Arlington Airshow Builder Gathering and BBQ
06-30-10

Sonex builder Dave Weber will be hosting the 8th Annual Sonex BBQ at the Arlington Air Show in Arlington, WA, on July 10th. In addition to the BBQ David will be hosting 2 forums on building a Sonex, Friday from noon until 1:00 and Saturday from 9:00 until 10:00 am, check the schedule at the airshow for the forum tent location. More details about this grassroots event and other builder events can be found on our Builder Events page.

Sonex First Flight: David Johnson
06-28-10

Congratulations to David Johnson of West Plains, Missouri whose AeroVee powered Std Gear Sonex (S/N 1289) flew for the first time on June 26! "Sonex 1289, christened Precious Metal (N289J), was flown for the first time today with test pilot Charlie Radford at the controls," writes David. "Bob (chase plane) Mika flew his Sonex and allowed me to ride with him to watch the test flight from the air. I want to send a big thank you to Charlie and Bob for getting 1289 in the air. It was a real thrill to see my project fly for the first time." Gold Wings are on the way to David!

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Sonex First Flight: Rola Cook
06-28-10

Congratulations to Rola Cook of Molalla, Oregon whose Jabiru 3300 powered Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 991) flew for the first time on June 10! Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

2nd Annual North East Sonex Fly-In Attracts a Large Crowd!
06-23-10

"We had a good all around turnout at the 2nd Annual North East Sonex
Fly-in, in Keene, NH (EEN)!" reports event organizer Mike Smith (Sonex S/N 439). "Around 30 or so Sonex devotees flew or drove in, plus another 20 or more from the local EAA chapter 1314, the Monadnock Aviation FBO, and off the street."

Attendees came-in from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine to enjoy the Saturday, June 19th celebration of Sonex Aircraft. Four Sonex Aircraft were flown or taxied-in for the event: Aaron Knight (Sonex S/N 1024), Kirk Snader (Waiex S/N W0041), Mike Jones (Sonex S/N 838), Glenn Hunt (Sonex S/N 639), and several rides were given to attendees.

"Thanks to Monadnock Aviation for their cookout efforts, and to Joe Gauthier (DAR) for giving us a great presentation on amateur-built inspections and paperwork." continues Mike.

Sonex Aircraft, LLC would like to extend special thanks to Mike for organizing and hosting another great Sonex Builder event! You can find more Builders' Events, or submit your own event to our Builders' Events Calendar!

Mike Jones' tailwheel Sonex.	Aaron Knight's Sonex with the rest of the event's Sonex Aircraft.
A fly-in attendee wears a big Sonex smile after flying with Aaron Knight.	Glenn Hunt taxied his Sonex, which is almost ready for first flight, to the event from his hangar.
Kirk Snader's Waiex on the NE Sonex Fly-In flight line.	A map on Kirk's glareshield shows his Waiex travels.

Hornets' Nest Progress Update:
Onex Prototype Construction Continues!
06-18-10

The Hornet's Nest R&D Area at Sonex continues to buzz with activity. There has been steady progress made on the first two Onex Prototypes along with great progress on the E-Flight Electric Project.

The Onex design is complete with parts still coming in from suppliers and being fabricated in the R&D Center. We’re working as quickly as we can given how much is on our plate. Read More!

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New Sonex Video Tip:
Trimming AeroVee Pushrods
06-17-10

Click to Watch Video

The latest in the EAA Hints for Homebuilders video series features Sonex Aircraft, LLC General Manager and CEO Jeremy Monnett demonstrating the techniques for measuring and trimming push rods when assembling the AeroVee Engine Kit.

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

Sonex First Flight: Mark Norgate
06-17-10

Congratulations to Mark Norgate of Whangarei, New Zealand whose AeroVee powered Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 1070) flew for the first time on June 17! "On Tuesday 15th the CAA Inspector inspected my Sonex and gave me a clearance to fly. Today 17th in good winter weather she took to the air in the start of a ten hour test program," writes Mark. "The Test pilot is Brian Taylor and he loved its performance." Gold Wings are on the way to Mark!

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Sonex First Flight: David Webb
06-14-10

Congratulations to David Webb of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada whose AeroVee powered Std Gear Sonex (S/N 1134) flew for the first time on June 7! Gold Wings are on the way to David!

