have fun.

[@cessna688]

That little turbine sounds great

[@Mustangchef]

sure does

[@Mustangchef]

that would be cool on a soar plane

[@wcpportfolio]

Damn guy yelling “go get ‘em Bob!” ruined it for me. But yes that jet sounds great

[@bluestudio67]

Superb pilot. Fantastic handling little jet. Very impressive. I have one question: Let's say I have a quick job to do in Iowa @DSM. No, that's not an ideal thing, so I want to fly my jet, but is there enough room for a well-packed "carry on" back there with the BRS and fuel somewhere?

[@avi7278]

I saw another video with a Sonex pilot he said there's enough room for your toothbrush and your credit card, and that between the himself and full tank, he's 5 pounds under max... and he wasn't a large man, so I guess that answers your question.

[@nssherlock4547]

What's the big red knob/ dial in centre?

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

The " Oh Shit " knob... B.R.S. parachute release knob..Lol !!!.. Nah , just kidding...It's for " Pitch Trim "....

[@SaltLakeCityUCE]

That is really neat...awesome plane, congratulations and thank you for this video!

[@SmokeFlame1]

Like a little fighter. Nice video.

[@bobbowie5334]

Wow. You built yourself a _Heinkle 162._ Happy flying.

[@garrykennedy5484]

HAHAHAAAA.. Close but no trolly. LOL

[@ExcitedKiwi-lc2el]

Amazing and motivating!!!!

[@BadenAirTraffic]

Very nice aircraft! - Thanks for this interesting video!

[@chrishamilton4999]

demonstration of first class skill level every step of the way.

[@kdpjsp]

"Be honest honey......does this airplane make my butt look big?"

[@vladimator1842]

Kevin Ummm 🤔.......NO! No it doesn’t babe! Your butt still looks the same to me from this angle,

[@shortribslongbow5312]

Very nice video congrats!

[@Flightstar]

A thrust reverser would be a nice option to save those tiny brakes. Perhaps an afterburner to get out of smaller strips too. Id like to see a little more angle on the departure stall and some deep incipient spins too. Guaranteed, someone is going to do it inadvertently one day.

[@oraivan1]

AWESOME LITTLE PLANE👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@hrfb9696]

The best ever. Thanks

[@Nudnik1]

nice job awesome tiny jet. Thanks

[@marksepoliophotography1553]

Nice flight..!

[@alanbrumley]

On the landing approaches, what does he keep turning off/on as he nears the ground? It sounds like he's saying FDD? Googling indicates it might be Fault Detection & Diagnostics if that's it, why off/on during landing?

[@bravo2aviation]

It’s “PDB”. The engine has a protection system in which the computer will shut the engine down if it reads a certain temperature or other variables. Turning on the PDB disables that protection system, and is used for take-off and landing.

[@showmoke]

Shouldn't a spin be a part of the complete flight testing of any new GA aircraft?

[@joopbekkema6490]

Intential Spins are not allowed in experimental aircraft.

[@joopbekkema6490]

Sonex Aircraft LLC: check at FAA Aircraft Certification.com. The Amateur built Operating Limitations. I believe your remarks about its spin behaviour and absolutely love your fantastic aircraft.

[@gregoriovinci6047]

Che motore è quelloontato sul sonex llc?

[@troylandells9667]

Would it be feasible to fit a ten gallon drop tank under each wing? Thus increasing range.

[@andrewlavey6992]

What an amazing machine and pilot.

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

An I think of the R/C modeler that build those huge models and I say "look for a little more you can build something YOU can get into and fly! And you can go somewhere!" That's what a homebuilt is all about, freedom!

[@dragonoffski4501]

Whilst I agree in principle, there's that small matter of a flying license...

[@zeewala1883]

That was awesome. So awesome that I watched this video back to back.

[@dukeman7595]

I want one, man that looks like so much fun, MAYBE SOMEDAY?

[@Flightstar]

Don't say maybe, or it wont happen. It's fuck yeah! Im gonna own one of these one day.

[@mrivc211]

All I wanna know is did the visiting DPE still charge his checkride fee? :)-

[@pr3ludejr]

Light-off Assessment?

