Updated: 2012
Current Status: SOLD - With Deep Sadness!
Total Hours: 804.5

My name is Will and I am building a Sonex tri-gear and AeroVee engine....sounds like an alcoholics anonymous meeting doesn't it? Well, I guess that really is not far from reality. I obtained my private pilot license in 2002 and since then I have rented, partially owned, worked on an RV (more on that later) and am now building a Sonex. To be honest, I have not flown for some time though as life has intruded into my flying time.

So far, I just have not been able to find what I have been looking for in planes. They were always too expensive to rent (for what you are getting), way too time consuming, not to mention expensive to maintain as an owner, or just downright poorly equipped. This is why I have decided to build my own. I really would like to know that every rivet, nut and bolt was installed properly, there is no hidden corrosion or damage, and most importantly, I am taking advantage of the latest technology....without paying the price required by the FAA's testing programs.

How am I doing this? It takes a very understanding wife (can't stress this enough) a descent amount of spare time, which I probably don't have, and ability to look far into the future. It will take me at least 2-3 years I figure to complete the plane. It could be built in a lot less time, but I have a 5 year old girl (and infant boy) who demands priority treatment (rightfully so) and a wife and full time job, so this may take a while, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

This little journey started with an RV-9A project. A beautiful plane I must admit and a kit that would be near impossible to beat (even for Sonex). I completed the wings and tail kits and had placed my fuselage order...then reality set in. I sat down a truly figured out my end costs for that little project which were more than I was willing to part with on my little government salary. It was a sad day when I saw it leave in that U-Haul, but life went on.

I figured I would take up motorcycling and went through two bikes, including the mother of them all, a Harley Ultra Classic, before I realized that I missed building too much. I loved the bikes and I am sure that I will one day own another (Harley that is), but there is really only so much time in one life, so I started to look for another kit.

I remembered looking at the Sonex at Oshkosh in 2005 and remembered being amazed by the completed price $25,000. The more I looked, the more I remembered that little selling point and the deeper I looked into Sonex. Taking a hard look at my flying, I realized I did not need much, and the money was a serious factor. No one keeps this kind of mission in mind more than Sonex. Additionally, a growing and very enthusiastic group of fellow builders were easily found and seemed very active (a key selling point). So with that said, I sold the bike and placed my order. The reasons go on and on, but many of you reading already know WHY...

*Note: This site is designed to document my experiences as I construct my Sonex and other than that, is for entertainment purposes only! This site is NOT to be used as a guide or serve to provide instruction for any other builders. Always refer to your aircraft plans and manual! Besides, you would have to be an idiot to copy from me! - Will


Contact me at: wcouvi at gmail dot com