Merry Christmas from Sonex Aircraft!
12-24-13

Sonex Aircraft will once again be shut down over the holiday break for year-end maintenance and inventory. We will be closed from Tuesday, December 24th thru Wednesday, January 1st. We will be reopening for regular business on Thursday, January 2nd.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated and hard-working staff for a fantastic year in 2013, and we look forward to another great year in 2014 with the outstanding Sonex team!

Last week, Sonex GM Mark Schaible created some Jib Jab movies of the Sonex team late one night when he should have wrapping Christmas presents, and we decided they were too funny not to share:

• Don't Shoot Your Eye Out: an abbreviated re-telling of "A Christmas Story" starring John Monnett as Ralphie (as everyone knows John enjoys gun collecting), Jeremy Monnett, Betty Monnett, Heather Zahner and Mark Schaible. FYI: Several days later, Mark still has to wear a band-aid on his tongue.
  
  
• Rockabilly Elves: Jacki Manthe, Jackie Schultz, Kerry Fores, Steve Mitchell and Ryan Grady rock the Christmas tree in snowy Oshkosh. Kerry's been studying the guitar and rockabilly riffs for several years now, and it's really starting to pay off!
  
  
• A Motley Crew of Crowdsurfing Penguins: Anyone who knows Joe Norris knows that he's all-about hard rock. As front-man for a new band out in the hangar, he's joined by Brian Rupnow, Luna the hangar dog, and R&D part-timer Jake Drummond. Since Christmas is such a special occasion at Sonex, they decided to bring a touch of class to the concert in their penguin suits.

From all of us at Sonex Aircraft, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Visit Sonex Aircraft at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, January 16-19, 2014!
12-23-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC will once again be exhibiting at the 2014 Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL with an outdoor aircraft display space, booth# 106. Sonex Aircraft pilots are encouraged to fly-in to the event, as Sebring organizers are now allowing LSA fly-in traffic to park on the ramp immediately adjacent to show grounds — you are no-longer required to park across the airport as-in past years! Aircraft camping is also permitted at this year’s Expo! (contact Sebring LSA Expo for full fly-in parking/camping details and information.)

Sonex founders John and Betty Monnett will be at the booth again this year, and John will be presenting the following forums:

• AeroVee Engine & AeroInjector: Sport Pilot Power
  (will include the latest info on the Turbo AeroVee project)
  Thursday, January 16, 2014, 1:00-2:15 PM
  
  
• The Sonex, Walex, Xenos & Onex: Sport Pilot Designs
  Friday, January 17, 2014, 1:00-2:15 PM
  
  
• SubSonex Jet Update
  Saturday, January 18, 2014, 1:00 2:15 PM

Find More Sonex Aircraft Company Events!

You're Invited:
Sonex Builder's Workshop, March 1-2, 2014!
12-16-13

Interested in building a Sonex Aircraft? You're invited to attend our next Sonex Builders Workshop, scheduled for March 1-2, 2014 here at the Sonex factory in Oshkosh! The $200 registration fee is available for credit toward your plans or kit purchase. A number of kit discounts are also available only for Workshop attendees and their guests. Don't miss your chance to save a tremendous amount of money and time with these workshop discount opportunities.

Catch the Action from the Fall, 2013 Workshop:
Read a full report from our last Workshop, October 5-6, and learn what's in-store for your March, 2014 Spring Workshop experience, on our web site News Archive.

Beat the Rush: Buy Now!
Note that there is no penalty for purchasing plans and/or kits in advance of the workshop. You receive the same discounts at the end of the workshop and you'll be first in line ahead of what we expect will be a strong list of post-workshop kit and engine orders.

Experience the Sonex Workshop AND a Sonex Aircraft Flight with our T-Flight Program:
Sonex Workshop attendees may sign-up for a Basic Aircraft Familiarization package via our T-Flight Transition Training program. Limited space is available and flight slots are weather-dependant. You may also extend your travel plans to fly during the week before or after the Workshop. Learn More about T-Flight and Sign-Up Today!

Get a 10 Percent Discount on Workshop Tools from Wicks Aircraft Supply!
Wicks Aircraft Supply is now offering a 10 percent discount on tools purchased for use at Sonex Builder's Workshops! Just mention your planned attendance of the Workshop when placing your order. Wicks can even ship your tools directly to Sonex Aircraft, LLC in anticipation of your arrival! See the Workshop Tools List on our Workshops web page. Wicks can also fill your Sonex Aircraft Hardware Kit needs once you begin building.

Read More About the Sonex Builders Workshop!

New Sonex Video Tips:
7 Part Series on Weight and Balance
12-12-13

Sonex Aircraft recently completed filming of a new 7 part series of videos for EAA's hugely successful Hints for Homebuilders channel. This new series of videos, hosted by Sonex Chief Flight Instructor and fleet maintenance technician Joe Norris is a detailed look at measuring and processing weight and balance data. 3 videos from the 7 part series have been completed and posted thus-far. You can watch these videos, and other Hints for Homebuilders relevant for Sonex Aircraft construction, on the Sonex Video Tips web page.

Watch More Sonex Air&craft Video Tips!

Sonex First Flight: Clarence Dunkerley
12-12-13

Congratulations to Clarence Dunkerley of Fort Lauderdale, Florida whose standard gear Sonex (S/N 1306) flew for the first time on December 3rd! "Thankfully she flew as advertised and was a delight to takeoff and land," writes Clarence. "Our thanks to the Sonex family for the excellent plans and support, especially beginning with the Sonex Builders Workshop, ongoing technical support and ending with the [Sonex T-Flight] transition training program." Gold Wings are on the way to Clarence!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Waiex First Flight: John Horn
12-03-13

Congratulations to John Horn of Gainesville, Texas whose tri-gear, AeroVee powered Waiex (S/N W0176) flew for the first time on November 30th! "First flight went very well," writes John. "I'm glad I took advantage of [Sonex T-Flight Transition Training], it helped lessen the anxiety of that first approach and landing. Thanks to my ground crew, Joe Nelsen and Cory Maydew." Gold Wings are on the way to John!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: Jeff Shultz
12-03-13

Congratulations to Jeff Shultz of Kansas City, Missouri whose standard gear, Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 1374) flew for the first time on November 2nd! This is Jeff's second Sonex Aircraft build. "I want to thank all of you at Sonex for the support you've given," writes Jeff. "It's great to get back in the air. Being an active duty soldier, raising kids, and regular excursions overseas makes it challenging to complete any project, which makes the ease of construction and quality Sonex puts into the kits so great. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to breaking in my new plane!" Gold Wings are on the way to Jeff!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Waiex First Flight: Geary Marsolais
12-03-13

Congratulations to Geary Marsolais of Berryton, Kansas who recently reported the September 8th first flight of his standard gear, AeroVee powered Waiex (S/N W0188)! The aircraft was built in pretty short order, less-than 8 months, with flush rivets no-less! "Kit was delivered on Dec 4th 2012. Construction completed July 27th 2013. FAA issued Airworthiness Certificate on Sept 4th 2013. First Flight Sept 8th 2013," writes Geary. Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex Builder Events: 11th Annual Great
Southern Sonex Gathering a Success!
11-19-13

Robert Barber gives an illustrated report of his trip from Texas to Alaska in a Sonex!

The 11th Annual Great Southern Sonex Gathering was held at Coulter Airfield (KCFD) in Bryan, Texas, on Saturday, November 2nd. Attendance was good with an official (registered) count of 64 and an unofficial count of 80. Five Sonex aircraft were present including a Onex. "Again this year, Robert [Barber] and I were privileged to have EAA Chapter 1531 as co-sponsors," writes event co-organizer Mike Singleton.

The weather was almost perfect with clear skies, great visibility and very comfortable temperatures. Some Sonex rides were given and forums/discussion groups occurred. Phil Davis and Derek Hodges gave a presentation on building and flying their Onex, Mike Singleton led a discussion on Sonex group fly-out destinations, Martin Ranck exhibited some of his assembled Waiex parts, and Margaret Hastedt (who provides her hangar every year for the gathering) displayed her recently purchased Sonex kit. Event co-organizer Robert Barber provided the highlight of the presentations with an illustrated report on his Sonex trip from Coulter Field to Alaska, including a flight from Anchorage, to Talkeetna, then a detour over the Denali area to a landing at Ft. Yukon, 8 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Look for a feature story about Roberts trip to appear in the April, 2014 issue of Kitplanes Magazine!

Door prizes were donated by Sonex Aircraft, LLC., Wicks Aircraft Supply, Aircraft Spruce and Specialty, and by some participating individuals. A headset donated by Wicks was won by Onex owner/pilot Derek Hodges.

"A few honorable mentions in addition to the Sonex pilots who flew in go to Phil Harper for his annual pilgrimage from Springfield, Missouri; to Larry Perryman, one of the original co-founders of the GSSG who has not missed an event even though it is no longer at his home field in Conroe, TX; to the wives, families and friends for their tolerance of our Sonex addictions; and to all those that pitched in to help when it was needed," continued Mike. "A special thank you goes to our wives Nina and Connie for all they do to help make this such a successful annual event. Robert, Nina, Connie, EAA Chapter 1531, and I would like to thank all who participated and who make this such a fun day each year!"

