First Sonex Flight!

I have not posted anything in a little while now. I have been a BUSY bee trying to finish up my Sonex project. Like anything else, there is always those odd & in things that somehow prevent you from finishing on time. I received my airworthiness certificate 21 Oct 2009. After that, engine issues, and training for my tail wheel endorsement, delayed the first flight until now.

My tail wheel instructor (Jim B) wanted me to get some higher performance air time before taking the Sonex on its first flight. After we landed the RV6 he asked if I wanted him to take the Sonex up for the first flight. I agreed. I have not had much flying time in the past 2 years, and the time I do have has been in a very light 70mph airplane. Jim is WAY more experienced and current - he was the IDEAL person for the job, and I am grateful that he did it!

I was NOT expecting a first flight so I did not have ANY camera equipment. I quickly called my father to come out to the field - and BRING A CAMERA. He made it out there after take-off. He was able to snap a few pics. This is Jim landing. PERFECT landing.

The flight was a success!! A few high temps and a left turning tendency but all went well. Here Jim is in the red coat - he is thanking me for letting him fly the plane - NOT! I really appreciate him doing the first flight, and for all the advice and awesome training he provided me.

Wichita Flight Festival 2009

I was only able to go on Sunday August 30th because of a work. It was the first time that this show was free to attend. The scale of the show was dampened because of this, but nevertheless, it was fun and entertaining. Here is a short video clip showing some of the planes that were on display and show. Hopefully, next year my plane will be on display! Enjoy!

Stearman Field Fly-In

Once a month Stearman Field has a breakfast fly-in. I try and go if I am off work. One thing significant this year that my wife has the opportunity to go with us - last year she really felt left out. I am not sure she really enjoys going to these events. I feel it is more about spending time with me and the kid's. I know everyone is not obsessed with flying like I am, and I can appreciate that. I absolutely love it when my wife goes to these events with us - who knows, maybe one day she will get the "bug." Enjoy the pics!

Here is my wife, dad, and kids in the background looking at this Christian Eagle II.

Here is the new Belite ultralight aircraft JUST starting to present itself on the ultralight market. This airplane was once part of the kitfox line before it sold its production to a guy, locally. He took the plane and made some changes to lighten it up some. I wish him the best in this tough market! It seemed to fly great!

I had to post this very unique car/air car. It is an OLD BMW, powered by an aircraft engine by way of a propeller on its aft end... very different to say the least. Good times had by all!

A day at the field...

Went to the airport today to just hang-out. I do this a lot during the summer months. It is nice to take the kids out in the evening before bedtime. We sit and watch the airplanes take-off; sometimes they play in their wagon trying to push each other around. Anyway... if my kid's don't get into aviation, it will NOT be due to lack of exposure!

As we pulled up I saw this VERY PRETTY C-195 sitting there in the grass. I had to take a few shots of it.

I found out that this plane was not local. It is from the Texas area. I never did meet the owner.

2nd Annual Wings & Wheels

Dad, Isaac, Grace, and myself all loaded up in the van and made the short trip South to Strother Field, located in Winfield, KS. I was not sure how big or small this flying event would be. All I know is they were providing breakfast and lunch, so, regardless, the trip would not be a wasted one!

It turned out to be a small to medium turn out, as far as aircraft are concerned. There was a variety - that was for sure! The aircraft that showed ranged from Experimental's, Cessna's, trikes, ultralights, and even a helicopter showed up.

There was even a local cheerleading group there washing airplanes! I have never seen that before at a fly-in!

Very nice airplane!

Paul's Airbike always draws a crowd of people.

We didn't stay too long. The crowd & planes were thining out quickly as the temperature and humidity became exhausting to tolerate. We left just before lunch... overall, not a bad fly-in.

46th Air Capital EAA Chapter 88 Fly-In

The hot days of summer are quickly passing by. The local EAA Chapter 88 held its annual fly-in. Due to some logistic problems, this year's event was held in Newton, KS (instead of El Dorado, KS like in previous years). It is amazing how it can be severe clear all week long, then the weekend comes, and it pours down rain! Well, we just got rain in the early morning hours and it quickly moved out - left behind was some low clouds, but high enough the scud runners could make it in and still be safe. This year dad and I did not volunteer like we normally did. I had the wife and kids along this time so I felt obligated to spend my time with them. It was fun. I just wish more planes could have been there - I still question the logic of having this fly-in on the Fourth of July weekend.... anyway, here are some pics:

Started out by eating breakfast - we were so late that they only had enough pancakes and eggs for one order. We all shared.

There were Young Eagle rides being given for kids between the ages of 8-17 years old.

The Davis DA-2A - I hear it is a wonderful airplane to fly! Because of its "box-shaped" appearance, it many times goes unnoticed... so they say. I like it! Looks simple and to the point - and I hear the handling is like that of a Cherokee.

A series of RV's sitting on the ramp.

Here in Wichita there is a group of aviation enthusiast who are rebuilding the B-29 "Doc." Within the past month or so they started one of the engines on a test stand. I took a video of it during a start-up at the fly-in: Here is the link B-29 Engine Start

Stearman Field Fly-In - Rained out!

Very disappointing! My wife took off work and we had planned to attend this all-day event. The Stearman Field fly-in is an annual event that I normally miss because of work - I never do plan ahead very well with my work schedule. They have a concert, fireworks, and a barbecue at night, and have flying events all day. Anyway, it got rained out...

The same day as this event I was scheduled to talk about my Sonex project in Saturdays local EAA Chapt 88 meeting. This all went very well... even had a decent crowd. Next, is the local EAA Chapter's annual Fly-In - scheduled for July 4... lets hope this doesn't get rained out!