Production of Tail Kits Begins as Flight Testing Shows Promising Results

Sonex has announced another major step forward for its eagerly awaited Highwing model: a successful static load test of the aircraft’s horizontal tail section. With the hard part out of the way, production of the Tail Kit is set to begin, and customers will receive shipping timelines by mid-November.

The test applied progressive load cases simulating real-world flight stresses, including aerobatic limit loads of +6G and structural ultimate loads, well beyond what the aircraft would ever experience in service. The tail passed with flying colors, holding strong through 150% of the required ultimate load without a hint of structural failure or permanent deformation. This also means owners can safely maneuver the aircraft around their hangar by the tail without worry.

Meanwhile, flight testing continues to deliver encouraging results. The team recently flew with full-span temporary metal wing tips while composite molds are being produced. These flights confirmed stable rudder handling and solid directional control, with test pilot Joe Norris successfully logging a crosswind landing in 18 knots. Additional tests, including Vx, Vy, stall, and cruise performance, are ongoing, but all signs point to a solid design so far.

On-site to witness the tail test feat was Casey Cooper of Cooper Aircraft Corporation. Cooper later flew the Highwing himself, describing it as “fast, climbs fantastic, great visibility, tons of room, and is a predictable and gentle flier.” He also previewed the next stage of development: fitting the Rotax 915iS to the tricycle-gear prototype, which promises even more power and altitude capability.

“While it’s a Sonex in its name and styling, it’s completely its own flavor in the fleet. It [fills] another niche in Sonex’s line of aircraft,” he commented.

With Tail Kit production ready and the rest of the airframe close behind, the Sonex Highwing’s journey from concept to customer hangars is accelerating. Full kit pricing starts at $39,000 for the airframe and $55,000 for the quick-build option, with deliveries projected to begin by the end of 2025.

FMI: www.sonexaircraft.com