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Post by cjordan on Dec 7, 2011 21:58:24 GMT -5
I am new to the Sonerai and I am wanting to buy one, but everything for sale seems to be a tail wheel and I am wanting to a Tri gear.
My question is can the taildraggers be converted to a tri gear and if so what is involved in the process.
Thanks in advance,
Chad
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Post by soneraifred on Dec 8, 2011 9:41:57 GMT -5
Hi Chad:
A taildragger Sonerai II can be converted into a tri-gear airplane. It requires welding additional tubes into the forward fuselage to support moving the main gear aft, and welding the support structure into the front to support the nose gear.
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Post by gaston on Dec 10, 2011 11:16:09 GMT -5
Hi Chad My friend who recently bought a S1,easily flew my my 2L from the front seat before he flew his S1, and then found his S1 easier to fly than his Aeronca Chief. He pointed out that the more difficult part in the transition was to learn not to over control the plane... If the plane behaves strangely ,it is most probably badly rigged... every time I hear of this conversion my heart hurts... I honestly believe the Sonerai spirit dies with the conversion... The Sonerai is not that bad a plane to deserve such an amputation... and how about the racer look  why not give the plane the chance to please you... and believe me ,it will please you... This again is only my point of view Gaston |
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pttim
New Member
Posts: 30
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Post by pttim on Dec 12, 2011 10:53:51 GMT -5
Ouch !
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Post by n3480h on Dec 12, 2011 18:04:25 GMT -5
Oh my. This comes up every so often and I have not commented too much on the subject, but . . .
I think Monett designed the nosedragger version for a reason. From what I have seen, Mr. Monett seems to know what he is doing. I think that, for a pilot with no or little time in a Pitts or other "performance" taildragger, the Nosefear version is offered as a matter of safety, and for those who just prefer this type of aircraft. For many builders, the cost of sufficient dual in a Pitts would eat their building budget in short order. For others, the nosegear option is the result of an honest self assessment - we should know our personal limitations and our comfort level. In the end, such decisions are personal and I am not inclined to second guess anyone's personal decisions. To me, all the Sonerais are great and enjoyable aircraft, and the variety only makes the line better.
Tim, when mine and your's are done and flying, I'll form up with you anytime.
Tom
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peterzabriskie
Junior Member
"Did I make that part the best I possibly could have?" Unknown
Posts: 99
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Post by peterzabriskie on Dec 19, 2011 22:28:55 GMT -5
I bet Dave Wilcox will too....his goes from one to the other as he pleases.
-Pete
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