Like many other EAA Chapters, youth education programs and schools, EAA Chapter 33 in Cedar Rapids Iowa has embraced Sonex Aircraft kits as a great group build project, building our Onex single-place aircraft kit. The detailed update below from chapter member Clint Gosch says it all!
The project began in October and has quickly become a centerpiece activity for our chapter. We have met consistently every Tuesday evening since the start, and the response from our members has been outstanding. To help keep momentum moving, we have organized two dedicated build teams, both of which meet each Tuesday night. This structure allows us to involve a large number of volunteers while maintaining steady and coordinated progress.
One of the most exciting aspects has been the broad community involvement. In addition to our chapter volunteers, students from the Kirkwood Community College A&P program and from the Coe College professional pilot program have attended and participated in the build sessions. Their involvement has brought new energy and enthusiasm to the project while giving them valuable hands-on exposure to aircraft construction.
Our core build team is made up of experienced builders with experience across many different aircraft designs. Their knowledge and mentorship have been invaluable as we work to transfer practical skills to newer members and youth program attendees.
The Onex drawings contain an incredible amount of information, and we have found that any questions encountered along the way have been quickly answered by carefully reviewing the detailed prints. This has made the project both educational and very approachable for builders of all experience levels.
In terms of progress, we have completed the rudder and vertical stabilizer and are currently making rapid progress on the horizontal stabilizer and elevators. The kit was generously donated to our chapter by a private party and has provided a tremendous opportunity for education and engagement.
We have also been very fortunate to receive strong local support. Tool purchase funds have been raised through chapter member donations, employer charitable gift matching programs, and contributions from several local businesses. In addition, hangar space for the project has been generously provided by our chapter president, giving us a well-equipped home for the build.
Beyond simply completing an airplane, our goals for this project are to:
- Share building knowledge from experienced members to newer builders
- Build confidence in the use of tools and interpretation of plans
- Promote good workmanship standards among volunteers
- Encourage participation in aviation as both a hobby and potential career path
Our crew has had a great time building the Onex, and the project has become a rewarding and enjoyable way to bring people together around aviation.
We appreciate all that Sonex Aircraft does to support affordable, approachable homebuilding, and we look forward to keeping you updated as the project continues.
