Sonex Represented at NZ Ashburton Fly-In
02-19-09

Sonex Aircraft enjoyed grass roots representation at the New Zealand Sport Aircraft Association Ashburton Fly-In, February 5-8, thanks to the volunteer efforts of builder Bill Sargent (Sonex SN#160). Bill had his aircraft on display at the show, distributed brochures, answered questions, and played Sonex DVDs. When asked if he was the New Zealand sales representative for Sonex Aircraft, Bill proudly replied "No, just a happy customer promoting a great product." Sonex Aircraft, LLC would like to extend a huge "Thank You" to Bill and all other builders who enthusiastically support Sonex and AeroConversions products on a grass roots level at fly-in's and gatherings around the globe!

Approximately 130 aircraft were on display during the SAA Fly-In. Sonex builder Rex Kenny (SN#690) also attended the show in an official capacity, giving safety seminars for the NZ Civil Aviation Authority.

If you are planning to bring your Sonex Aircraft or AeroVee Engine project to a Fly-In or other aviation gathering and would like Sonex and AeroConversions literature to distribute, please contact us at: sales@sonexaircraft.com

View the Sonex Company Events Calendar

View the Sonex Builders' Events Calendar

Sonex Projects Featured in Canadian RAA Flyer
02-19-09

Canadian Sonex builders Jay Davis (pictured above), Terry Holek, Chris and Joe McNally, David Witt, Doug Raby, Fritz Deininger, Garth Knowles, Robert Johnson, Brian Heinmiller, and Ken ManLeod were all profiled in the article by Sonex builder Graham Luckhurst "Sonex: a Canadian Perspective."

The November-December, 2008 issue of Recreational Flyer magazine, the official publication of the Canadian Recreational Aircraft Association (RAA), features a 10 page article about Sonex Aircraft! "Sonex: a Canadian Perspective" is an extensive, entertaining and overwhelmingly positive account profiling the experiences of 10 Canadian Sonex Aircraft builders, written by Sonex builder Graham Luckhurst.

See More Articles About Sonex Aircraft!

Sonex First Flight: Alex Schneider
02-19-09

Congratulations to Alex Schneider of Las Condeo, Santiago, Chile whose AeroVee powered, Standard Gear Sonex (S/N 1079) flew for the first time on January 18. Gold Wings are on the way to Alex!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

41st Sonex Workshop a Great Weekend!
02-13-09

Another outstanding group of current and prospective Sonex Aircraft builders attended last weekend's Sonex Builder Workshop, the 41st on the record books. The February 7-8 event was graced with unseasonably high temperatures into the mid-40's and Workshop attendees again had the opportunity to see Sonex Aircraft fly! Workshop attendees traveled from as far as Germany for the weekend event, and we were pleased to have early Sonex builder Wayne Andrews (Sonex SN#35) visit for the weekend as well, bringing all that great weather from his home state of North Carolina.

The group constructed sample Sonex metalworking projects, received detailed informational sessions about Sonex, Waiex and Xenos Aircraft, engine options, AeroConversions products, and all other aspects of building, owning and operating Sonex Aircraft. Guest speakers included Charlie Becker, of EAA headquarters staff, and Bob Mackey, administrator of the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan. On Saturday evening, many Workshop attendees took the opportunity to attend the EAA Chapter 252 annual banquet held in the EAA AirVenture Museum's Eagle Hangar.

The Sonex Aircraft Workshop continues to be an extremely valuable experience for our builders, saving them time, money and answering many frequently asked questions in the building process. Sonex Builder Workshops are held several times per year at the Sonex Aircraft, LLC facilities in Oshkosh, WI, and significant kit discount incentives are offered for attendees. Our next Sonex Workshop will be held May 2-3, 2009. Sign-up Today!

Workshop attendees take a closer look at the Sonex Sport Acro.	Jeremy Monnett demonstrates the Waiex in a series of fly-by's.
Sonex hangars are transformed into a classroom setting for the informational and instructional sessions given to workshop attendees.	Workshop attendees received valuable metalworking experience building a section of the Sonex wing with guidance from Sonex Aircraft, LLC staff and volunteers.
John Monnett steps attendees through the metalworking techniques used on their projects.	Several "walk-around" sessions were given to show the features of Sonex Aircraft and AeroVee engines.
EAA's Charlie Becker gives a presentation during lunch in the world famous Hornet's Nest Cafe.	There's always a lot to see and many great photo opportunities at Sonex Aircraft Workshops.
Attendees inspect local builder Wayne Daniels' Sonex (SN#444).	Sonex employee Kerry Fores in his Sonex (SN#9) "Metal Illness."

Learn More About Sonex Workshops!

Xenos First Flight: Jim Arbore
01-27-09

Congratulations to Jim Arbore of Oro Valley, Arizona whose Jabiru 3300 powered, Xenos (S/N X0028) flew for the first time on January 24. "One half hour flight and she flew great," reports Jim. "This aircraft is all that you folks claim it to be. My thanks to all of the folks at Sonex for their help. Now the fun begins." Gold Wings are on the way to Jim!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Waiex First Flight: David Teel
01-27-09

Congratulations to David Teel of Milner, Georgia whose AeroVee powered, Standard Gear Waiex (S/N W0049) flew for the first time on January 23. "I’ve never seen better drawings or had more fun building an airframe," writes David. "Thank you for a great aircraft design." Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: John Scott
01-22-09

Congratulations to John Scott of Berrwah, Queensland, Australia whose AeroVee powered, Standard Gear Sonex (S/N 726) flew for the first time on November 25. Gold Wings are on the way to John!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: Chris Bishoff
01-22-09

Congratulations to Chris Bishoff of Morwell, Victoria, Australia whose AeroVee powered, Standard Gear Sonex (S/N 1147) flew for the first time on November 11. "This little critter flies like its on rails and is really well balanced," reports Chris. "With the AeroVee in it, it absolutely purrs along. It really has passed all my expectations by a long way and the quality of kit is second to none. I have already converted 3 people along the way who now intend to purchase kits." Chris has also reported that his total build time was a mere 8 months. Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

AeroVee Engine Kit Featured on UltraFlight Radio
01-13-09

The AeroVee Engine Kit was featured on last week's UltraFlight Radio Show, in conjunction AeroConversions' announcement of the new Pre-Assembled Crankshaft/Prop Hub Assembly option for AeroVee 2.1 kits. Sonex Aircraft CEO and General Manager Jeremy Monnett was interviewed by UltraFlight Radio host Roy Beisswenger about the excellent performance and economy offered by the AeroVee Engine Kit. You can listen to this interview via UltraFlight Radio's permanent archive.

Find-Out More about the AeroVee Engine

Waiex Named 2009 Homebuilt Of The Year by AirPigz Blog
01-13-09

The new and entertaining aviation enthusiasts' blog AirPigz has just named the Waiex their 2009 Homebuilt Of The Year (HOTY), citing the Waiex's efficiency, safety, performance and ramp-appeal as reasons for the choice. Check-out the posting at www.AirPigz.com and you'll see that this blogger definitely got a dose of the Sonex Aircraft Kool-Aid!

Find-Out More about the Waiex

Sonex First Flight: Jerry Reider
01-12-09

Congratulations to Jerry Reider of Seneca, South Carolina whose AeroVee powered, Standard Gear Sonex (S/N 872) flew for the first time on January 9. "The plane performed admirably," reported Jerry. "A successful flight with many more to follow. It was wonderful to see the culmination of three years' effort take to the skies." Gold Wings are on the way to Jerry!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

EAA Photographer Jim Koepnick to be Guest Speaker at February Workshop EAA Banquet
01-07-09

Award-winning EAA Chief Photographer Jim Koepnick will be the guest speaker for the EAA Chapter 252 annual banquest, held in the awe-inspiring EAA AirVenture Museum Eagle Hangar facility.

Space is still available for the February 7-8 Sonex Aircraft Builder Workshop, so sign-up today! February Workshop attendees receive a special treat with the opportunity to attend the EAA Chapter 252 banquet. Dining in the Eagle Hangar, among legendary warbirds is a privilege usually reserved for EAA board members or other VIP guests!

