First Kits To Be Accepted Under New Amateur Building Rules

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.

Following participation in the FAA’s Amateur-Built Rulemaking Committee (ARC) formed in August of 2006, Sonex Aircraft invited the FAA’s newly formed National Kit Evaluation Team to use Sonex, Waiex and Xenos kits for their practice evaluation exercises, making Sonex Aircraft a natural choice for the NKET’s first official evaluations to follow. As of March 31, the Sonex, Waiex and Xenos are the first amateur-built kits to be accepted by the FAA under Advisory Circular AC 20-27G, FAA Order 8130.2F, and FAA Order 8130.35. Not only does NKET evaluation bolster 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. Additionally, Sonex Aircraft customers can use NKET checklists to determine exactly how much commercial assistance may be used in the construction of their projects without violating the “major portion” requirement of 14 CFR section 21.191(g) for experimental/amateur-built aircraft, commonly referred to as the “51 Percent Rule.”

“While the Sonex, Waiex, and Xenos kits were already grandfathered in from the previous evaluations, Sonex Aircraft saw value in pursuing evaluation under the new rules particularly for our customers who wished to legally obtain commercial assistance for their projects.” Commented Jeremy Monnett, Sonex Aircraft, LLC General Manager and CEO. “Sonex Aircraft also wants to continue its leadership role in the development and integration of the new rules governing amateur building in the United States. Our experience with the new rules, the NKET, and FAA management has been superb. The FAA is, in our view of things, fairly and consistently integrating these new rules.”

Sonex Aircraft customers can download all versions of the Amateur-Built Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Checklist (2009) form for Sonex, Waiex and Xenos aircraft, find FAQ’s and other important information on the Sonex Aircraft web site.

FMI: www.sonexaircraft.com/support/faa, www.SonexAircraft.com, www.AeroConversions.com