Sonex N367SX left the nest for the first time today to feel the wind beneath its wings! Wow! What an experience to fly a plane for the first time that I have been working on for the last 2 ½ years. The Sonex handled beautifully in the air. I wish to thank everyone at Sonex for providing such a great kit aircraft that is truly a joy to build and fly! I would like to send out a special thanks to my wife Alicia for her endless support, my family, friends, EAA chapter 732, and the amazing community of Sonex builders that have offered support!
I can hardly put to words the range of emotions I have felt this special day. It just so happened that the day of my first flight aligned on the birthday of two very special people in my life, my sister Kristi and my Grandfather. I think they were watching over me today.
Building this airplane has taught me a great deal. Sure, I have learned airplane construction skills that were new to me. But little did I realize the amount of support I was going to get and need from people I didn't even know yet. I have met so many great people because of this little airplane. I can't thank them enough! The list of people that have been gracious enough to offer advice and help is long. I only hope I can help and encourage others as much as they have helped me along the way. The week leading up to this flight my Dad and I were doing the final engine runs and adjustment to the carburetor. It was great to be able to share this time together!
I had started mentally preparing for this flight really from the start of the build. You know this is going to be the final step to completion and in many ways the most challenging. I had many people ask me if I was nervous or afraid to do that first flight. My response to that question is this. If you are not somewhat afraid or nervous, then I think there is something wrong with you. I have learned If you don’t deal with and overcome your fears, you will never get to experience moments like these.
