Sonex and AeroConversions Products

Sonex-B First Flight: Rich Mercurio

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:54:00 -0600

Congratulations to Rich Mercurio of Pataskala, Ohio whose AeroVee Turbo powered Sonex-B (S/N SNB0027) flew for the first time on February 3rd! "As advertised, it was easy and fun to fly," writes Rich. Gold Wings are on the way!

Watch the 2024 Sonex/EAA Homebuilders Week Webinar Archive

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 10:19:00 -0600

Sonex’s webinar presentation for EAA’s 2024 Homebuilders Week is now available on YouTube! This is an archive video of the live webinar presentation given on Thursday, January 25th. This webinar outlines all of our Sonex airframes and AeroConversions products.

Don’t Miss the 2024 Sonex/EAA Homebuilders Week Webinar!

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 14:09:00 -0600

EAA’s annual Homebuilders Week is here again! Sonex will be giving a webinar presentation on Thursday, January 25th at 2:30 pm Central Time. This webinar will outline all of our Sonex airframes and AeroConversions products, and will include time to have your questions answered live. Sign-Up Today!

Sonex First Flight: Steven Ridge

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:34:00 -0600

Congratulations to Steven Ridge of Stocksbridge, Sheffield, UK whose CAMit 3300 powered Sonex (S/N 1383) flew for the first time on January 6th! "Now Finished and flown from Crosland Moor, Huddersfield," writes Steven. Gold Wings are on the way!

Sonex First Flight: Carl Jaeger

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:34:00 -0600

"Sonex #1571, reg nr LN-SNX flew for the first time in Kristiansand, Norway on 27th December," writes Carl, "It is standard gear, with a UL Power 350is engine which provides plenty of power. Handling is nice and crisp with aerobatic ailerons." Gold Wings are on the way!

Waiex-B First Flight: Martin Giraldo – Completing His Father’s Dream

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:46:00 -0600

Congratulations to Martin Giraldo of Bogotá, Colombia for completing his father’s dream of building and flying an aircraft by flying Waiex-B (S/N WXB0020) for the first time on December 21st! "He built 95% of the project but due to Covid 19 he passed away so I, Martin Giraldo his son also a pilot and aviation lover, finished the project 2 years after his death." Gold Wings are on the way to Martin!

Merry Christmas from Sonex and a Reminder about our Annual Inventory Shut-Down

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:39:00 -0600

The Christmas Season is here once again and we’d like to wish our Customer, Employee and Vendor families a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year! If you’re still dreaming about starting a Sonex project, be sure to print this picture and put it under Santa’s (or your wife’s) pillow. Reminder: We will once again be closed for our annual year-end shut-down from Saturday, December 23rd through Monday, January 1st. During this time we will be conducting inventory and other year-end tasks, and giving our staff some extra time with their families. If you need to order anything for shipment before January 2nd, we encourage you to place your orders as soon as possible this week.

The Elephant in the Room: The Kit Industry is Healthier than you Think!

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:06:00 -0600

There’s an elephant in the room. The business situation with our friends and competitor in Oregon obviously cannot be ignored. So the question is: Is this endemic to the rest of the kit aircraft industry? Sonex owner and president Mark Schaible participated in a round-table discussion with Sebastian Heintz of Zenith and Randy Schlitter of Rans, hosted by Bryan Walstrom of the Experimental Aircraft Channel to discuss the kit aircraft industry today, the current business conditions and economy, and our individual business philosophies and approach. Watch the Informative and Entertaining Discussion in this Video!

What if David Attenborough Meets a Waiex?

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 12:40:00 -0600

"Hope you enjoy this fun side of building a Sonex," is the closing slide of this new video made by Australian Waiex-B builder Andy Gaunt, and that says it all. What is a homebuilt aircraft project supposed to be if not fun? Builders of Sonex kits are having fun in many different forms, keeping the true spirit and intent of amateur building intact.

Sonex First Flight: Addison Singleton

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 10:26:00 -0600

"A very proud day for me!" writes Addison, "...My family and I are proud of our little airplane and look forward to future adventures and travel!" Gold Wings are on the way!

Kitplanes eXenos Series: First Flight!

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:30:00 -0500

Another installment in Paul Dye’s series of Kitplanes Magazine articles about his electric-powered eXenos is now available! This series covers the installation of FLIT LLC’s Zaero electric propulsion package in Paul and Louise's Xenos Motorglider.

