Introducing New & Improved Machined Tailwheel Assemblies! 08-29-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is pleased to announce the availability of two new Machined Tailwheel Assemblies for use on all Sonex Aircraft airframes to begin shipping mid-September!

Available in both 4 inch and 6 inch tailwheel sizes, Sonex Machined Tailwheel Assemblies offer improved durability and ground clearance vs. the standard welded tailwheel caster assemblies - especially useful for operations out of grass runways! The 4 inch Machined Tailwheel Assembly provides an additional inch of ground clearance, while the 6 inch unit provides an additional 2.5 inches of clearance.

Sonex Machined Tailwheel Assemblies are made from machined and black-anodized billet aluminum with a zinc plated steel steering arm. Made for use with the 5/8" diameter Sonex Aircraft titanium tail spring, Machined Tailwheel Assemblies may be suitable for use on other homebuilt aircraft designs.

Machined Tailwheel Assemblies may be purchased with, or without the tailwheel. Sonex-provided tailwheels are high-quality, light-weight units.

Machined Tailwheel Assembly Pricing:

• 4" Machined Tailwheel Assembly with Wheel: $175
• 4" Machined Tailwheel Assembly without Wheel: $150
   
• 6" Machined Tailwheel Assembly with Wheel: $275
• 6" Machined Tailwheel Assembly without Wheel: $175

Upgrade Pricing for New Sonex Aircraft Kit Orders:

• 4" Machined Tailwheel Assembly with Wheel: $75
• 6" Machined Tailwheel Assembly with Wheel: $175

T-Flight Transition Training: Take Advantage of Fall Flying Weather in Wisconsin!
08-20-13

Summer in Wisconsin is nearing its end, and only Mother Nature can tell us how many weeks of good flying weather will remain through year-end. If you've been thinking of flying with Sonex Aircraft, LLC via the T-Flight Transition Training program, submit your registration early to secure a spot on this Fall's training calendar! The Fall season usually has some great flying weather in-store.

T-Flight packages range from Basic Aircraft Familiarization flights for those considering the purchase of a Sonex Aircraft kit, to multi-hour training packages intended to prepare builders to fly their own Sonex Aircraft while satisfying the requirements of insurance companies.

Experience T-Flight AND a Sonex Builder Workshop!
Those interested in a Basic Aircraft Familiarization package should also consider attendance of this Fall's Sonex Builder Workshop, held October 5-6, 2013. Workshop attendees can register for limited Familiarization Flight slots available through the weekend, or extend their travel plans to fly during the week before or after the Workshop.

The two-day Workshop event will arm you with skills and information to help you have a successful building experience, and is a great decision making experience for the prospective builder. Meet the Sonex staff, learn about the history of Sonex Aircraft designs and their design philosophy, learn all of the ins and outs of Sonex Aircraft construction and get hands-on as you build a sample piece of the Sonex wing to take-home. Workshop registration allows you and a guest to attend, and significant kit discounts are offered to Workshop attendees. Space is limited, so sign-up Today!

Learn More About T-Flight Transition Training!

Learn More About Sonex Builder Workshops!

Onex First Flight: Jonathan Low
08-19-13

Congratulations to Jonathan Low of Westmead, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa whose standard gear, AeroVee powered Onex (S/N ONX0079) flew for the first time on August 18th! "She flew like a dream," writes Jonathan. "After 1.3 hours [transition training] on a Waiex the Onex was easy to fly. You guys designed a great little machine." Gold Wings are on the way to Jonathan!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex Aircraft Experiences Hugely Successful Year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013!
08-16-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC concluded a hugely successful show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, held July 29 through August 4.

The week's activities were kicked-off by the 10th Annual Sonex Aircraft Open House and Homecoming Fly-In, held on Sunday, July 28th. The start of Sunday's events was marked by a formal briefing to customers and members of the press announcing that Sonex Aircraft, LLC is now accepting Kit Reservation Deposits for the SubSonex Personal Jet. The SubSonex announcement was very-well received throughout the week of AirVenture, and several deposits have already been received. See the official press release for more. Many Sonex Aircraft owner/pilots brought their aircraft to Sonex factory headquarters for the event for current and prospective builders to see. Attendees had a chance to see the Sonex facilities and get updates on the newest Sonex and AeroConversions products. After a group picture and Sonex-provided lunch, Sonex factory prototype aircraft were joined by customer aircraft to make the traditional "mass taxi arrival" across Wittman Regional Airport to AirVenture grounds.