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Sonex Aircraft in the News: Part 2 of Aero-TV Sonex Factory Tour Now Online!
06-10-10

Part 2 of a video series entitled "Inside the Hornets Nest" has been posted by Aero-News Network and their video news division Aero-TV! The video was recorded during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 and features an interview and factory tour with Sonex employee Mark Schaible, who details some of the history and important features of Sonex and AeroConversions products. In addition to the regular posting on Aero-TV, the video can be viewed in high definition on YouTube.

Find More Articles about Sonex and AeroConversions products!

Sonex Aircraft in the News: Aero-TV Features Sonex Aircraft in 2 Part Video Series!
06-09-10

Aero-News Network and their video news division Aero-TV has posted part one of a two-part video series about Sonex Aircraft, LLC! The video, "Inside the Hornets Nest," was recorded during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 and features an interview and factory tour with Sonex employee Mark Schaible, who details some of the history and important features of Sonex and AeroConversions products. ANN Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell's written introduction to the video gives high praise, describing Sonex Aircraft, LLC as "one of the most intriguing and talented sport aviation manufacturing operations in North America." In addition to the regular posting on Aero-TV, the video can be viewed in high definition on YouTube. Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Sonex factory tour to be posted by Aero-TV soon!

Find More Articles about Sonex and AeroConversions products!

Sonex First Flight: Gerard Dion
06-09-10

Congratulations to Gerard Dion of St Eustache Pue, Quebec, Canada whose Jabiru 3300 powered Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 79) flew for the first time on May 31! "Thank-you to all the good people at Sonex for providing the vehicle to fulfill my dream of owning a airplane," writes Gerard. "Many thanks to my lovely wife, Louise for her patience and support, and my friend Sandro [Bastien] (Sonex 358) for his help and advice." Gold Wings are on the way to Gerard!

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Sonex Announces Tours and Order Pickup Hours for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010
06-03-10

Tours of the Sonex Aircraft Factory will be available Monday through Saturday during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. Tours will begin at 11:15am. You can either Meet us at the Factory, or catch transportation provided by Sonex from our booth (North Aircraft Display Area, Booth 622), leaving at 11am (space is limited). Sign-up for a tour by emailing orders@sonexaircraft.com

Our warehouse will be open Monday through Friday during the show, from 8am to 9:30am for order pick-ups. Place your orders early: email orders@sonexaircraft.com!

To recieve notification of additional AirVenture Events that may be added to our schedule, Subscribe to our Mailing Lists!

See the Full List of AirVenture 2010 Sonex Events!

Sonex First Flight: Kenneth Pratt
06-07-10

Congratulations to Kenneth "Aussie" Pratt of Searborough, Queensland, Australia whose AeroVee powered Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 1132) flew for the first time on June 3! Gold Wings are on the way to Aussie!

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Sonex First Flight: Sandro Bastien
06-07-10

Congratulations to Sandro Bastien of Fabreville, Quebec, Canada whose VW powered Standard Gear Sonex (S/N 358) flew for the first time on May 16. "The aircraft is a real pleasure to fly," writes Sandro. Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

SubSonex Personal Jet to Enter Design Review; Delays Possible in Favor of Higher R&D Priorities
06-04-10

The SubSonex personal jet program faces setbacks, despite huge successes with engine systems integration and testing. Through the course of a series of high-speed taxi tests in recent months, the design team has identified some issues with controllability of the aircraft in the transition phase approaching takeoff speeds, and has decided to enter a thorough design review process aimed at making the aircraft easier to handle for the average recreational pilot.

This may represent a significant delay in progress for the SubSonex as higher Hornets’ Nest Research and Development priorities take precedence. Both the E-Flight Electric Aircraft and Onex Single-Place Aircraft projects approach critical stages that demand the design team’s full attention over the coming months. Progress updates on both projects will be posted soon. Read More...

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Sonex Events Calendar Posted for
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010!
06-03-10

As always, we will be exhibiting at the 2010 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show. Stop by and see us in the North Aircraft Display area Booth 622!

A complete schedule of Sonex and AeroConversions events has been posted to the Sonex Events Calendar! Stay-Tuned to this schedule for additions and changes. Subscribe to our Mailing Lists to receive automated notifications of changes to this schedule!

Planning a Sonex Builder get-together at your campsite, the beer tent, or at a restaurant or hotel during AirVenture? Don't forget to submit the gathering to our Sonex Builders' Events Calendar!

Builders Host 120+ at 7th Annual Northern California Sonex Fly-In!
05-26-10

Sonex pilots Jeffry Larson and Eric Scheppers hosted over 120 people at the 7th Annual Northern California Sonex Fly-In, held at Rio Linda airport in Rio Linda, California!

