The word “accessible” and “jet aircraft” don’t belong in the same sentence, but the SubSonex mini-jet probably comes closest to the idea. In this video, KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye take us on a flight in the SubSonex jet he built. The airplane is a good performer albeit one with short legs. Paul covers the details in this fascinating video.

Paul Dye
Paul Dye
Paul Dye, KITPLANES® Editor at Large, retired as a Lead Flight Director for NASA’s Human Space Flight program, with 40 years of aerospace experience on everything from Cubs to the Space Shuttle. An avid homebuilder, he began flying and working on airplanes as a teen, and has experience with a wide range of construction techniques and materials. He flies an RV-8 that he built, an RV-3 that he built with his pilot wife, as well as a Dream Tundra they completed. Currently, they are building a Xenos motorglider. A commercially licensed pilot, he has logged over 5000 hours in many different types of aircraft and is an A&P, EAA Tech Counselor and Flight Advisor, as well as a former member of the Homebuilder’s Council. He consults and collaborates in aerospace operations and flight-testing projects across the country.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Nice airplane, and interesting video, thank you.

    Is that a small gap between windscreen and canopy, or does the transparency extend past the frame a bit? It’s hard to tell.

  2. Thanks for the ride Paul! How cool is that… I want one, now… ok, next life maybe 😉
    Some outside footage of the jet in flight would have elevated the vid to perfection, but again, I sure enjoyed the ride!

  3. As always, Paul does a great job. I can only imagine what it was like to work with him in his prior life.
    He’s exactly the kind of calm, confident, and competent person you’d want supporting your crew during a space flight.
    I’m envious of his toys, which he and his wife put to good use! Thanks for sharing them with us all.

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