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Build Diary

First Flight

 



Although the aeroplane received its Certificate of Airworthiness in September 2009, I had some issues getting the engine running properly. My ignorance of engines let me down here as I chased things that didn't exist. The first problem was a rough firing secondary ignition. The problem turned out to be a bad coil. Although brand new, one of the coils had an open circuit, so it wasn't firing two of the secondary plugs. Sonex were gracious enough to replace it, even though they don't warrant electrical components. Once the new coil was in, the engine ran strong and produced good static rpm. I then attempted a first flight, but had to abort due to the rpm slowly reducing on take-off. This happened three times and I was so frustrated that I considered selling the thing and retiring to a mud hut in the mountains. But thanks to some advice from Gerald Jackson, I fiddled with the timing again and spent some considerable effort getting it right. 
 

 

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Be advised that this site IS NOT an official or approved site of Sonex LLC and is in no way intended to be a publication of Sonex LLC. These pages may contain ideas, opinions, and methods employed by me in the construction of my personal aircraft. They are not necessarily the most desirable method nor are they necessarily endorsed, approved or recommended by Sonex LLC. Many of the ideas and methods which may be discussed in the site represent a compilation of ideas and methods which other builders have used or expressed on other web sites and in separate correspondences. The photos, tips, if any, and methods presented on this site are provided only as this builder’s construction process, for information as a forum for exchange and the sharing of ideas and construction methods. NO responsibility or liability is assumed, expressed, or implied as to the suitability, accuracy, safety, or approval by me or any agency thereof. Any person using any suggestion, idea, method, example or material depicted on these pages, does so at his/her own risk and discretion and without recourse against the site owner or any other person and/or agency noted on this site.