[@livefreeordie5033]

Awesome SubSonex ..what's the name of the Czech Republic engine manufacturer please?

[@shreddder999]

První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš, a. s. (PBS)

[@danne6a]

I am a little confused when it comes to the JSX-2, is it still a prototype or is the one that is currently available for sale?

[@danne6a]

And is the airplane in the video JSX-1 or 2? I guess this is 1 because of the instruments layout?

[@christianrogers2361]

So how do you learn to fly one of these to get good enough for the checkride if it’s a single seat aircraft?

[@albertohurtadoromero3061]

Hello from Spain, I really bob that plane. I've seen the cri cri videos with double tj40 and I find it interesting. What price do you have in Spain? Thank you

[@philipschrantz8402]

I’m not a pilot and have zero knowledge of these things. Noticing some yaw when rolling at speed - is that just because of the closely couple gear geometry? Or something else?

[@dfx2kxgaming145]

This aircraft reminds me of something I'd make in X-Plane's PlaneMaker. except that it has excellent stall characteristics and low-speed handling in general. I wish I could pass FAA medical, cuz I'd find a way to get one.

[@RealGoldRealWealth]

1. Do you know for sure you cannot get one? 2. If you really want to fly you do NOT require a FAA medical for some planes/operations 3. Are you just using the non-medical as an excuse to not fly?

[@leolandicho9965]

How to you train for this aircraft? Need a license as well?

[@1crzflyer]

the movement of the stick looks like it would be too sensitive particularly at high speeds

[@forcesightknight]

It's at high speeds that it needs to be sensitive.

[@avi7278]

You got it backwards bro but thank you for trying to contribute to the conversation.

[@Roensmusic]

"still a little high on speed" ..."lets go for some flaps" lmao sounds like me and my friends a few years ago xD

[@benrivenbark]

@@SonexLLC Whooosh......I think he was talking about recreational use of stimulant drugs as speed and other activities involving 'nightlife'

[@viacheslavorlov6247]

just one question : how much

[@Stevie671]

Beautiful sky.

[@BOATINDOCTOR]

SWEET RIDE

[@mikegmdw1]

interesting video. I was expecting more commentary like take-off speed attained, altitude is, airspeed is, any buffet when approaching stall, fuel state, climb rate is, etc etc especially as it is a 'check ride'

[@basimpsn]

How much time can you cycle the gear before it ran out of air pressure?

[@pres68y]

Never heard the pilot even mention it, but to me the three most important things flying any aircraft is: airspeed, airspeed, and airspeed. :-)

[@garrykennedy5484]

He says it a few times. It's when he puts the throttle back on.

[@pres68y]

@@garrykennedy5484 he mentioned airspeed first time after he landed and was leaving the runway. Only other time was at 10k altitude in a decending turn. IAS should be his primary instrument to be aware of and mentioning it. Scary pilot!

[@lonnieholcomb2078]

hmm what location was this filmed at?? looks like wyoming

[@nonenone4078]

What are the guidelines flying this state to state?

[@AJ-jy6lb]

What a beautiful ride! And an amazing little plane. Ahem,.. good pilot too! :o) It still makes me laugh to see that teeny tiny jet engine on the back. Modern tech absolutely amazes me,..but i'm always thinking "what's next? 900+ MPH planes with no sonic BOOM?" When is the next big leap in aviation? It's ALWAYS right around the corner.

[@AndrewBugatti]

I feel like a noob asking this question, but why was the plane so wobbly on the touch and goes? Is it THAT light or was it windy?

[@Migueldeservantes]

How many gallons per hour? and what is the cruising speed? please??

[@N2YTA]

They cruise about 240 mph, the never exceed speed is 287.

[@RealGoldRealWealth]

40 us gals capacity 20 - 25 gal/hr depending on alt.

[@ianwarburton5433]

How noisy is the cockpit?

[@mrgone658]

Makes me wonder how viable a similar power plant setup would work on a v-tail Bonanza.....🤔

[@Ichibuns]

Considering this little guy burns around 20 gallons an hour. I'm betting a Bonanza with a jet would cost as much as a private jet. Probably more viable to go and buy a Premier

[@novicereloader]

There's a bit of a difference in weight.

