Yeah, I just saw. Two thread running.
I’ve gone ahead and deleted mine to keep everything in the same place
That’s rough. I don’t even know what to say. Sucks for everyone involved.
I really feel bad for you guys that are in deeper than us Highwing folks. I’m not out a lot in comparison. Love this community and I wish you all the best of luck and a way forward. I feel bad for the employees at Sonex that put their heart and soul into the company.
Guys,
I feel bad even commenting. But …, there is a lot of value in that company. What other company markets an affordable, all metal, easy/fun to build, sports plane? I know Mark poured his heart into the High Wing. It looked like it was going to be a hit. It certainly had my attention.
I’ve built an RV6A, Sonex, Onex, and 1/2 of a Bearhawk. The Sonex and Onex were by far the most fun to build.
Let’s hope Mark finds a way out of this.
Wes
This news is a real gut punch. Absolutely horrible. I had no idea Sonex was in such rough shape financially. I feel terrible for Mark and the entire Sonex staff.
As I am building a legacy Waiex and I have the entire kit (minus the fuel tank oops fittings), I don’t see a reason to stop building. I am sure there are quite a few in the same situation as myself.
You would think there has got to be some way Sonex can continue in some form, although it sounds like it would take a group of investor-enthusiasts and perhaps a major restructuring.
I was just about to order some Oops fittings to install the fuel system for EFI. You never miss a drink of water …
Wes
Wow! I’m stunned. That just seems to have come from nowhere. A friend sent me a link to the video, and I literally double checked my calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1st already. Sad day for experimental aircraft. Hopefully someone will pick it up though.
Rusty
Yeah, that was my initial thought as well.
I’m just out my tail kit deposit - I can’t imagine being part way through a build.
I don’t think Im in too bad shape myself. Im completing a complete kit, fuse is done, im on the wings now. The only parts I really needed to order was two short sections of the rear spar but I should be able to make those.
That and some other hat pieces for lowered seat mod.
This reminds me I need to download the control stick drawing for the lowered seat mod my kit predates this and my welded stick assy needs updates too.
This forum just got even more important. Stuff like oops fittings etc can be made but we are going to need a repository of reverse engineered stuff.
I am so disappointed with these kind of things, and for those who have partial kits only are going to be stopped until someone can pick up the pieces and carry on. I wish it was me that could help solve this.
I could not agree more.
Stuff like oops fittings were not machined in house. I’m sure there is a vendor that was making them for Sonex. For some parts/items, I would be surprised if there is not some level of inventory still sitting on a shelf in their hangar.
Yeah. “If I were a rich man …”
The gentleman that I bought my current project from had made some OOPS fittings that came with the project. He was a machinist with a bridgeport in his garage. I didn’t need them so I have a few available. I’d have to look and see how many of each size.
Hi Ron,
That would be great if you could sell a couple.
Wes
We should make drawings before they go. Or after, if Wes or someone is up for it.
I’m not a machinist or drafter or … So, before they go would be best.
Wes