80% Throttle Gives Good Climb And Impressive Level Flight Speeds

Sonex Aircraft’s first venture into high-wing design aircraft performed its second test flight just after the 4th of July weekend and flying at various throttle settings – but limited to 80% per UL engine break-in instructions – yielded some solid performance during its 20-minute flight over Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH).

Sonex Advisory Board member and test pilot Joe Norris put the aircraft through its paces as it orbited the airport at 2500 feet and logged a very successful flight. The aircraft climbed very well at an average 1200 fpm at 80% throttle, and showed good level flight speeds with 61% throttle giving 150 kts. Engine temps were again within limits.

After the maiden flight on June 30, Sonex fixed the nagging door latch, adjusted the control rigging, and installed the wheel pants and gear leg fairings. Most of those contributed more or less to improved aerodynamics as flight testing will continue to gather data for performance specs that will be summarized in the next few weeks before AirVenture.

The aircraft is powered by a Belgian 130 hp UL Power UL350iS engine. It is a four-cylinder horizontally opposed, 4-stroke UL350I engine modified to a higher compression ratio and runs on Avgas or Mogas 97/98. Sonex also has options for the AeroVee, Jabiru 330, and Rotax 9-series engines available.

The new high-wing model will be available in either a tailwheel or tricycle gear configuration, and also has new utility category specs as well as aerobatic and limited aerobatic specs. Interchangeable wing tips are available for different span configurations. The Sonex Highwing aircraft is designed to take advantage of the new FAA MOSAIC rules for light sport aircraft.

FMI:  www.sonexaircraft.com/