Day one of AirVenture began with a second press briefing, held at the Sonex Aircraft exhibit booth in the North Aircraft Display area of AirVenture grounds. Monday's press briefing covered the many new developments at Sonex Aircraft, LLC since last year's show, including the SubSonex jet program, new Sonex Aircraft Quick Build Kits, the new T-Flight Transition Training program, new dealers in Africa and France, progress on the AeroVee Turbo project, celebration of the company's 15th Anniversary, and more! See the official press release for full details.

The Sonex Aircraft exhibit booth was stacked full of yellow factory prototype aircraft, and was extremely busy with highly-interested attendee traffic throughout the week, and Sonex staff were on-hand to answer everyone's questions. Factory tours were hosted once again during AirVenture 2013, with tours Monday through Saturday of the show. Sonex was once again able to offer transportation for tour-goers from it's booth on show grounds to factory headquarters on the East side of the field, and back. Sonex hosted some of the largest tours ever conducted during AirVenture, with approximately 30-40 participants or more on most days.

The annual Sonex Hangar Party was held on Monday, open to current and prospective Sonex and AeroConversions customers, vendors, members of the local aviation and business community, and the families of Sonex staff.

As always, several forums and presentations were given throughout the week on topics ranging from building Sonex Aircraft airframe designs, engines, weight & balance, flying qualities & transition training, the SubSonex Personal Jet and more. The SubSonex was flown in showcase fly-by's between air show performances on Tuesday and Thursday of the show by lead test pilot Bob Carlton. Our extreme thanks to Bob for giving-up his air show performance slot for his Super Salto Jet Sailplane act on Thursday so that the SubSonex could fly! John Monnett - company founder, president and SubSonex designer, was featured in announcer's stand interviews, interviews on EAA Radio, and an interview with Bob Carlton on Phillips 66 Plaza about the SubSonex. The E-Flight Initiative electric propulsion prototype Waiex was on display in EAA's Innovation Pavilion. E-Flight team members held a forum in the Innovation Pavilion about E-Flight battery development on Friday during the show.

Sonex aircraft continued its leadership role in the homebuilt aircraft industry at AirVenture with participation in two significant organizations: Sonex CEO Jeremy Monnett was appointed to the role of co-chairman of the EAA Type Club Coalition during the Coalition's meeting at AirVenture. the TCC includes a mix of certified and experimental aircraft representation, making for a diverse and united group of aviators interested in promoting and improving overall safety. The TCC's primary focus is to decrease the number of accidents by making training and pilot materials more widely and easily available for specific aircraft types. Sonex once again hosted a meeting of the Aircraft Kit Industry Association (AKIA) during AirVenture, and John Monnett was re-appointed as Vice President of the Association for another year. AKIA set the table for the next year's worth of activities during the AirVenture meeting, including increased coordination with the FAA along with several AKIA safety initiatives. In addition to our participation in EAA's Type Club Coalition, Sonex Aircraft has taken a leadership role in other areas on AKIA's behalf, including representation on the EAA Safety Committee, and hosting sessions for the DOT Experimental/Amateur-Built Accident Investigation Course for members of the FAA, NTSB and DOT, held several times per year in Oshkosh.

Sonex Founder and President John Monnett was presented with two major honors during AirVenture 2013: The EAA Freedom of Flight Award, and the SETP Spirit of Flight Award. EAA's Freedom of Flight Award is the organization's highest honor, bestowed annually to an individual whose contributions to aviation closely mirror the integrity, entrepreneurship, and innovativeness of EAA members. The award was presented on Wednesday, July 31st as the kick-off to the EAA Annual Membership Meeting at the Theater in the Woods on AirVenture grounds. The The Spirit of Flight Award, sponsored by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, is presented annually to an EAA member who best exemplifies the spirit of research, development or flight test. The winner is nominated by EAA and is selected by SETP's Board of Directors. This award was presented during the annual Homebuilders Dinner on Thursday, August 1st at the EAA AirVenture Museum Nature Center. Congratulations John!

The Sonex Aircraft staff remains exceptionally busy since the close of AirVenture 2013 with follow-up customer inquiries and incoming sales, making for one of the most successful showings at AirVenture in company history.

