Paradis Family Sonex Project

The inspector came

admin — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:42:09 +0000

We had a tech counselor from EAA come and check our progress last weekend. He noted that our completed parts look good. So, we’ll keep going and have him come again when we have something assembled for him to see.

Still finishing those parts

admin — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 15:24:08 +0000

We have been steady working on deburring few parts everyday. On the weekend, we fabricate more parts to deburr during the week. We decided to plasti-dip the handles. They look good and feel nice. We find that bending some of the angles is quite challenging, but we’re getting it.

Making parts and deburring

admin — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:28:31 +0000

We haven’t updated in a couple weeks and it’s July already! We’ve been working on making the parts which are not premade in the kit. Don’t forget deburring and filing those cut edges smooth. We don’t want any stress cracks later. The kids are finding this to be boring and tedious. I can’t say that I disagree with them. Eric is a good motivator, though.

We didn’t get any Sonex building in this past weekend. We were at the Baraboo-Dells Airshow! We saw some early fly-bys of the Waiex. We waved, looked like Jeremy waved back. Glad you were there! The spotlight was on Kerry’s Sonex as he showed everyone fast and slow flying. It was good to see Sonex there and we heard positive comments in the crowd. Maybe a booth next year, hey guys?

Well, the fun’s over for a few more weeks. Back to building – at least until AirVenture!

Handles

admin — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:22:30 +0000

Eric has been working on the flap and brake handles. I’m thinking about a nice way to finish off the grip so it looks good and feels comfortable. Plasti-dip, leather wrap, Hmmm…….

Cutting angle and flat stock

admin — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 16:22:25 +0000

We started with cutting the angle and flat stock to size. Unfortunately, we found some discrepancies in the sizes noted on the pack list compared with the plans. Also, several pieces were a little short to begin with. Seems to be an error with the metal supplier. We’ll get that worked out.

The kids can work on filing the cuts smooth and they can even get a little drill time with pilot holes. They do like power tools!

Baffled

admin — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:15:40 +0000

Baffled? No, I don’t mean confused. Eric has been working on the baffles for the engine; deburring and making most of the bends. He’ll need to set that aside until we get the engine together, but it was an easy part to start with and get a quick sense of accomplishment.

Inventory

admin — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:04:53 +0000

We have set up shelving racks to lay all the kit parts and pieces on. We have been going through the parts and marking them off on the packing list and on the plans. The 9 year old – oops! – 10 year old now, easily figured out the plans and part numbering system without any explanation. Jeremy should be proud.

The kids are ready to dig in and start working on some “real” parts. It’s fun to hear them talk about building an airplane with their friends and other adults.

We Have Parts!

admin — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 21:17:16 +0000

Eric returned safely with a trailer full of Sonex kit parts and Aero-Vee engine parts.

We even had an enthusiastic non-family helper for unloading the boxes! Thanks Matt!

We are sure to see him around more as we get into building, can’t turn down free help.

We worked the kids hard, see how exhausted they are!

Scheduled pick-up Date

admin — Thu, 31 May 2007 16:34:35 +0000

We are scheduled to pick up our Sonex Kit on Friday June 1st. Eric is planning on heading out from Reedsburg around 6 a.m. and arriving in Oshkosh shortly before 9 a.m. Our truck and trailer are ready to go. Karla will be staying behind, someone has to man the shop, you know. Reedsburg is having their annual fly-in breakfast this Sunday, so there’s a bit of clean up to do in the hangar, that should keep Karla busy most of the day!

Hardware on order

admin — Tue, 29 May 2007 15:29:27 +0000

We placed the order for hardware on the 23rd and it’s all here (everything we ordered, that is).

I’m sure as we go along we’ll find there are other things we need.