Sonex Aircraft Meet All Proposed Sport Pilot Criteria

January 4, 2001. Oshkosh, WI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sonex, ltd has received numerous inquiries from Customers and the Press regarding the new Sport Pilot Proposals that are currently under review by the FAA, and whether or not the Sonex meets the Sport Pilot Criteria.

The sport pilot certificate currently under review as a NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) by the FAA will allow persons to operate "light" aircraft that are:
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1. Gross Weight: 1232 pounds or less
All Sonex Models have a max gross weight of 1100 lbs.
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2. Vso: 39 knots or less (44.89 mph)
All Sonex Models have a flap extended stall speed of 40 mph. (46 mph "clean")
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3. Maximum cruise speed of 115 Knots (132.365 mph)
(Note: This requirement might be omitted from the proposal because of the difficulty with enforcing it)
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Sonex with 2180cc VW and 56" Diameter x 42" Pitch "Climb" Prop: 125mph
(Note: Sonex with 2180cc VW and 54" x 46" "Cruise" Prop: 150 mph)
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-Sonex with 2200cc Jabiru and 56" Diameter x 42" Pitch "Climb" Prop: 125mph
(Note: Sonex with 2200cc Jabiru and 54" x 46" "Cruise" Prop: 150 mph)
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-Sonex with 3300cc Jabiru and 58" Diameter x 56" Pitch Climb Prop: 125mph
(Note: Sonex with 3300cc Jabiru and 54" x 60" "Cruise" Prop: 170 mph)
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4. Unpowered or single engine-powered
Met by all Sonex Models
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5. Unpressurized
Met by all Sonex Models
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6. Two occupants or less
Met by all Sonex Models
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In conclusion, the Sonex Meets all of the Sport Pilot Criteria currently under review by the FAA. The Sonex was designed and built in 1997 to meet the "Ultralight" and "Light Aircraft" Standards from other countries including Italy, Great Britain, Canada and Australia (just to name a few).
These International Standards served as the "Blueprint" for the Sport Pilot Proposal.

The Sonex is the ideal Sport Pilot Aircraft with its simple construction, affordable price, minimal instrumentation, and large performance envelope. The Sport Pilot represents a fantastic opportunity for the Recreational Pilot to keep flying affordable and fun!

If you have any specific questions about how the Sonex fits into the Sport Pilot Category, please contact Sonex staff.

FMI: Contact Jeremy Monnett, Sonex General Manager at the numbers or e-mail below.
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Sonex,ltd
www.sonex-ltd.com
Tel: 920.231.8297
Fax: 920.426.8333
E-mail: info@sonex-ltd.com

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