Catered Dinner by LaSure’s at 7:00 pm: Beef Tips and Chicken Marsala! Come & join us for a memorable evening with Aviators, Airplanes, Food & Fun! Win great Door Prizes, and participate in the “Silent Auction” of Aviation Items!

Master of Ceremonies: John Monnett. Invited guests and aviation legends include: Paul & Audrey Poberezny, Gene & Dorothy Chase, Norm & Loretta Petersen, Munsil Williams.

Download Banquet_Flyer_2009.pdf (144kb PDF File) for more information!

Read More about Sonex Builder Workshops!

Sonex First Flight: Ferran Guerra-Vinas
01-07-09

Congratulations to Ferran Guerra-Vinas of Castelldefels, Spain whose AeroVee powered, Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 886) flew for the first time on January 3. Gold Wings are on the way to Ferran!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex Year in Review: 2008
01-05-09

Sonex Aircraft celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2008. We are extremely
pleased to report to our customers, friends, and family that Sonex Aircraft had a very successful 2008 despite the tough worldwide economic times. More people than ever are discovering that the Sonex and AeroConversions product lines deliver the Best Performance Per Dollar in the industry today.

There were many highlights and milestones achieved in 2008 that are worth noting. These include but are not limited to:

Phil Simon Lands in All 48 States!

Sonex Builders' Achievements

• Thirty Sonex, Waiex and Xenos Customer First Flights during the 2008 calendar year! As of this writing, Sonex Aircraft Completions now total 232 with several more first flights being reported every month!
   
• A total of fourteen customer-built Sonex Aircraft participated in AirVenture 2008 including Phil Simon, who arrived at AirVenture 2008 after completing an historic trip. Phil has landed in all 48 contiguous United States during 3 different trips in his tri-gear, AeroVee powered Sonex...as a Sport Pilot! More info on his journey can be found on the new Sonex Flying Stories web page.
  

• Sonex Builder Gatherings were again held this year across the United States and around the world. These annual gatherings, which all reported strong attendance and interest in Sonex products, included:
  
  • Rio Linda, CA (Northern CA Sonex Fly-In): 5th Annual gathering hosted by Eric and Jennifer Scheppers.
    
  • Scandinavian EAA convention at Barkaby airfield in Stockholm: Kai Lyche (Sonex S/N 525) and Kristen Thorrud (Sonex S/N 210) flew across the border from Norway.
    
  • SAAA, Australia (Cowra): Stuart Trist Flew to this Fly-In in September and presented a forum about his Sonex Project.
    
  • Ontario, Canada: 8th annual Ontario Sonex BBQ gathering hosted by Brian Heinmiller in August.
    
  • Crossville, TN: 6th annual Sonex gathering hosted by John Davis in October.
  • Lodi, WI: 3rd annual Sonex Fly-in and Chili Feed hosted by Leroy Brandt in October.
    
  • Conroe, TX: 6th annual Great Southern Sonex Gathering hosted by Mike Singleton in November.

Ontario Sonex BBQ

AeroVee 2.1

Machined Angle Components

New Products Launched in 2008

• The Machined Angle Component Kit was introduced as a kit option further reducing build time of already industry-leading Sonex and Waiex Kits.
• Sonex Fuel Tank Straps- Cut to size, bent, and powder coated.
• All Sonex and Waiex Kits started shipping out with all the materials
  required for builders to assemble their own Sport Acro ailerons. A flight report and videos of the Sonex Sport Acro was posted to the Sport Acro Page.
• Sonex introduced a new “universal” oil cooler baffle and cowl blister to improve the compatibility of the newest Jabiru 2200 and 3300 Engines.
• The AeroVee 2.1 Engine Kit was introduced, featuring a purpose-built custom crankshaft that has a larger diameter and longer prop hub interface. This new design also eliminates the distributor drive gear and the racer spacer, making for an easier assembly.
• Pre-Assembled Main Wing Spar and Machined Angle Component Upgrades were introduced for Xenos Kits.
• The Aeroconversions Oil Separator, new product for all FWF installations, was introduced and includes a comprehensive Installation Guide.
• Fuel Tank Oops Fittings are now available. These fittings allow for a simple and inexpensive repair for any mishaps that occur while installing the Rotationally Molded Fuel Tanks.
• The AeroVee 2.1 Engine Kit now has the option of a Pre-Assembled Prop Hub/Crankshaft.