Sonex Aircraft would like to once again extend a huge "Thank You" to all GSSG organizers, helpers, sponsors and attendees for making this annual tradition a success once again in 2013! "Plan now to attend next year, concludes Mike, "We have some ideas for more Sonex fun and there are going to be a lot more Sonex aircraft flying around Texas and vicinity so there should be a lot of aircraft to see."

Find More Builder Organizations and Events!

Builder Organizations: Send Us Your 2014 Event Schedules!

Flight Test Data Collection Webinar
Archive Video Now Available Online
11-18-13

If you missed last week's EAA-hosted Sonex Webinar, "Using Modern Flight Recording Tools to Measure and Confirm Sonex Flight Performance" it is now available for viewing in video format as part of EAA's permanent webinar archive! This webinar, presented by Sonex CEO Jeremy Monnett, offers an overview of the tools used by Sonex Aircraft to measure, log, and analyze the performance of our factory aircraft.

See More Sonex Webinars!

Reminder: Don't Miss Our Flight Test Data
Collection Webinar on Wednesday Night!
11-12-13

Sonex Aircraft will be presenting an EAA-hosted webinar entitled "Using Modern Flight Recording Tools to Measure and Confirm Sonex Flight Performance" tomorrow night, November 13th, at 7pm Central Time. Space is limited, so Sign-Up Now!

For those that miss the live webinar on Wednesday night, we'll post a link to the video archive on EAA's web site, once available.

Read More in the Original Post!

Sonex Aircraft Kits Now Include 4" Machined Tailwheel Assembly! 11-11-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is pleased to announce that all new Sonex Aircraft Kits in standard gear configuration (post 11/01/13 pricing) now include the new 4" Machined Tailwheel Assembly with Wheel as standard equipment, a $175 value!

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. Upgrading your Sonex Aircraft Kit to include the 6" Machined Tailwheel Assembly with Wheel is a $100 option. Sonex Machined Tailwheel Assemblies are made from machined and black-anodized billet aluminum with a zinc plated steel steering arm.

Read More About Machined Tailwheel Assemblies!

Learn More About the Contents of Sonex Aircraft Kits!

Learn About Flight Test Data Collection and Aircraft Performance in Our Upcoming Webinar!
11-05-13

EAA hosts a highly-successful program of Webinars (web based seminars) that feature expert presenters on a variety of aviation topics, and Sonex Aircraft has once again been invited to present.

On Wednesday, November 13 at 7pm Central Time, Sonex Aircraft CEO Jeremy Monnett will present a Webinar entitled "Using Modern Flight Recording Tools to Measure and Confirm Sonex Flight Performance." The presentation will provide an overview of the tools used by Sonex Aircraft to measure, log, and analyze the performance of our factory aircraft. Flight data gathered using MGL intrumentation's data logging tools, GPS data, and the CloudAhoy iPhone App will be shared, and the presentation will include a discussion of the impact that various engine, airframe, and propeller options have on performance.

Webinar presentations use slides and live audio from the presenter, and audience members can ask questions or be polled for their opinion in the webinar's interactive format. Space is limited, so Sign-Up Now!

Sonex Delivers First Quick Build Kit!
11-04-13

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is pleased to report that the first customer Quick Build Kit was received by Marvin Jaster of Chandler, Arizona early last week!

"When news of the Quick Build Kit was recently released, I wasted little time pulling the trigger on this purchase," writes Marvin, who began considering a kit aircraft project in 1993, and attended a Sonex Builder Workshop seminar in 2007. "I know I would enjoy building the standard kit, but for my current circumstances, and considering what's included, I think the Quick Build Kit is the right choice at the right time for me and an exciting opportunity to get a major jump start on resuming my aviation dreams. I'm excited to finally become a member of the Sonex family!"

The kit was transported to Marvin's home in Arizona by specialized transport company Partain Trading Company, Inc. and their carrier's professionalism and expertise in loading and caring for the kit was clearly seen by both the customer, and Sonex Aircraft staff. "[The driver] was a very nice and professional person and took great care in handling my kit," writes Marvin. "I would definitely recommend Partain Transport."

Also related to Quick Builds, the FAA National Kit Evaluation Team has published completed NKET checklists to the FAA web site, showing compliance of Sonex Aircraft Quick Build Kits with the "Major Portion" rules for certification of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft, often referred to as the "51 Percent Rule." Links to these new Quick Build checklists, along with all other Sonex Aircraft kit checklists, can be found on our Aircraft Certification web page. Sonex Aircraft Quick Build Kits represent the most-complete kit package allowable by amateur building rules.

Read More About Sonex Aircraft Quick Build Kits!