Cross-Country to T25 in my Sonex: Robbie Culver

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:09:00 -0500

Sonex builder Robbie Culver (Sonex 1517) and his wife Brenda, both pilots, have decided fulfill their lifelong dream of airpark living. Robbie decided to document his Sonex relocation to Aero Estates Airport for Air Facts Journal. See More on our Web Site!

New Addition to the SubSonex Airshow Fleet: Torrey Ward

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:23:00 -0500

Sonex is pleased to announce that another SubSonex owner has hit the airshow circuit in his microjet! Torrey Ward, owner of SubSonex JSX0019, can now be added to the list of pilots flying the SubSonex Personal Jet in airshows. See his videos and more on our web site!

Xenos-B First Flight: Paul Armstrong

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:25:00 -0500

Congratulations to Paul Armstrong of Ashland, Oregon whose AeroVee Turbo powered Xenos-B (S/N XNB0014) flew for the first time on October 3rd! "I think that I only needed to contact [Sonex Technical Support] twice during the build," writes Paul.

New: Upgraded Tail Kits for Xenos Builders!

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:22:00 -0500

Sonex is excited to announce new, easier to build Xenos Tail Kits! All new Xenos Tail Kits now feature finished matched-hole stabilizer structure channels and new machined parts, making the build faster and easier.

Chicken Soup for the Homebuilder’s Soul

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:17:00 -0500

"So, we have a bit of a phenomenon occurring here in Columbus, Indiana — the Southern Indiana Sonex Builders," writes Bill Batten. "I don’t know which aspect of this is better — all building similar experimental aircraft, or the camaraderie that has developed. Either way, I will never forget the summer of 2023 and I’m grateful for the new friendships."

Sonex-B First Flight: Tim Wrede

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:51:00 -0500

"It has been a wonderful experience building and your team only made it even better," writes Tim. "Will be excited to share more with the Sonex team when I get more time under my belt with the plane. Hope to bring it out to Oshkosh in 2024!" Gold Wings are on the way!

Builder News: Lou Toth’s Sonex Sets NAA Record!

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 09:20:00 -0500

Congratulations to Sonex builder Lou Toth who set a National Aeronautics Association (NAA) Speed Over a Recognized Course record in his AeroVee powered, tricycle gear Sonex, "Dreamcicle." Search for Records That You Can Claim in a Sonex Aircraft!

Sonex Builder Events: Northeast Sonex Fly-In Returns on September 30th!

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:04:00 -0500

Save the date! The 11th Annual Northeast Sonex Fly-In returns after a 5-year hiatus, and in a new venue. The event will return on September 30th and will be held in Westhampton Beach, NY. See the Full Event Details on our Builder Events Calendar!

Growing-Up with Sonex: Adam Cotton

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:55:00 -0500

Adam and his dad Bryan started building Waiex W0191 together when Adam was about 12 years old and the staff at Sonex has been watching Adam grow-up with the father and son team’s Waiex for the past 10 years. Today, we congratulate Adam for finishing his pilot’s license on September 2nd and soloing the aircraft that he and his dad built together, Waiex W0191, for the first time on Labor Day!

Sonex First Flight: Robert Troyer

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:43:00 -0500

"After two years of building, the first flight of Sonex 676 was on Sept 1st. She was stable and a delight to fly," writes Bob. Gold Wings are on the way!

Waiex-B First Flight: Patrick Murry

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:45:00 -0500

Congratulations to Patrick Murry of Gardner, Kansas whose standard gear, Jabiru 3300 powered Waiex-B (S/N WXB0038) flew for the first time on June 19th! Also, our apologies to Pat for the late posting — this post got buried in pre-AirVenture preparations!

AeroVee Assembly Video Now on YouTube!

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:37:00 -0500

Sonex and AeroConversions is pleased to announce that the AeroVee Assembly DVD is no-longer a DVD — the video is now available to watch for free on YouTube! The video is now available as a 31-part YouTube playlist and can be viewed from your phone or tablet conveniently in the shop environment.

A Retirement Well-Earned: Kerry Fores

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:38:00 -0500

With some fancy cupcakes, a staff lunch, some gifts, warm words, and the last in a series of staff briefings about technical support, we wished 20+ year Sonex veteran Kerry Fores a bon voyage today in celebration of his retirement. Read his reflections on the past 20 years in Kitplanes Magazine!

AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 is Coming Soon! Place Your Pickup Orders, Schedule Your Factory Tour and Don’t Miss our Open House

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:40:00 -0500

2023 is flying-by and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 will be here before we know it! Sonex is excited to exhibit at this year’s show as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary this year. Stop by and see us in the Homebuilt Display area Booth 602! Be sure to pre-register your Sonex with EAA if you are flying-in this year.