[@MBdrummer3288]

I can’t believe that little beer can on top of that plane can actually move that thing at all! What, is that fan about 8 inches across, if that???? That is INSANE!

[@monsenrm]

The speeds seem excessively high. I am guessing the airspeed is in MPH since if it was knots it would be really high. The factory stall shows 58mph and it was shaking and stalling over 72mph. I kinda thought this was just "another" Sonex. What am I not seeing?

[@monsenrm]

@@SonexLLC , Interesting. I would like to see an "aggravated" stall where you pull the nose up and let it "fall". How about spins? I know on my own Sonex the "dirty" stall is nothing more than buffeting and a 1500fpm descent. The clean stall is a little break. The power on stall is suddenly upside down and looking at the ground!

[@monsenrm]

Sonex Aircraft, LLC , I’ll do a video of it when I get a chance. I have 120 hp Corsair engine in it. It is pretty nose high at the “break”.

[@tonyrusi1978]

Anybody know the thrust force on this jet?

[@MegaBuckBuck1]

Very nice. Jet seems squirrely in the flare?

[@MegaBuckBuck1]

Glad to hear, maybe it was just the illusion of it. Beautiful plane! Thanks for the reply.

[@jbw9999]

Seems like it needs brighter landing gear indicators, and a slightly bigger glare shield.

[@javieruriel]

What’s the normal speed for landing that jet? I mean when you touchdown

[@yewwtooob]

70 + mph

[@the_disabled_gamer2832]

What is the base cost for one of these and are they available for purchase ?

[@the_disabled_gamer2832]

***** Next question would be is that since i live in Las Vegas NV, Is there any certified dealers that sells this aircraft anywhere close to me ?

[@the_disabled_gamer2832]

***** Absolutely serious, Thank you for the information, I will get together with my wife later this evening and discuss this with her before i make any moves, Again thank you.

[@yozeke]

$113k, including the PBS engine

[@Mike-01234]

Wonder if it has any trim I'm guessing not

[@brisiobrien1]

Plane starts moving then he releases parking brakes, I think they're not adjusted correctly.

[@bodewhitmo5189]

how does this jet compare to the BD-5j micro jet

[@GaryMCurran]

You can get, build and fly a SubSonex! LOL

[@ayokay123]

Less of a death trap. :D

[@Rahhhhhh733]

The BD-5j goes faster but stalls faster and is generaly inferior compared to the JSX-2

[@GaryMCurran]

Okay, I made a smart-assed comment, but here's the deal. Jim Bede made some pretty interesting airplanes, but I think the BD-5 and BD-5J were a bit too much for him. The kits, when you could get them, were often missing parts, had alignment issues and were overall, poorly made. Furthermore, there were very few of them available. Jim's company was not doing well at the time, and he never really fully recovered from quality issues. If you took the drawings and made an airplane directly from the drawings, you might be able to cobble something together that would be close to what it was intended to be from the start. The aircraft could be done again today, with today's standards and builder assist, and you'd have a great airplane, but no one wants to take on the old design. It could easily be made into a composite design, but either the plans, the trademark, or the design rights aren't available, or, more likely, no one wants to take on the project. It WOULD be interesting to see a slightly scaled up model with a P&W 600 series turbofan in it, and I think it could be done, maybe a two seat version. An inbetween of the BD-5 and the BD-10. might be interesting. Infor on the BD5 series of aircraft: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede_BD-5

[@shreddder999]

@@GaryMCurran What about the BD-10J??

[@discerningmind]

I enjoyed this very skilled and extremely professional pilot as much as the aircraft. I'd feel secure with him at the controls anytime. I'm wondering how many hours he has under his belt? And what other ratings he has, to have a man be so adept?

[@robertohaver9116]

+discerningmind I've got about 18000 hours in various airplanes, rotorcraft and gliders but this little bird with the Hershey bar wing is a pussycat to fly. If you remember that you are in a TJet powered aircraft and use the checklist, you won't have any problems at all. Basic flying skills apply

[@phil4826]

@@robertohaver9116 . Why did I see you only use a checklist when starting the engine? In my few hours of training, I always used a checklist on landing. It would seem especially important on an aircraft with retractable gear!

[@robertohaver9116]

In this case (a small fast mover) there are only three items to do on the checklist in the pattern. Remember that the checklist is not a "do list". Speed to 120 kts or less, flaps, and gear down as a memory item. I always vocally "check three green" on final. The critical stuff is engine start and pre-departure issues. Once you're airborne, there is very little to do

[@monkeybearmax]

What’s the stall speed no flap? Full flaps?

[@avi7278]

You can clearly read the instruments the entire video.

[@justiceforsethrichwwg1wga160]

What pilot classification/license is required to operate/own/build one of these?

[@markschaible4351]

Justice For Seth Rich WWG1WGA all you need is a private pilot license.

[@urhiredhr421]

Why can't they manufacture a Cessna 172 with those stall characteristics!

[@ISleepNoMore]

thats an awesome little jet, kinda looks like a drone

[@JackFlak79]

That fisheye lens started to give me a headache

[@laysy1743]

I would kinda like to see a SuperSonex

[@kristopher850]

Anybody know what the SFO is?

[@kristopher850]

Sonex Aircraft, LLC thanks!!!

[@dmlchannel3262]

For a very, very, specific commuter demographic, this little "Point-A" to "Point-B" jet makes some sense if flying from one home to another. Cruise: 210 kn (240 mph, 390 km/h), VNE: 249 kn (287 mph, 462 km/h), Range: 420 nmi (480 mi, 770 km) with 30 minute reserve. For nearly everyone else on the planet, not so much. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it for what it is... a 250 MPH jet, for one, but hampered by virtually no usable storage.

[@showmoke]

You could probably take your teddy bear with you for some psycological security!

[@dmlchannel3262]

@@showmoke And that idiotic reply has exactly what to do with my comment?

[@showmoke]

DML Channel - relax mate, it was a joke with reference to the lack of storage space in the aircraft!

[@dmlchannel3262]

@@showmoke Oh, okay. So "hilarious" I "forgot" to laugh.

[@showmoke]

DML Channel - that’s ok, it’s not my fault you haven’t got a sense of humour!

[@ljprep6250]

That little beauty reminds me of the Bede BD-5J, only prettier.

[@dfx2kxgaming145]

considerably safer, too. The BD-5 is notoriously difficult to fly.

[@NzAviator]

Lucky it never gets to high speed

[@CombatDoc54]

What about O2? Is it pressurized?

[@shreddder999]

Not pressurized. You could use something like the Mountain High oxygen system.

[@gummybear41283]

it's like a small F-16 with the joystick on the right, I want one!!! :o)

[@avflyguy]

why does this look it was shot with a 70's VHS camera?

[@shreddder999]

You lose! BetaMax!

[@Ghost-jq9jz]

How much is for one of those?

[@extremeultralightaviation]

About $140K for the kit and A LOT of your time putting it together

[@bobsullivan5714]

No cup holder?

[@bruceprescott1961]

and no 2nd seat for the gal or pal!

[@javieruriel]

Does the cabin pressurized ?

[@shreddder999]

No.

[@studybug2010]

I hope that cockpit isnt that quiet. If it is I would never fly this thing. That white noise would make me real sleepy real quick....hehe...plus the flight looks smooth as glass.

[@antonherr5832]

Now I want one!!

[@Istoeumapemba]

Only you?

[@cmpe43]

It should have in flight refueling capabilities only because it looks like so much to fly!

[@Heyemeyohsts]

What is LOA?

[@shreddder999]

Letter Of Authorization. Applicable non-experimental aircraft require Type Ratings instead.

[@usarmyfl1]

Do they sell these at Wal-mart?

[@mudpitboarder]

I emailed you guys and never heard back. Cool plane but if you don’t answer emails, nobody will care how cool it is. That drone engine can be bought from Europe without getting you involved.

[@richystar2001]

Lol... Just think how much a flying car would cost if there were any.... $$$$$$$

[@PhilJonesIII]

If they did, would you fly it?

[@tl1562]

Unick machine!