Sonex builders, staff and prospective customers gather for a group picture during Sunday's Open House and Homecoming Fly-In.
John Monnett speaks to customers and press about the JSX-2 SubSonex Personal Jet	A large crowd of customers and press fill the Sonex Flight Center for the SubSonex press briefing.
SubSonex JSX-1 flew during showcase presentations on Tuesday and Thursday of AirVenture.	Special thanks to SubSonex test pilot and airshow pilot Bob Carlton for flying JSX-1 during AirVenture!
Sonex builder Wayne Andrews gives the SubSonex JSX-2 cockpit mockup an enthusiastic thumbs-up!	The SubSonex puts-in a strong bid for the "Dead Grass Award" by the end of AirVenture Oshkosh 2013.
Sonex factory prototypes were happy to be basking in the summer AirVenture sun during the best week of the year!	Our "Build & Fly" price tags once again drew-in AirVenture crowds to learn about the tremendous Sonex value for dollar.
Prospective customers had the chance to try-on cockpits for all Sonex Aircraft models. This young builder-to-be made himself at-home in the baggage compartment!	Show attendees had the opportunity to inspect every inch of the seven Sonex Aircraft factory prototypes on-display, along with customer aircraft on the flight line.
Prospective customers check-out the Onex Tri-Gear prototype's AeroVee Engine installation.	Sonex customers are interviewed by local TV news media about their homecoming flights to Oshkosh.
John Monnett is interviewed on the AirVenture Announcer's Stand by Sonex builder Wayne Flurry.	Waiex builder Kip Laurie talks about his experience flying to all lower 48 United States during Monday's Sonex hangar party.
As-always, the kids had a blast dancing along with the band during the Sonex hangar party.	Heather Zahner checks-in tour participants before they board the Sonex shuttle vans bound for Sonex factory headquarters.
Kerry Fores stands on the Sport Trainer wing walk in order to be seen and heard during another packed Sonex factory tour.	John Monnett gives a SubSonex forum. All Sonex and AeroConversions forums at AirVenture were very-well attended.
Sonex Aircraft was proud to once-again host the EAA Women Soar program for young women interested in pursuing aerospace careers.	Sonex also opened it's facilities to host the Aircraft Kit Industry Association (AKIA) meeting at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013.
John and Betty Monnett with John's EAA Freedom of Flight award after the organization's highest honor was presented to John at the Theater in the Woods.	John also received the SETP Spirit of Flight Award, and Sonex banking partner Bank First National donated $250 to EAA Young Eagles in John's honor.

See More of the Action from AirVenture on the Sonex Facebook Page!

Get-In On the Savings:
AirVenture Specials Still Available Thru Monday!
08-07-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC concluded a hugely successful show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013!

AirVenture Show Specials are still available thru end of business on Monday, August 12th, and are extended to customers all-over the globe — whether you attended AirVenture or not!

Aircraft Kit Discounts:
All Complete Airframe Kits, Quick Build Kits, or "Kit Minus Tail" Sub-Kit packages ordered before the August 12th deadline will receive a $500 discount.

AeroVee Engine Kit Offer:
Order an AeroVee Engine Kit before the deadline, and receive our Crankshaft/Prop Hub Assembly Service at no additional charge ($295 value).

All orders must be received by Sonex Aircraft, LLC by end of business on Monday, August 12th (5pm US Central Time), and must include the required deposit payment.

You can check-out the action from AirVenture 2013 on our Facebook page, and a full AirVenture report will be posted to SonexAircraft.com next week!

Another Successful Press Briefing at AirVenture Highlights Sonex Developments in 2013!
07-29-13

Sonex Aircraft held another successful press briefing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh today, detailing the many developments for 2013, including:

• SubSonex Kit Reservation Deposits
• Quick Build Kits
• AirVenture Show Specials
• John Monnett Awards at AirVenture 2013
• Sonex T-Flight Transition Training program
• New Sonex Dealers in Africa and France
• Sensenich Ground Adjustable Propeller for AeroVee Now Available
• Introduction of AeroConversions AeroBrake Hydraulic Brake System
• Progress on the AeroVee Turbo
• Sonex Aircraft Celebrates 15th Anniversary in 2013

More details about everything listed above can be found in today's Official Press Release! See the full schedule of Sonex events at AirVenture on our Events Calendar!

Get Your Jet! Kit Reservation Deposits Now
Accepted for SubSonex Personal Jet!
07-28-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is now accepting Kit Reservation Deposits for the SubSonex Personal Jet!

A $10,000 refundable* deposit will reserve your place in-line for the first SubSonex kit deliveries, anticipated to commence mid-year, 2014. An introductory price of $125,000 will be guaranteed for the first ten Kit Reservation Deposit holders, which includes the SubSonex Ultra-Quick Build Kit and the PBS TJ-100 turbojet engine with installation accessories.

*SubSonex Kit Reservation Deposits are refundable minus a $1,000 cancellation processing fee, and are available 60-90 days from written request for cancellation. See full terms & conditions in the SubSonex Deposit Agreement and Terms (PDF file).

More Opportunities to See the SubSonex at AirVenture!
The SubSonex will be flying twice during the week: Tuesday and Thursday during the afternoon air show. There will also be a presentation of the SubSonex with an interview of test pilot Bob Carlton and SubSonex designer John Monnett on Thursday at Noon on Phillips 66 Plaza. See more information and get the full schedule of Sonex Airventure events on our Company Events Page!

Check-Out Daily AirVenture Updates on Facebook!
Be sure to check-out the Sonex Aircraft Facebook Page this week for daily updates of our activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013!

Get More Information on the SubSonex Home Page!

Read the Official Press Release from Today's Announcement!

John Monnett to Receive Two Major
Awards at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh!
07-24-13

We are extremely proud to announce that Sonex Aircraft Founder and President John Monnett will be presented two major awards during EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2013: The EAA Freedom of Flight Award, and the SETP Spirit of Flight Award.

EAA's Freedom of Flight Award is the organization's highest honor, bestowed annually to an individual whose contributions to aviation closely mirror the integrity, entrepreneurship, and innovativeness of EAA members. The award will be presented on Wednesday, July 31st as the kick-off to the EAA Annual Membership Meeting at 8:30am in the Theater in the Woods on AirVenture grounds.

The The Spirit of Flight Award, sponsored by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, is presented annually to an EAA member who best exemplifies the spirit of research, development or flight test. The winner is nominated by EAA and is selected by SETP's Board of Directors. This award will be presented during the annual Homebuilders Dinner on Thursday, August 1st at 6pm in the EAA AirVenture Museum Nature Center.

See You at AirVenture: Events Calendar Updated!
We're gearing-up for an outstanding year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, 2013! You can see the full schedule of Sonex events on our Calendar, updated with the award presentations above, Showcase flights of the SubSonex Personal Jet, live media interviews and more. We hope to see you here!

Subrcibe to our email list for automatic notifications of changes
to Sonex and AeroConversions AirVenture Forum Schedule.

Sonex First Flight: James Reichard
07-23-13

Congratulations to James Reichard of Naperville, Illinois whose standard gear, Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 814) flew for the first time on July 20th! Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex Builders' Events:
Builders Hold 1st Annual Great Lakes Fly-In!
07-21-13

The First Annual Great Lakes Sonex Fly-In was held on Saturday, June 29th at Bolingbrook's Clow International Airport in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The event was very well attended despite weather that was less-than ideal. Several presentations were given with topics including a builder's experience constructing a Sonex with AeroVee, the benefits of using an EAA Technical Counselor during the build, general inspection techniques after the build, and a presentation regarding the new Sonex Builders and Pilots Association given by Foundation President Robbie Culver.

"Though weather was not cooperating, Don Nienhouse [Sonex #596] was able to sneak-in with his Sonex and wow the attendees who were unaware of his Sonex arrival until they all stepped out into the hangar for a break," writes event organizer Al Eidukas. "We wrapped up the day of great presentations with a close-up look at Don’s awesome looking Sonex, and by giving away the door prizes contributed by Sonex, Dynon, Wicks, MGL, Aircraft Spruce and Chapter 461."

Sonex Aircraft, LLC extends a huge thanks to all event organizers, sponsors and participants for putting together another great event for Sonex Aircraft builders to look forward to every year!

Find More Sonex Builders' Organizations and Events!

Announcing Show Specials for AirVenture!
07-17-13

Get-in on the action, even if you're not coming to Oshkosh!

Sonex Aircraft is excited to announce special offers for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013! These offers are available beginning today, thru Monday August 12th, and are extended to customers all-over the globe — whether you're attending AirVenture or not!

Aircraft Kit Discounts:
All Complete Airframe Kits, Quick Build Kits, or "Kit Minus Tail" Sub-Kit packages ordered before the August 12th deadline will receive a $500 discount.

AeroVee Engine Kit Offer:
Order an AeroVee Engine Kit before the deadline, and receive our Crankshaft/Prop Hub Assembly Service at no additional charge ($295 value).

All orders must be received by Sonex Aircraft, LLC by end of business on Monday, August 12th, and must include the required deposit payment.

See You at AirVenture!
We're gearing-up for an outstanding year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, 2013! You can see the full schedule of Sonex events on our Calendar. We hope to see you here!

Subrcibe to our email list for automatic notifications of changes
to Sonex and AeroConversions AirVenture Forum Schedule.

Sonex Aircraft Introduces New Quick Build Kits for Sonex, Waiex and Onex! 07-12-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is proud to announce the availability of new Quick Build options for the Sonex, Waiex, and Onex aircraft models!

These new Quick Build kit upgrades will consist of Sonex Aircraft Complete Airframe Kits with major assemblies pre-constructed – the fuselage and wing of the aircraft will be included assembled and riveted, and the aircraft canopy will be installed. Sonex and Waiex wings are rigged and match-drilled to the fuselage, and Onex outboard wing panels are rigged and match-drilled to the wing center section!

Quick Build upgrade pricing for all three aircraft models is $10,000. Combined with our market-leading Complete Airframe Kit pricing, Quick Build Sonex Aircraft kit total prices represent a savings of approximately $5,000 to $10,000 over our competition in the Quick Build marketplace, offering the Sonex Aircraft "Best Performance Per Dollar" to yet another segment of the homebuilt aircraft community!

These Quick Build upgrade options drastically reduce build time and reduce the level of skill required to complete the aircraft. Quick Build Sonex Aircraft kits offer the fastest build possible within the bounds of Experimental/Amateur-Built homebuilding regulations. The FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) concluded an audit of Sonex Aircraft Quick Build Kits on July 10th, and updated 8000-38 checklists will be published on the FAA web site soon.

Sonex Aircraft Quick Build assemblies will be on display during the upcoming EAA AirVenture Oshksosh fly-in, and will be featured in a press briefing at the Sonex Aircraft exhibit booth (North Aircraft Display Area, Booth #622) on Monday, July 29th at 10am.

Read More About Sonex Aircraft Quick Build Kits!

See the Official Press Release!

See the Full List of Sonex Events Scheduled for AirVenture 2013

Sonex First Flight: Bernd Foerster
07-11-13

Congratulations to Bernd Foerster of Jacksonville, Florida whose standard gear, AeroVee powered Sonex (S/N 1338) flew for the first time on July 9th! "It handled well with the [Sport Acro] ailerons and AeroVee," writes Berny. "My humble thanks to Larry Nye my metalsmith expert, 'Red' Skelton, and my dear wife Sue who put up with all this. Kerry at [Sonex Tech Support] and the great Sonex plans took the all the doubt out of the building process. Thanks Guys!" Gold Wings are on the way to Berny!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: Richard Wantz
07-11-13

Congratulations to Richard Wantz of Fayetteville, Arkansas whose standard gear, AeroVee powered Sonex (S/N 367) flew for the first time on July 6th! "Wow! What an experience to fly a plane for the first time that I have been working on for the last 2 years. The Sonex handled beautifully in the air," writes Richard. "I wish to thank everyone at Sonex for providing such a great kit aircraft that is truly a joy to build and fly! I would like to send out a special thanks to wife Alicia for her endless support, my family, friends, EAA chapter 732, and the amazing community of Sonex builders that have offered support!" Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: Ed Bancker
07-11-13

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Turn Your Jet Dreams Into Reality:
First Purchase Opportunities for SubSonex Customers to be Opened-Up at AirVenture!
07-08-13

Be Here for the
Big Announcement!

Sonex Aircraft, LLC will be unveiling a special opportunity for pilots to become SubSonex Personal Jet owners at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013! Potential customers will have their first opportunity to get in-line for SubSonex production slots, with full details to be announced at a briefing for customers and members of the media on Sunday July 28, 2013 during the Sonex Aircraft Homecoming and Open House Fly-In event, beginning at 10am at the Sonex Aircraft factory headquarters facility on the East side of Wittman Regional Airport. Additionally, there will be a follow-up press briefing in the Sonex Aircraft display booth at AirVenture on Monday July 29th at 10am, re-capping details of the SubSonex jet program, and covering other major news and announcements from Sonex Aircraft, LLC.

Sonex Aircraft will begin accepting customer bookings for the SubSonex Jet immediately following Sunday’s briefing.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a personal jet, now is the time! The SubSonex extends the Sonex Aircraft ‘Reality Check’ philosophy to become the first truly practical and affordable personal jet for recreational flying. When you are flying a SubSonex, the $100 hamburger never tasted so good!

Read More About the SubSonex!

See the Official Press Release Previewing this Event

See the Full List of Sonex Events Scheduled for AirVenture 2013

Sonex First Flight: Detlev Ansinn
07-01-13

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: Curtis Fogal
07-01-13

Congratulations to Curtis Fogal of Deep River, Ontario, Canada whose standard gear, Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 1593) flew for the first time on June 27th! "Awesome!!! Everything I expected and more. So easy to land," writes Curtis, who built the aircraft with his father, Willard, in only six months' time! "Thanks for designing a great plane." Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions