Four New SubSonex Pilots Fly JSX-2, And Bob Carlton Prepares SubSonex Air Show
Sonex Aircraft has reported the achievement of several major milestones in the SubSonex Personal Jet program during the month of February. The first SubSonex has kit shipped from the factory, four new SubSonex model JSX-2 pilots were minted in Moriarty, NM, and Bob Carlton received his Low-Level Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) card for the SubSonex, in-preparation for the 2015 air show season!
On February 12th, the first SubSonex kit left Sonex Aircraft headquarters in Oshkosh, destined for customer Redge Greenberg of Durango, Colorado. The Ultra-Quick Build Kit was transported in the optionally available Triton TC 167 enclosed trailer by Sonex staff to Greenberg's home. This is the first in a series of seven kit deliveries included in the first kit production run, and marks the conclusion of an intense six month effort to bring JSX-2 from prototype aircraft to a fully-developed quick build kit product.
Before the end of February, two more kits will be delivered to customers in Ontario Canada and Pennsylvania, with kit deliveries to Missouri, Kentucky, and Oklahoma to follow soon. The seventh kit will be delivered to New South Wales, Australia. Orders are now being accepted for the second run of SubSonex Quick Build Kit production, to commence in August, 2015.
During the weekend of February 1st, four new pilots became qualified to fly SubSonex JSX-2. Sonex Aircraft President John Monnett and Sonex CEO Jeremy Monnett travelled to Moriarty, New Mexico to join Designated Pilot Examiner Bob O'Haver and BonusJet flight instructor Billy Hill in making their first flights in SubSonex JSX-2 and subsequent qualifying flights for SubSonex permanent Letters of Authorization (LOA).
Bob Carlton has been practicing a new air show routine in a SubSonex JSX-2 for the 2015 season! Currently booked at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 and the 2015 Rocky Mountain Air Show with more show dates pending, Carlton has put-together a SubSonex show unparalleled by jet acts of the past including maneuvers such as tail slides, hammerheads and non-stop action with tight turns inside the typical piston aircraft air show box.
SubSonex JSX-2 is a highly refined version of the original proof-of-concept aircraft, JSX-1. Like JSX-1, the new JSX-2 model is powered by the PBS TJ-100 engine, producing 247 lbs. of thrust in an advanced, fully integrated package. The new jet features a larger, more comfortable cockpit, a larger instrument panel, fully retractable landing gear, a BRS full-aircraft recovery parachute, higher fuel capacity, easily removable wings, and a more sculpted and aesthetically pleasing nose section. Sold only as a Quick Build Kit, the SubSonex includes almost everything required to fly with the exception of avionics and paint.
Available options for the SubSonex Personal Jet include MGL iEFIS touchscreen avionics, a Mountain High oxygen system, Aveo PowerBurst LED position and strobe lighting, heated leather upholstery, cabin heat, and a Triton TC 167 enclosed trailer modified to transport the SubSonex.
(Images provided by Sonex)