I started this channel to I learn more about shooting and editing video. Mostly projects that I was working on including yard work and light construction along with the equipment that I used for those tasks.
As I rekindled my passion for aviation and started taking lessons again to get my Private Pilot Certificate I was recording my lessons in full and keeping them here so that I could review them along with my building of an experimental aircraft. The FAA was not very cooperative so that dream had to come to an end.
The big question now is, "What's Next" for this channel?
My business channel is ru-vid.com if you have any interest in the Tattoo world and want to take a look.
Great video, where did you order yours from. I’m looking on AliExpress but the sellers never respond to messages. I’d want to get spare blades like you have.
@@weekendhack.whatsnext can't wait. I'm getting ready to place an order for a gas vtwin 25hp version, and I'm waiting for your opinion. Do you know of some else using them that I can get in touch with? Thank you. Much appreciated
The FAA medical certification process is AWFUL! It seems like they will ground you for a hangnail, and request mountains of paperwork before you get your medical. Even then it will take MONTHS for them to respond. Absolutely ridiculous. In fact, my AME told me that at his last required conference time in Oklahoma he rode in an elevator with a couple of the FAA medical 'head honchos' and they made comments that there should only be two types of pilots; Military and commercial pilots. That just really ticks me off!
Thank you sir. I get a couple of people interested every week but the serious ones are far away and do not want to deal with the drive or freight. Then there are a lot of tire kickers. LOL
@@weekendhack.whatsnext Yea, I know how it goes. It looks like Sonex uses Pods to ship quick builds kits, seems like the way to go. Only have to worry about packing it then it's on them. Don't think I'd go the U-haul truck route again... Good luck, if all else fails it should pick up again around tax time. Unless I come into some extra cash before. 😉
Yeah, I can get it all in a 16' POD. I would build a crate for the engine and strategically pack everything else around the fuselage with padding. I hope the AP thing is working out for you sir.
@@weekendhack.whatsnext It's going well. I've got a bit over a year before I can take my tests. Definitely learning a lot and answering a lot of questions I had about how I would do certain things once I finally build something.
I know this is an old video. But I couldn't help myself. Criticize the people who even comments. for the conditions and the experience. You've done a great job up to this point. and to the critics. Why don't they go build their own sonex?
Get a glider rating and fly a Xenos. No medical, denied medical, no problem. You will enjoy flying a motor glider, that glide ratio is very reassuring.
I was wondering if he could have converted his to a Xenos Motor gliders you can fly at night, up to 18k not sure about IFR maybe. More privilege then a light sport. I know it can be more difficult to taxi around some airports but I don't think the wings are any longer then a larger business jet.
@@Mike-01234 Conversion is not in the cards. The Xenos has a longer fuselage behind the cabin, different empennage and attach point for the wings. If properly equipped, a motorglider may fly at night, above 18K' and in IMC. I have time in a Xenos and initially thought the wingspan would be a concern on taxi, it is not. Additionally, it may be fitted with shorter aerobatic wingtips. It is a nice flying aircraft which happens to also meet LSA requirements
@@feathermerchant You get about the same privileges as basic medical. What about flying into Canada? Even basic medical can't do that at least as of the last time I read could only go to the Bahama's they were working on it.
It's a good time to sell maybe in a few years the FAA will get medical issues worked out. I saw on Reddit the FAA medical has someone new running it he's trying to fix all the issues. Who knows it's Government I had gotten a consult was about to pull the trigger on the medical decided to just go with Sport Pilot instead of risking a potential issue. The AME I had he thought I would breeze right through read too many stories where didn't work out that way especially with someone like me has some obscure medical condition he never had to deal with.
Ugh, so SOOO sorry to hear this! I had a very minor medical hiccup and the FAA dragged their heels for 9 _months_ before renewing my medical; it was AGONIZING all of the hoops they made me go through, all of the test results and doctor's testimony they asked for and then totally discounted/ignored, their treatment of deadlines as mandatory for me but a mere suggestion for themselves; a really terrible experience all the way around (side note: and they wonder why Pilots lie on their medical exams/records)... My heart goes out to you! I hope you're able to use Part 103 and other means to chase your dreams and get in the air!
This is some sad news. I do hope you consider Part 103 and not give up on your dream entirely. I bet you could pickup a used, great condition, ready to fly ultralight or perhaps even a brand new one for whatever you end up selling this Sonex for. Or get some kit, I'll be here to watch you build it if you do! Wish you great success at whatever you decide to venture into next.
Wow, that must be heartbreaking. It's a shame it's a Sonex rather than a xenos - as I understand it if you get a glider rating you can fly a glider or motorglider, even with a denied medical.
Don't sell! These (Sonex) all fall under the sport pilot requirements. under 1320 lbs. max speed 138 mph. stall less than 51, max seats 2 A sport license only requires a valid drivers license... "Hold at least a third class medical OR hold a current and valid U.S. drivers license for operations in light sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon"
(As written in response below)- once you are denied a medical, you can't do LSA. If you think a medical is "iffy", then don't apply for one and do the LSA, it is sort of like the "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the military in the 1990's.
@@twest344 I stand corrected. Thank you for the comment. Had to look it up. Although the Sonex does qualify for sport pilot... Which allows somebody to fly without a Class-3 Medical, getting approved for the sport pilot path requires at least one initial Class-3. (2) A person using a U.S. driver's license to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) while exercising sport pilot privileges must- ... (ii) Have been found eligible for the issuance of at least a third-class airman medical certificate at the time of his or her most recent application (if the person has applied for a medical certificate); ---------------------------------------------------- I'd say Basic Med is an option as well, but it has the same restrictions of requiring a Class-3 at least once for the initial.
@@usslindstromthis is a common misconception that I see parroted all the time. Once your medical is denied it's over. But let it expire or never apply for one and Light Sport is still an option.
@@twest344That's what I did I got a consult AME said I was good to go just about to fill out my paperwork when I saw online the MOSIC NRPM came out was in review period. The changes they are making check every box for me I found no reason to get a medical now. I never planned on flying with more than one passenger anyway.
@@ulbuilder The problem is people don't know what they are getting into when they go for their medical. Honestly something that happened 30-40 years ago if you forget about that stuff FAA isn't going to go looking into something that happened after you fell off a swing set, or was thrown off a dirt bike 38 years ago. IMO shouldn't really disclose something you don't really remember all that well it's to best of your ability to disclose what you know. Your not a doctor who knows what was diagnosed by some doctor who likely long dead years ago. You should never speculate on a medical trying to disclose an accident happened years ago. Lessons learned here IMO they should modify light sport and drop the denied or deferred medical it's really stupid that someone who never got a medical can fly but someone who filled out a medical decided they wanted too many costly tests done for falling off a motorcycle 35 years ago can't go LSA. Don't listen to AME's who think they can get you approved unless your medical issues is simple, or common. If you have something wrong with you that AME never had any experience with don't move forward with the FAA on that if you are good with light sport. Too many stories I have read where someone was told my an AME they can issue and next thing they know FAA is sending letters wanting endless testing done.
I've enjoyed your videos and am really sorry to hear about the medical situation. I would buy it from you if I was in a position to, but sadly I'm not even close. You really should look at something like a Hummel Ultracruiser. With your skills you could build that easily. No license, no medical, no stress! Whatever you decide, best of luck with your next adventure!
After all this, the Cherokee and your training, please consider Part 103 and maybe a Merlin Light with a heater. I am more than tempted to accept your offer, knowing I have not a space to complete the project, but have evolved my interest to the Sonex high wing at present.
The whole thing is just too stressful for me at this point. Maybe somewhere in the future. Let me know if you change you mind. I would love to see it go to someone I sort of know.
Interesting! I mow a slope which is 23 degrees (40+%) measured with a machinist’s protractor and a 5’ level. It is half the height of your slope. I have been doing it for 30 years and just upgraded from my old B series Kubota to one with a loader. I would never approach either end of the hill on anything but 90 degrees to the edges. With a damp lawn and moist ground I have had the tractor sliding the whole way down with no control. That is with wide set wheels, filled tires, wheel weights, suitcase weights and crossed fingers. Be careful! By the way, how come you don’t back up the slop so you can mow up and down? That is how I do it. I assume you tried. Your hill looks very steep!
It was the ctech-ind link but looks like that company changed hands. A quick search of the new company site shows it here. minnpar.com/site/itemdetail/NrXdqeVnzw-oE5zglki0QD8_Pz81/SPRING_-_GAS_BC6670863
Nice first time on your channel like the project I’ll see if I ever get my hands on one of those lol What a cool warehouse Got yourself a new subscriber I’m interested in how is it gonna turn out 👍
I have a Sonex tailwheel two seater. I want to transition it into a tricycle gear. Any advices on steps to take and any ideas about the cost will be appreciated.
To be honest I am not sure because the aircraft is complete. With my quick build kit it would just require the different panel behind the spar tunnel and the appropriate landing gear because the majority of it is still accessible. Once some areas are completed I imagine it would be quite the hassle to change things around. Get in touch with Keri at Sonex and I am sure that he can give you a pretty straight forward answer.
The FAA is a beast to deal with I would recommend that you get help from AOPA. You can always build and fly the Sonex under sport pilot. Your medical records should be on paper charts and usually held by a 3rd party. Keep your spirits up and welcome to aviation the fastest way to burn money. I have my ppl but am going to sport pilot because flying is my passion but at 55 life catches up. Clear skies
Unfortunately once you apply for the 3rd class medical you can not go backwards to sport pilot without being approved for the 3rd class medical. The FAA simply decides they need something additional after reviewing what I give them and each review takes months. I really can not work around their schedule or lack there of. They give you a little hope and then just crush you again.
I was supposed to get my challenger tomorrow the 16th. They moved it to February 10th. Now idk if I should wait for the car or just cancel my order since I’m reading peoples comments that they did this for 3 times and this is my first one.
It is up to you but also consider that most major financial news think that Carvana will be bankrupt by years end. Not that they are helpful at all past the 7 days but if there are big problems there will be no chance at all to get anything fixed if they are out of business.
I'm going through same thing right now. I'm supposed to get my delivery tomorrow but it has been rescheduled for the 8th now. Prior to both the original delivery was supposed to be the 29th. I am going to cancel if I don't get it by the 8th.
Congratulations and I am sure that you will enjoy your plane. I owned a 69 Cherokee 180 D for 21 and loved the plane (new price - just over $10,000) - never had any disappointments. I later updated to a 78 Archer II which I have now owned for another 20 years and it has performed nearly as well. I know that I am in a minority, but I much prefer the shorter Hershy bar wing to the longer tapered wing that I now have. The hershy bar wing is lighter on the ailerons and gives you a much quicker descent option as well as quicker roll rate (others have argued with me on that point also). Once you learn how to use that to your advantage you can drop it on a dime and with minimal roll out. I have had others disagree with me but my 69 180D climb rate was 100 - 150 fpm more than on my Archer II. The only advantage that the Archer II has over the Cherokee 180D is the additional room in cabin and baggage area, but that is not a lot. Watch your oil (analyze it) and don't let it get low. It is a pretty good platform to get your IRF rating also if you so desire. I have a lot of Cessna time also and the only advantage that they have is with the left door. I much prefer to be able to see where I am turning and do not care to have to get on ladder to check or fill the fuel tanks. Happy flying and keep us posted.
They are hard to find but you can get some part here. www.tpaktopc.net/ih500strcltch.htm I have used then in the past and plan on getting my steering clutch parts from them when I back back to this project.