Sonex First Flight: Noel Wade

Wed, 17 May 2023 09:53:00 -0500

Perseverance pays, and Noel earns our hearty congratulations for achieving first flight of his standard-gear, AeroVee Turbo powered Sonex (S/N 1339) on May 12th!

Waiex-B First Flight: Murray Parr

Tue, 16 May 2023 12:09:00 -0500

Congratulations to Murray Parr of Dunlop ACT, Australia whose standard gear, Rotax 912ULS powered Waiex-B (S/N WXB0015) flew for the first time on May 6th!

New: Announcing Dual Stick Option for B-Models!

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:28:00 -0500

Sonex is excited to announce a new option for Sonex, Waiex and Xenos B-Models: Dual Sticks! Thanks to popular demand, we have created an optional Dual Stick installation for all B-Model aircraft, and are making a retrofit package available to customers wishing to convert their existing aircraft.

First Flights: Paul Dye Flies His Electric Xenos!

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 18:38:00 -0500

Congratulations to Paul Dye and Louise Hose of Kitplanes Magazine who flew their eXenos (S/N X0061) with Zaero Elecric Propulsion for the first time today! The aircraft uses the Zaero Electric Propulsion system pioneered by Gabriel DeVault and supported by both Sonex and DeVault. Paul made two flights today from his home airpark in Dayton, Nevada.

This Month in Kitplanes Archives: The Onederful Onex!

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:16:00 -0500

It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the Onex graced the cover of Kitplanes Magazine. The June, 2013 issue of Kitplanes is featured in the monthly “Archive” column in the June 2023 edition. Read the Full Kitplanes Feature!

Just a Few Days Left to Save 10% on Sonex Kits!

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:42:00 -0500

Sales ends this Friday! Submit your order on our web store, via phone, or postmark your mailed order by Friday, April 7th.

The REAL Story Behind the Chinese Balloon Intercept

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 08:44:00 -0500

The following account has been recenly declassified and submitted by the owner of Sonex 1153, Graeme Smith: It can now be revealed that the shoot down of the Chinese balloon on 4th February 2023 was not performed by a $334 million 5th Generation F-22 Raptor. In fact the public’s perceived delay in the response from the Department of Defense was caused by an Air Force crash program to equip an EXPERIMENTAL aircraft to perform the mission much more cheaply. Read The Full Declassified Report on our web site.

25th Anniversary Sale Extended Through Sun ‘n Fun!

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:15:00 -0500

The Sonex 25th Anniversary Sale has been extended to include Sun ‘n Fun 2023! Get 10% Off all Sonex and AeroConversions kits* now through April 7th! Visit us in the EAA Exhibit Booth at Sun ‘n Fun 2023 where we will have the 2022 Waiex-B One Week Wonder on-display from March 28th through April 1st. Place your order online, at the show, or when you get home from Sun ‘n Fun!

Reminder: Sale Ends Sunday Night! -- Sonex 25th Anniversary Sale

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 09:21:00 -0500

Save 10% on Sub-Kits, Complete Kits, B-Model Conversion Kits, Quick Build Kits (excluding labor) and Engine Kits!

Sonex 25th Anniversary: Let’s Celebrate with a Sale!

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:14:00 -0600

Beginning today we kick-off our 25th Anniversary celebration with a sale on kits, and an invitation for Sonex pilots to fly their aircraft in record numbers to the Sonex Open House and Homecoming Fly-In and AirVenture 2023!

Waiex-B First Flight: Elwyn Peachey

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:07:00 -0600

"The satisfying reward of 2 years of night and weekend kit assembly," writes Elwyn. "Many thanks to Sonex for an incredibly well done kit."

Sonex-B First Flight: David Brown

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:51:00 -0600

Congratulations to David Brown of Ozark, Arkansas who has just reported the first flight of his standard gear, UL Power UL350i powered Sonex-B (S/N SNB0016) back on May 7th of 2022! "First flight was amazing with plenty of power supplied by the UL350i engine," writes David.

The Big Highwing Update is Here!

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:20:00 -0600

The update you’ve been waiting for is here! Watch the archive video of our February 7th Webinar presentation for the entire presentation from Sonex owner and Highwing designer Mark Schaible. See text and images describing the webinar's entire update, and see answers to your Sonex Highwing questions!

Sonex First Flight: Christopher Morris

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 12:06:00 -0600

"The plane flew very well with no negative characteristics," writes Christopher, "had plenty of power and the temperatures were good. Looking forward to the next 40 hours of flying."