Using a Sonex for checkout flights

[siege076]

Does anyone have experience flying both the Sonerai and the Sonex? I was wondering if the handling was similar enough that getting some Sonex time would be good preparation. Lately I have been flying a 172 which in my mind is only one step up from driving a car (sorry if anyone is offended by that! ;-) ). Unfortunately, it has been about 5 years since I have had any significant tail-wheel time.

I am in the process of building a single seat Sonerai IIL. While it is probably a couple of years away still, I am starting to think about that first flight...

 

[soneraifred]

I have flown them both, and time in a Sonex would be good transition training from a handling point of view. I found the Sonex elevator to be a bit more sensitive (lighter) than the Sonerai. Visibility over the nose on the Sonex is better.

 

[siege076]

I have flown them both, and time in a Sonex would be good transition training from a handling point of view. I found the Sonex elevator to be a bit more sensitive (lighter) than the Sonerai. Visibility over the nose on the Sonex is better.

Thanks Fred!

 

[kennyw]

I got a little stick time in a Sonex a few years ago. I think Fred is exactly right!

Another bit of transition training I did was to do a few takeoffs and landings from the back seat of a Champ. I thought that helped too.