Great Press Coverage in 2008

• Sonex Aircraft, LLC was featured in the January issue of Northeast Wisconsin Marketplace Magazine, including a cover featuring Sonex designer and Founder, John Monnett.
• Craig Jones’ Xenos featured in the Winter 2008 Sportsman Pilot Magazine.
• Pilot Getaways Magazine featured Kerry Fores’ S/N 0009 with an article about Wisconsin Dells, WI.
• Sonex Builder Jeffrey Shultz was interviewed on Ultraflight Radio about his experiences building an AeroVee powered Sonex in approximately 1 year's time, while balancing family commitments with a wife and 2 young children and an Army career.
• The Sonex E-Flight Electric Aircraft was shown in a GE video about
  AirVenture and Innovation and Sonex Aircraft, LLC received high praise from GE's AirVenture research team.
  

John and Betty Monnett with Sonex builders in New Zealand.

Sonex Aircraft held its 38th, 39th and 40th Workships in 2008.

Sonex partners with EAA to create instructional aircraft building videos online.

Other Sonex Company News from 2008

• John and Betty Monnett completed a 17-day tour of Australia and New Zealand. John Monnett was an invited speaker at the awards dinner for the SportAvex New Zealand Annual Fly-In and Air Show in Tuaranga, New Zealand. The hospitality shown by the builders met on their travels was incredible.
• John Monnett delivered the keynote address at the 2008 EAA Hall of Fame Ceremony held in October. His inspiring speech can be viewed on the Meet the Sonex Team page.
• Sonex held its successful 38th, 39th, and 40th Builder Workshops in 2008. The schedule for 2009 includes 3 more workshops. If you’re strongly considering a Sonex or know someone that is, the very best first step they can take is to attend one of our Builder Workshops here in Oshkosh. New workshop building incentives were announced early in 2008 including a $1,000 discount on the kit when both the machined angle and assembled spar options are purchased.
• The E-Flight Initiative moves forward. Sonex continued devoting a tremendous amount of time and effort in the E-Flight Initiative announced at AirVenture 2007. The E-Flight web site has the latest news on this effort, including the recent accomplishment of running the system at 2800 rpm on battery power!
• A new AeroConversions.com web site was introduced featuring information on the entire AeroConversions product line and detailed sales and support information, including the new AeroCarb Selection Wizard.
• Sonex partnered with EAA to support filming of building tip videos as part of the EAA “Hints for Homebuilder’s” Series. These videos have been viewed thousands of times by aircraft homebuilders all over the world. The “Sonex Specific” videos have been posted on the Sonex Video Tips page.
• Sonex Aircraft also continued to work hard to preserve the freedom of amateur-built aircraft construction here in the United States by
  participating in the FAA Experimental-Amateur Built Rulemaking Committee. This work will continue in 2009 with the next ARC Meeting scheduled in Washington, DC in late January.

All of the year's news and events can be reviewed on the Sonex News Archive. To receive notification of news and events in 2009, subsribe to Sonex and AeroConversions RSS Feeds.

A heartfelt “Thank You!” to everyone who has contributed to making Sonex a 10-year success! We’re all excited at the great things 2009 has in store. Keep your eye on the Sonex Aircraft web site for the latest first flight reports, new product announcements, and all other grass-roots Sonex news.

We wish you all the best for a safe and prosperous 2009!

Sonex First Flight: Lee McFarland
01-05-09

Congratulations to Lee McFarland of Dunfries, Virginia whose AeroVee powered, Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 723) flew for the first time on January 4. "I am overjoyed to announce that Sonex # 0723 'N285SN' left the ground today from KHWY Warrenton Airport, Midland VA. for the first time and flew as advertised." writes Lee. "Thanks to all who helped me on this project at Sonex, my brother who traveled one hour each way for years to help me build, the builders on the web site, and especially to Steve Isaacs who allowed me to fly with him to practice for my first flight and to help obtain insurance. I cannot leave out my wife for putting up with not having a garage for four years and all that comes with building an aircraft in your garage and emptying the bank account." Gold Wings are on the way to Lee!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions