RAY OLSON

SONEX BUILDER

Ray Olsen is building a Sonex.  He has completed major construction on the wings and tail and is busy making the numerous metal parts that will be used throughout the airplane.  Construction will soon begin on the fuselage.  He received the materials kit in April of 2003, started construction in May of 2003, and hopes to have the project completed in May of 2005.  His work is excellent and he has a low tolerance for mistakes and poor quality.  He frets when he makes a mistake on a part he’s making because he usually concludes it was the result of something that could have been avoided.  Welcome to the club, Ray. 

Ray retired from the Army as a Lt. Colonel after a 21-year career.  Following that he sold real estate for 16 years.  He’s always been interested in airplanes and has wanted to build one for a long time.  Now that he has the time and the resources, he’s fulfilling his dream.  His interest in airplanes came about in a way not unlike many of us.  Although he didn’t have the opportunity to hang around the airport as a kid (because there was no airport close by), he did build models as a child and in his youth and was fascinated by airplanes.

He has about 15 hours as a student pilot and hopes to renew his active pursuit of a Private Pilot certificate in the near future. 

Ray selected the Sonex because, “It was the best compromise of those features I felt were important.”  He didn’t elaborate on those features but a few things that seem apparent are: cost, performance, durability, ease of construction, quality of plans, builder support, etc.  He says he’s always received outstanding builder support from Sonex.  He’s never had to wait more than two days to receive an answer to his e-mail questions.  Also. There are three websites that are devoted to Sonex building.  Not to be ignored is the support from fellow Sonex builders in EAA Chapter 268.  Specifically, Ray mentioned Russ Jackson who provided valuable guidance in helping him to read the plans.  By the way, the plans appear to be excellent – maybe, “…the best.”

The Sonex is an all metal two-place sport plane that can be scratch built or kit built. There are various engine and landing gear configuration options.  Ray has chosen the “Aero Vee” engine yet to be purchased.  It is a conversion of the VW engine design but it is not a conversion of a VW engine per se because it has no VW components.  He is building the conventional gear configuration.