Builders And Potential Customers Check Out Sonex At Oshkosh

Spirits were flying high among the faithful gathered at Sonex Limited's second annual Open House Sunday at the kit manufacturer's production facility at Oshkosh.

The event, billed by the company as the "Light Sport Aircraft Reality Check," offered customers the chance to view completed Sonex, Waiex, and Xenos models, as well as airframes in various stages of completion.

Perhaps more importantly, the event offered builders the opportunity to view the facility where their kits were produced, talk with the designers of their aircraft, and to compare notes with one another.

"It's a neat little aircraft," said Dan Branstrom, who purchased plans #237 and has just begun to build his airplane. "You become more impressed with it the more you look at it, and it's great for the weekend flyer -- someone who goes up to 'yank, bank, and crank. There isn't a lot in front of you, either, so you have a fantastic view."

According to designer and company president John Monnett Jr., Sonex is well positioned for the LSA market. "The Sonex was designed in Europe, to comply with their microlight standards. Those standards were the model for the new Light Sport Aircraft regulations."

The original prototype Sonex was on display as well, in its latest incarnation sporting a set of CZAW 1400A amphibious floats. According to Monnett, this proof-of-concept exercise demonstrates the "flexible design, firm foundation" of the Sonex platform.

"You can go slow, or you can go fast, says Monnett. "With the Aerovee engine, cruising speed is 130 mph." The company also offers more powerful Jabiru 2200 and 3300 motors.

There are approximately 100 Sonex aircraft flying across the U.S., and the plant is producing approximately one kit per week.

FMI: www.sonex-ltd.com