Despite several aircraft being fogged-in at their home airports, a total of eight Sonex Aircraft were on hand at the event, and several other non-Sonex aircraft flew-in as well. Sonex pilots included Doug Smith, Bob Carson, Ray Krause, Bob Folsom, Dave Webber, and Merle Reppert. Several Sonex rides were given and most aircraft types at the event participated in flour bombing and spot landing competitions, as well as several fly-by's. A contingent of RC aircraft pilots were also showing-off their stuff with aerobatic demonstrations at the event.

Sonex Aircraft, LLC would like to extend special thanks to Jeffry and Eric for organizing and hosting another great Sonex Builder event! You can find more Builders' Events, or submit your own event to our Builders' Events Calendar!

Waiex First Flight: Kip Laurie
05-21-10

Congratulations to Kip Laurie of Atlanta, Georgia, whose Jabiru 3300 powered Waiex (S/N 82) flew for the first time on May 20. Kip writes, "I am pleased to announce my first flight on the evening of May 20. It flew hands off and the Jabiru 3300 performance is incredible. Thanks to Sonex for a wonderful kit as well as the enthusiastic group of builders who open up their homes (and sometimes their wine cellars) to offer advice and a peek at their projects. Thanks also goes out to Kerry for the quick responses to my dumb questions. I plan on 'getting around' with this bird so keep an eye out for the orange streak..." Gold Wings are on the way to Kip!

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Sonex Aircraft in the News: Jeremy Monnett to be Interviewed on PSF Radio Tomorrow!
05-10-10

Sonex Aircraft, LLC General Manager and CEO Jeremy Monnett will be interviewed on tomorrow's edition of the Powered Sport Flying Radio Show (formerly the UltraFlight Radio Show) tomorrow, at approximately 11:45am Central Time (show begins at 11am Central), regarding the FAA National Kit Evaluation Team's listing of Sonex Aircraft checklists. You can find more information about NKET checklists and Sonex Aircraft registration on our Aircraft Certification tips page. If you miss tomorrow's broadcast, the archived interview can be found on the PSF Radio web site.

Find More Articles about Sonex and AeroConversions products!

Waiex First Flight: Peter Van-Schalkwyk
05-10-10

Congratulations to Peter Van-Schalkwyk of Raleigh, North Carolina whose AeroVee powered, Tri-Gear Waiex (S/N W0038) flew for the first time on May 7! "The three-year project was worth every minute and the joy of the first flight was shared by my family, Shayne and Andre ," writes Peter. "I flew for about 30 minutes in the pattern and then landed. My intention was to return to the hanger, but I was having so much fun, I told the family I would be back in a bit and promptly went flying again. Man what a blast. Thank you to my family for letting me spend money like it was going out of fashion and for supporting me. To Robert Frost: Bob, words don't adequately express my gratitude. Thank you for all the friendship and technical support. To Michael Crowder AKA Scooter: thanks for the electrical wire, camaraderie and keeping me at task. Thanks to John Davis for keeping us all motivated to keep at it. John you are a great asset to the Sonex community. To Matt from MGL [Avionics]: Great products and support. And Last but not least, the Sonex crowd: You guys have hit a home run with your products." Gold Wings are on the way to Peter!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: Adrian Clout
05-10-10

Congratulations to Adrian Clout of Kelso, New South Wales, Australia whose Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 930) flew for the first time on May 6! "This is a beautiful aircraft to fly," reports Adrian. "I am a low time pilot with only 6 hours of tail wheel time and found the Sonex very easy to land. In my short flying career I have flown 15 different aircraft and the Sonex was by far the sweetest aircraft I have flown. Thank you to all the hard working team at Sonex for producing such a lovely product and thank you to Margaret and Steve for all your help during the construction. All Sonex's should be yellow." Gold Wings are on the way to Adrian!

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45th Sonex Workshop a Big One!
05-05-10

Sonex Aircraft hosted the 45th Sonex Aircraft Builder's Workshop on May 1-2, with a very large crowd in attendance! 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.

Beautiful weather afforded opportunities to display Sonex Aircraft prototypes in a few fly-by's on both days. As usual, impressive fly-by's of AeroVee powered Sonex Aircraft caused attendees to pose the question: "that has to be powered by the 120hp Jabiru, right?" Think again! In contrast, slow speed fly-by's of the same aircraft illustrated the wide, 4:1 speed envelope of Sonex Aircraft. Attendees were also able to see the extra power of the 120 hp Jabiru 3300 in fly-by's of Kerry Fores' "Metal Illness."

Guest speakers included Charlie Becker, of EAA headquarters staff, and Bob Mackey, administrator of the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan. On Saturday evening, a casual social session was held at the Sonex hangar, including a presentation about Hornets' Nest R&D projects.

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 October 2-3, 2010. Sign-up Today!

Jeremy Monnett welcomes attendees to the Workshop and details the weekend's planned events.	John Monnett gives a walk-around tour of the Sonex highlighting its design considerations.
Jeremy shows-off the outstanding performance of the AeroVee powered Sonex Sport Trainer!	Workshop attendees inspect the Sonex Sport Trainer and talk to Jeremy about flying the aircraft.
Attendees tour the Sonex Warehouse and inspect the high quality of Sonex Aircraft kit parts.	John demonstrates Sonex metalworking techniques using a video projector to show close details.
Workshop guests hard at-work on their Sonex sample metalworking projects.	Kerry Fores gives one-on-one help with proper aluminum filing techniques.
John gives a demonstration on building and skinning horizontal and vertical tail structures.	Sonex builder Don Nienhouse (S/N 596) drops in on Sunday from Downers Grove, IL.
Attendees check-out Wayne Daniels' Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex S/N 444.	The crowd gathers to watch John fire-up the SubSonex very, very light jet prototype.

Learn More About Sonex Builder Workshops!

North Florida SonexFest Exceeds Expectations
05-04-10

The 2010 North Florida SonexFest was held on Saturday, May 1, and was deemed a huge success by event organizers, attracting over 30 attendees, over half of them flying-in, and 11 Sonex and Waiex aircraft!

This unique panoramic image of the event's flightline was provided by Sonex builder Joel Combee (Sonex S/N 1277).

Sonex Aircraft owners flying-in consisted of: Jim Wright (Sonex S/N 1250), Wells Berry (Sonex S/N 804), Tony Lewis (Sonex S/N 447), Bob Adams (Sonex S/N 71), Wayne Flowers (Sonex S/N 229), Ian Cutler (Sonex S/N 356), Walter Eisenmann (Sonex S/N 911), Dan Weseman (Sonex S/N 183), Chris Smith (Sonex S/N 694), Mike January (Waiex S/N W0023), and George Barth (Waiex S/N W0035).

The day's events included donuts and coffee in the morning, pizza and soda for lunch, and a lot of admiration of all the different planes by pilots and builders alike. Interested parties got to sit in planes and have
multitudes of questions answered. More images from the event can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/22jk9tv

Sonex Aircraft, LLC would like to extend special thanks to event organizers Dan Weseman and Chris Smith for hosting this great Sonex Builder event! You can find more Builders' Events, or submit your own event to our Builders' Events Calendar!

North Carolina Builders Host 2010 Spring Fling
05-04-10

Lineup of Sonex Aircraft at the NC Sonex Spring Fling.

Some of the day's crowd gathered around Robert Frost's Sonex.

Wayne Andrews prepares to give a Sonex ride!

On Saturday, May 1, the 2010 North Carolina Spring Fling was held at the Asheboro Regional Airport in Asheboro, NC. Weather moved-in and kept some airplanes away, however, three Sonex and one Waiex were able to make the trip: Robert Frost (Sonex S/N 232), Wayne Andrews (Sonex S/N 035), Michael Crowder (Sonex S/N 293), and Jim Pensinger (Waiex S/N W0069).

The highlight of the day was a presentation by Jack and Golda Cox with some never before seen pictures of the first flight of the first Sonex factory prototype. A few demo flights were given and a lot of information was exchanged. The unofficial head count was 32, drawing folks from North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia.  One person even drove for 11 hours from Tennessee to get there.

More images from the event can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/2bhx4vf

Sonex Aircraft, LLC would like to extend special thanks to Michael Crowder and his crew for hosting another great Sonex Builder event! You can find more Builders' Events, or submit your own event to our Builders' Events Calendar!

Sonex First Flight: Tim Midgley
05-04-10

Congratulations to Tim Midgley of Launceston, Australia whose Jabiru 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 399) flew for the first time on April 30! "The test pilot was Owen Badcock who is well known in the land of Oz (Australia) for his knowledge and skills in building and flying homebuilts," writes Tim. "Owen reported that the plane flew very well and spent about half an hour in the air. Thanks to everyone at Sonex for the speedy and helpful replies to the many emails that I have sent you guys over the years." Gold Wings are on the way to Tim!

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