Sonerai 1 flying and mild aerobatics

I promised some more Sonerai 1 flying after the hasty landing video a week ago. The weather was nice here this weekend so here comes the follow up in bright Full Contour HD quality.
I have not edited any music into this 7 minute video so you just have to endure the sweet sound that 1800cc of beetle engine produces, and the wind noise obviously. Bear in mind that I have flown this Sonerai just 7 times so apologies in advance for the lousy aerobatics, we learn as long as we live... right?

For those interested in the flaperons you can see them coming down at 04:57.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Sonerai1
• Sonerai
• Flying
• Aerobatics
• Aviation
• wing-cam
• Ultralight
• Experimental
• EFNU
• Finland
• air
• contour
• HD

[chrysalis72]

I just love your videos, in reality as close as I will ever come to experiencing such amazing journeys so I appreciate them even more. Completely fascinated by flight and all the aspects of engineering. I think your sincerely very brave and must admit I don't think you need to lose weight at all and you have a sweet face I think. Have to say I am a fan now hahaha

[tomarppe]

@chrysalis72

Thank you, I'm delighted to get such praiseworthy feedback, end yes, I'm working on the weight issue, every kilo I get rid of means that i get 1.3 litres more fuel on board :)

I had a friend that spent a huge amount of money on making his drag bike lighter when in my opinion he would of made the same difference by loosing a few pounds.

Probably the most rewarding part of experimental flying is when you get the plane you built ready and get her up on her maiden flight... priceless.

[schmleff]

I also have an SI. I am curious to know what the benefits of the flaperons are.

[tomarppe]

HI schmleff

The sole and only reason for the flaperons where to get it to conform to the Ultralight regulations with regards to the stall speed which is 65 km/h (45 knots) here in Finland. The wing is slightly modified as well. It is basically a Sonerai II wing. That combination did the trick with a small penalty in cruise speed which is now about 185 km/h with 210 km/h with WOT.

[tomarppe]

Hi buzzy1147,

The hub is a very sturdy self made klump of metal with its own bearing house etc. Working well but weighs a bit too much. The engine itself is a 1800cc VW. The prop is a bit too steep as it only revs 2800 rpm, but it still climbd a nice 2m/s. Very happy with the engine, no complaints there.

I have only flew it a measly 8 hrs as we got it ready so late in the year. But next summer...

[liquidworldvideo]

Excellent video beautiful plane and nice flying Thanks for taking me along on your flight.

[tomarppe]

@liquidworldvideo

Thanks for the kind words, it took a lot of duct tape to get the cameras rigid enough to get rid of the jello effect that plagues rotary disc shutter cameras. Now I'm just waiting for the weather to clear... autumn in Finland is not very suitable for flying :(

[chrysalis72]

@tomarppe sounds good common sense to me. Much easier to eat less doughnuts or whatever your favourite calorie filled treat may be. I would love to build a kit plane or even have the experience of learning how to by joining a group or something. I wonder if there are people doing this in Scotland. I live five minutes away from prestwick international airport and I do see small planes around all the time. must find a way to learn more. thanks tom x

[chrysalis72]

Mild aerobatics!!! are you crazy aaahhhrgh !!! Thank God you survived..I maybe have watched too many disaster films. lol

[buzzy1147]

Is it a 2180? what prop hub do you have? How many hours have you flown it? how has the engine been for you?

Thanks for your answers!