Sonex Flying Stories: Aaron and Isaiah Knight's Sonex Trip to the Bahamas Out-Islands
04-30-10

If you're looking for motivation to build a Sonex Aircraft, our builders have no shortage of material to offer! In the latest video from Sonex builder Aaron Knight (S/N 1024), see an inspirational music video diary of a Sonex trip with his son, Isaiah, from their home in Massachusetts to the Bahamas Out-Islands.

This and other videos, along with written stories and photos, can be found on our Sonex Flying Stories page!

Xenos First Flight: Ted and Nancy Staton
04-30-10

Congratulations to Ted and Nancy Staton of Athens, Georgia whose AeroVee powered Xenos (S/N X0032) flew for the first time on April 29! "This morning at 8:15, N32XS, also known around the airport as 'Dragon Lady Bug' took to the air with Ted Staton, the builder/test pilot at the controls," reports Ted. "The three-year plus building project was equally shared by the first pilot in the family, Nancy. The flight followed a carefully scripted test plan designed to check the handling and to begin the break-in process for the AeroVee engine built partially in the oven of Nancy’s kitchen. Thank you to the Sonex team for your constant help. Also thanks to EAA and SSA." Gold Wings are on the way to the Statons!

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Midwest Sonex Fly-In Held in Missouri
04-21-10

A group of Sonex builders and pilots hosted a great event last Saturday, April 17, at Lee's Summit Airport in Missouri. The Midwest Sonex Fly-In was held in conjunction with the EAA Chapter 91 pancake breakfast and Young Eagles Rally.

Bob Mika (S/N 178), Gus Schlegel (S/N 770), Charlie Radford (S/N 168), and Ted Thomas (S/N 474) had their aircraft on-display and gave several Young Eagle rides, along with rides to prospective and "in-progress" Sonex Aircraft builders. Sonex builders Mark Kingman (S/N 1304) and Scott Hobson (S/N 1058) also helped with presentations and other support duties for the event. Gus Schlegel conducted a polishing demonstration, polishing Mark Kingman's Sonex aileron (held-up in group photo, below), Charlie Radford gave a presentation about flying and maintaining his AeroVee engine, Ted Thomas talked about his experiences as a low-time pilot flying his Sonex, and Mark Kingman talked about the construction of his aircraft, along with a tutorial about landing light lens fabrication.

Midwest Sonex Fly-In participants pose for a group shot. Note the freshly-polished aileron from the day's polishing demonstration!
Mark Kingman showing his journey through the building tree check boxes.	Gus Schlegel demonstrates polishing with Nuvite on Mark Kingman's aileron.
Attendees gather around Charlie Radford's Sonex to hear about his AeroVee experiences.	Charlie Radford discusses oil screen inspection and oil changes on his AeroVee powered Sonex.
Bob Mika takes prospective builder Dave Lindstrom for a joy ride in his AeroVee powered Sonex.	Sonex builder Dwight Hapeman (S/N 1061) and his wife take some time for a little motivational bonding with Bob Mika's completed Sonex.
Door prizes and Sonex & AeroConversions information donated for the Fly-in.	Bob Mika puts a Sonex smile on the face of newly-minted Young Eagle Garrett Tucker.

Sonex Aircraft would like to extend special thanks to Bob Mika and his entire crew of Sonex builders for hosting this grass-roots event! You can find more Builders' Events, or submit your own event to our Builders' Events Calendar!

Sonex First Flight: Dale Kister
04-20-10

Congratulations to Dale Kister of Mesa, Arizona whose Std Gear, Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 408) flew for the first time on March 27! "The first flight went without a hitch," reports Dale. "It has 3 hours on it now and continues to be an excellent airplane. It was test flown by a friend, Tarran Chew, and he has nothing but good things to say about the way it flies. I couldn't be happier with my new aircraft." Gold Wings are on the way to Dale!

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Sonex First Flight: Ray Woodard
04-16-10

Mike Singleton (in cockpit) with Ray Woodard.

Congratulations to Ray Woodard of Kempner, Texas whose Tri-Gear, AeroVee powered Sonex (S/N 953) flew for the first time on April 3! "Test pilot, Mike Singleton (Sonex #465), said it flew straight and true, and that my AeroVee was the smoothest one he has ever flown behind," writes Ray. "My thanks to the good folks at Sonex for a wonderful design and great tech support. I also want to thank my friends from EAA Ch. 59 for helping me finish building my airplane. I especially want to thank my family for their tolerance and support throughout this 3 year project. A video of my first flight is posted online here: http://tinyurl.com/y7rcrmf" Gold Wings are on the way to Ray!

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Attending Sun 'n Fun? Don't Miss Sonex Forums Scheduled for Thursday and Friday!
04-14-10

Sonex Aircraft, LLC will not have an official exhibitor presence at Sun 'n Fun 2010, however, John and Betty Monnett are attending, and holding three forums during the show:

• Thursday, April 15; 11am; Tent #10:
  "AeroVee Engine and AeroCarb: Sport Pilot Power"
   
  Find out why the AeroVee and AeroCarb have become the powerplant of choice for many homebuilders. An overview of the many innovations incorporated into the AeroVee Engine, a discussion of proper propeller selection and firewall forward installation. Also an overview of the simplest aircraft carburetor available in the market today-the AeroCarb.
   
• Thursday, April 15; 1pm; Tent #11:
  "Sonex Aircraft Hornets' Nest Research & Development"
   
  Learn about the latest Sonex Aircraft airframe design and research & development projects from the Hornets' Nest R&D center.
   
• Friday, April 16; 11am; Tent #11:
  "The Sonex, Waiex and Xenos: Sport Pilot Designs"
   
  An overview of the rich lineage of sport aircraft designs leading to the development of the current Sonex Aircraft family including the Sonex, Waiex, and Xenos. These "thoroughbred" Sport Pilot aircraft have emerged as some of the most popular in the industry and represent the Best Performance Per Dollar available at any price. Build and fly any of these aircraft as a Sport Pilot. Design features and options will be discussed including engines, propellers and gear options.

John and Betty will also be appearing at the Wicks Aircraft booth (Booth Spaces D-001, D-002, and D-003) at 1pm on Friday, April 16th.

For more information, visit the Sun 'n Fun web site.

To read more about Sonex Aircraft, LLC's decision to not exhibit at Sun 'n Fun, read our 2006 Open Letter to the Press.

Find More Sonex Aircraft Events on our Calendar!

Sonex Aircraft Webinar Archive Available
04-14-10

Last night's Webinar, "Sonex, Waiex and Xenos - The Sport Pilot Reality Check," was very successful, with over 450 people in attendance! The presentation is now archived in video format on EAA's web site!

Space Still Available for Tonight's Webinar!
04-13-10

Tonight (Tuesday, April 13) at 7pm CDT, Jeremy Monnett (Sonex Aircraft CEO and General Manager) will present a Webinar entitled Sonex, Waiex and Xenos - The Sport Pilot Reality Check. This webinar will be a great introduction to the Sonex Aircraft product line, illustrating how Sonex Aircraft offer the Best Performance Per Dollar. Sign-up Now!

Webinar (web based seminar) presentations last approximately 1 hour. Presenters use slides and audio, and audience members can ask questions or be polled for their opinion. Tonight's webinar will be archived by EAA, and Sonex Aircraft will post a link to that archive, once available.

Sonex Aircraft the First to Receive Official FAA NKET Listing Under New Amateur Building Rules
04-09-10

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is excited to announce that Sonex, Waiex and Xenos aircraft kits are the first to receive official FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) checklist acceptance and publication under the newly revised rules governing experimental/amateur-built aircraft, continuing Sonex Aircraft’s proactive leadership role in the experimental aircraft industry. NKET checklist participation also opens the opportunity for Sonex Aircraft builders to legally obtain commercial assistance for their projects.

NKET evaluation not only bolsters the pre-existing, grandfathered evaluations of Sonex Aircraft kits, but it also updates the acceptance to include the latest Pre-Assembled Main Wing Spar and Machined Angle Component kit upgrades offered by Sonex Aircraft, LLC, showing that all Sonex Aircraft kits with all available options can be built within the rules.

A new section of the Sonex Aircraft web site has been established to provide downloadable Amateur-Built Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Checklist (2009) forms for Sonex, Waiex and Xenos aircraft, as well as other FAA Airworthiness Certification & Registration Information and Resources for Sonex Aircraft: http://www.sonexaircraft.com/support/faa/

Read our offical Press Release for more information!

New Sonex Video Tip: Bending Aluminum Plate with an Arbor Press
04-08-10

Click to Watch Video

The latest in the EAA Hints for Homebuilders video series features Sonex Aircraft, LLC employee Kerry Fores demonstrating the technique for using an arbor press to bend thick sheet metal.

You can see a complete index of Sonex-relevant EAA Hints for Homebuilders videos on our Sonex Video Tips page.

Two New Sonex Webinars to be Hosted by EAA
04-07-10

Following a very successful EAA webinar by Jeremy Monnett on the Onex Single-Place Aircraft held in March, EAA has invited Sonex Aircraft, LLC to give two more webinars:

April 13, 2010, 7pm CDT: Sonex, Waiex and Xenos - The Sport Pilot Reality Check Again hosted by Sonex Aircraft, LLC General Manager and CEO, this webinar will be a great introduction to the Sonex Aircraft product line, illustrating how Sonex Aircraft offer the Best Performance Per Dollar. Sign-up Now!

July 13, 2010, 7pm CDT: Sonex Electric Aircraft Update Get the latest news on the status of our E-Flight Initiative electric flight project. Sign-up Now!

Webinar (web based seminar) presentations last approximately 1 hour. Presenters use slides and audio, and audience members can ask questions or be polled for their opinion. Space is limited, so Sign-Up Today!

Utah Sonex Gathering a "Great Success"
04-02-10

 
The local EAA Chapter in Spanish Fork, Utah hosted 2 Sonex pilots and their beautiful aircraft on Saturday morning, March 27. Approximately 50 people showed up for pancakes and to hear Sonex builders talk about their experiences building and flying the Sonex. Scott Cannon flew-in with his Sonex #766 and Lee Holloman brought his Sonex #199.

Both Scott and Lee gave several rides, including Young Eagles flights. The event was deemed a great success by chapter organizer and Sonex builder Josh Grant (Sonex S/N 1398).

The event even attracted a television crew from Brigham Young University's Daily News TV.

Thanks to all those who came and participated, to Scott and Lee for bringing their aircraft, and thanks to Josh for organizing a great event! You can find more Builders' Events, or submit your own event to our Builders' Events Calendar!

New Sonex Video Tip: Removing Powder Coat from Sonex Aircraft Welded Components
04-02-10

Click to Watch Video

The latest in the EAA Hints for Homebuilders video series discusses removal of powder coating from Sonex Aircraft kit welded components in areas contacted by bearing surfaces.

You can see a complete index of Sonex-relevant EAA Hints for Homebuilders videos on our Sonex Video Tips page.

Hornets' Nest R&D Update:
Onex Prototype Construction Has Begun!
03-25-10

A highly-successful webinar hosted by EAA and attended live by approximately 400 people was given by Jeremy Monnett (Sonex Aircraft CEO, General Manager, and Onex project lead engineer) on March 23rd with the progress made so far on the Onex. The Onex webinar is archived and can be watched in video format at: www.eaa.org/webinars

We've completed the horizontal and vertical tails for the first two prototype aircraft and structural test units. We've also received parts for the entire wing and completed the wing rib tooling. The folding wing hinge and pin release mechanism and aileron bellcrank assembly components are also being built. The landing gear is complete and has been received from the vendor. See More Information, Pictures, and Updated FAQ's!

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Space Still Available for Tonight's Onex Single-Place Aircraft Development Webinar!
03-23-10

Tonight (Tuesday, March 23) at 7pm CST, Jeremy Monnett (Sonex Aircraft CEO, General Manager, and Onex project lead engineer) will present a Webinar about the development of the new Onex Single-Place Aircraft project. Limited space is still available, so Sign-Up Now!

Find Our More About Hornets' Nest R&D Programs!

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Sonex First Flight: Craig Ritson
03-23-10

Congratulations to Craig Ritson of Rochester, New York whose Standard Gear, Jabiru 2200 powered Sonex (S/N 540) flew for the first time on March 19! "I was amazed at its performance on 80hp," writes Craig. "I climbed up to 2000 AGL and enjoyed an amazing view from my magic carpet. Forward visibility out the front was not an issue on landing... This is the easiest tail wheeled aircraft I have flown, which includes Champs, a Chief, RV-6, Taylorcraft and Decathlon." Gold Wings are on the way to Craig!

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Wicks Offers 10 Percent Discount
on Sonex Workshop Tools!
03-19-10

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 Workshops web page. Wicks can also fill your Sonex Aircraft Hardware Kit needs.

Our next Sonex Builder's Workshop is filling up fast. It is scheduled for May 1-2, 2010 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. Sign-up Today!

See the report and images from our last Workshop!

Sonex First Flight: George Painter
03-15-10

Congratulations to George Painter of Park City, Utah whose Standard Gear, AeroVee powered Sonex (S/N 1020) flew for the first time on March 6! "The plane did everything that I asked of it with absolutely no surprises," reports George. "Three years of building from a kit was well worth it! Thanks to family, friends and all those at Sonex for your patience and support. Like everyone says - keep building! The reward is incredible!" Gold Wings are on the way to George!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

EAA and Sonex to Host Onex Single-Place
Aircraft Development Webinar!
03-09-10

EAA recently announced a new program of Webinars (web based seminars) that feature expert presenters on a variety of aviation topics. On Tuesday, March 23 at 7pm CST, Jeremy Monnett (Sonex Aircraft CEO, General Manager, and Onex project lead engineer) will present a Webinar about the development of the new Onex Single-Place Aircraft project. The presentation will last approximately 1 hour. Presenters use slides and audio, and audience members can ask questions or be polled for their opinion. Space is limited, so Sign-Up Today!

Find Our More About Hornets' Nest R&D Programs!

Subscribe to the Hornets' Nest R&D Mailing List!

Waiex First Flight: Jim Pensinger
03-09-10

Congratulations to Jim Pensinger of Afton, Tennessee whose Standard Gear, AeroVee powered Waiex (S/N W0069) flew for the first time on March 8! "Just a non-event except for the fun," writes Jim. "Lifted off nicely, flew straight & level and made easy landings." Gold Wings are on the way to Jim!

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Sonex First Flight: Tim Roska
03-08-10

Congratulations to Tim Roska of Forest Lake, Minnesota whose Standard Gear, Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 302) flew for the first time on March 6! Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions