Waiex W0181

Waiex W0181 has finally flown!!!! The maiden flight was on 4-28-2025. After looking for ways to get a little stick time in a Sonex, and having it postponed several times because of weather, I decided to fly a Light Sport known as a Evektor that was available for rent at a semi-local airport. For anyone reading this... the Evektor is a good analogue to our Sonex aircraft. It has very similar weight and stick feel. The morning of the first flight, I did a few high speed taxi tests.... just getting the tail light, and feeling for directional control. After that, I took it back to the hanger, and looked it over. Other than a minor oil leak, everything was fine. I eventually got the nerve (and encouragement from the school instructors) to try to fly it. I'm happy to report that the flight was uneventful. The plane had a heavy left wing, but other than that, it was great. The engine I selected, while knowing it's not exactly recommended, is very well suited for this airframe, and the only allowance I made for W&B was to move the battery behind the seat. Currently hangared at KJST