Looking for some info before buying plans

[mrroboto]

Hello all,

I'm considering buying plans for a Sonerai in the near future and starting to pick away at some sheet metal. I've been rotating my preference through several homebuilt design in the last few months and have come back to the Sonerai each time, so I think I can finally start investing some money along with my time. I had finally came down to the Sonerai, Sonex, RV-4 and Rans S-10 (I'd be building the S-10 except for it's small internet community, higher price and low cruise speed). My desire for a fast cruise, tandem seat, lowest cost, simplest construction and aerobatic capability left me with the Sonerai.

I didn't find my way to the Sonerai internet community until after the unfortunate (and hopefully temporary) issues came up. I'm sure my questions have already been asked, so please bear with me.

What kind of completed weights do people see on average in a IILS with just basic VFR instruments? What about the best lightweight examples without complicated/extreme/expensive modifying, just from good workmanship and attention to detail?

What is the weight of the 2180cc VW with accessories? Has there been much discussion regarding the turbocharged Aerovee in a Sonerai?

Are there any completed/in process Sonerai near Winnipeg Manitoba that someone would be willing to let me check out?

I am eagerly awaiting sonerai.net database/archives being available again, and appreaciate the work being done to re-stabilize the community.

Rob

[n3480h]

Hi Rob, welcome aboard. I went through the same search and comparisons as you have, and came to the same conclusion.

I am well into a IILS build, so I have a few answers, but certainly not all. I believe Monett's prototype IILS came in a 540 pounds empty, with a 2180 (as shown on page 1 of the plans). Most are heavier, a few just over 600. GPASC lists their 2180 at about 163 pounds. Accessory case and starter will add a few.

I have thoroughly enjoyed building the IILS, in spite of the sometimes blue air in the hangar. It is a journey with a great ending, and no matter how much you know, you will learn more.

Tom

[schrome]

Hi Rob,

After a recent weight reduction program mine comes in at 539 lb completely dry, according to the bathroom scale. That's with a Great Plains 2180 and Slick magneto, fiberglass (instead of steel) intake manifold, no starter, no secondary ignition, no flywheel, no wheel pants. In the tail are an ATV battery and a hunk of steel, about 15 lb total, which you may not want or need depending on the pilot's weight.

Those other makes you considered are worthy in their own right but the Sonerai will not disappoint in the fun department.

Ed
2LS

[schines]

Hi Rob,
Add me to the list of guys looking for the same things in an aircraft as you were and deciding on Sonerai. I am finished (mostly) with my fuselage and will be starting the wings for a winter project.
Anyway, you asked about the turbo aerovee. There is a webinar from the EAA called "AeroVee Engine and Aeroinjector" in which John Monnett discusses the 2.1 engine. At one point he is asked the question about putting the turbocharged aerovee in a Sonerai. He responds that it would take a lot of work (I think a cowl redesign is part) and that he does not think the Sonerai needs the turbo. I guess if John would not do it, it is not a good idea! Hope that helps.

Scott

PS- I really wanted an RV-4, but I can build 2 Sonerais for the price of one, the useful load is about the same, and though RVs can cruise 50mph faster, they do so at twice the fuel burn. I can deal with the slower climb rate when I think about the economy!

[chuck59]

I think John's original greenie was more like 510 lbs..

[mrroboto]

Well, I just ordered plans!

Thanks for the info so far. I'll be looking for a source of sheet metal in/near Winnipeg in the next few weeks. I'll be starting with the smaller sheet aluminum parts as I'm looking at a move within the next year.

Re. the Aerovee Turbo, I must have missed that part of the webinar. That's unfortunate, the extra power from the turbo at altitude would bring the Sonerai alot closer to the RV-4 as far as cruise speed. I don't want to get into time consuming modifications so I'll likely stick to the Great Plains 2180.

[hans]

Nov 25, 2011 11:03:59 GMT -5 mrroboto said:

Well, I just ordered plans!

...... the extra power from the turbo at altitude would bring the Sonerai alot closer to the RV-4 as far as cruise speed......

Congratulations on your decision.

As to the RV4: I too considered going after an RV-3 or -4. Only a single thing put me off - the operational costs. Especially the RV-3 is a plane I like a lot, I even purchased the building plans for it. But like was commented before: its goes only a bit faster for double the operational costs, that was not worth it in my book. Perhaps I might end up with an RV-3 some day, but right now the Sonerai-II is the right mount for me, which is why I purchased one this year.

Hans

[guzzi]

Hi Rob. good choice of airplane , this site has a wealth of information that will aid you in your decision...It's been invaluable through my build.........There are alternatives to engines if you wish to go down that track such as Rob Austen here in Australia has a 912 in his (Google him) and I have a friend close by with a 100hp rotax fitted .I will fit a rotax to mine . just my 2 cents worth ............good luck and happy building , most of the time it's a real hoot.