Sonex First Flight: Daniel Walton
08-31-10

Congratulations to Daniel Walton of Schaumburg, Illinois whose AeroVee powered standard gear Sonex (S/N 959) flew for the first time on August 26th! "What a rush!" writes Dan "Thanks for a great airplane team Sonex." Gold Wings are on the way!

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Waiex First Flight: Nihl Storey
08-25-10

Congratulations to Nihl Storey of Jackson, Michigan whose Jabiru 3300 powered standard gear Waiex (S/N W0123) flew for the first time on August 18th! "I was the test pilot and am reporting that everything said about that plane is true. I am delighted," writes Nihl "It flew true but is very slippery. This is my third kit plane and the only one I would consider keeping, Thank you Sonex." Gold Wings are on the way to Nihl!

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John Monnett to Speak at Wicks Forum
08-24-10

Sonex Aircraft, LLC Founder and President John Monnett will be speaking at the first annual "Wicks Forum," being held on Saturday October 9th at the Wicks Aircraft Supply facility in Highland, Illinois. The Wicks Forum will also feature several speakers from EAA headquarters including new EAA President Rod Hightower. For more information, download the event's flyer in PDF format.

See More Events on the Sonex Aircraft Company Events Calendar!

Sonex First Flight: Richard Chasse
08-24-10

Congratulations to Richard Chasse of Newport, Vermont whose AeroVee powered standard gear Sonex (S/N 313) flew for the first time on August 21st! Gold Wings are on the way to Richard!

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Sonex First Flight: Bob Meyers
08-18-10

Congratulations to Bob Meyers of Chicago, Illinois whose AeroVee powered tri-gear Sonex (S/N 982) flew for the first time on August 17th! "She flew a short hop today and it was thrilling," writes Bob. Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Xenos First Flight: Steve Nelson & Chris Dearden
08-16-10

Congratulations to Steve Nelson and Chris Dearden of Springfield, SA Australia whose AeroVee powered Xenos (S/N X0035) flew for the first time on August 12th! "The Xenos flew perfectly and looked great in the air," writes Chris and Steve. Gold Wings are on the way!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex Talk Membership Exceeds 4,000!
08-13-10

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is pleased to announce that membership in the Sonex Talk online discussion group has now exceeded 4,000 people! With over 1600 Sonex Aircraft serial numbers issued to-date, there are approximately 2,400 potential builders following the group, which could be a strong indicator for the potential growth of the Sonex Aircraft worldwide fleet in years to come.

Hosted by Yahoo as a completely free service, Sonex Talk memberships are open to anyone interested in learning more about Sonex and AeroConversions products, however, memberships must be approved by Sonex Aircraft, LLC to ensure that the group consists only of those genuinely interested. Sonex Aircraft also hosts two-other open discussion groups: the AeroVee and Jabiru Engines groups, as well as three groups offered only to registered Sonex, Waiex and Xenos builders and owners. The full list of available groups can be found on our Discussion Groups web page.

Sonex Aircraft, LLC also offers several other resources for connecting with builders and keeping-up with Sonex and AeroConversions news: The Builders' Events Calendar is a free resource for Sonex Aircraft builders to list their grass-roots Sonex events, which are growing in number and popularity every year. The Sonex Builder Database is available to help you find Sonex Aircraft in your area. the Builder Database is searchable by aircraft and engine type, flying status, and geographical location. Login accounts are available for builders to administer how their information appears in the Builder Database. The Builder Database is automatically linked to the Completions Gallery, showing all reported Sonex Aircraft completions, and the Builders' Web Sites listing, offering links to all customer web sites entered in Builder Database profiles.

Several Opt-In Mailing Lists are available for those wanting automated notification of Sonex and AeroConversions news. Our Mailing List membership preferences can be edited to notify you of your choice of subjects, from Research and Development project updates, to Technical Support resource updates, press releases, and general news & information updates. For links to our Mailing List subscribe forms, as well as links to our RSS News Feeds and our feed on Twitter, check-out our Mailing Lists and News Feeds web page.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 Wrap-Up!
08-06-10

Sonex Aircraft, LLC has wrapped-up another highly-successful "Oshkosh," exhibiting at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 July 26 through August 1. Attendance in the booth and at Sonex Aircraft events and forums were very high despite the unprecedented soggy weather plaguing the Oshkosh grounds early in the week.

The festivities kicked-off with the 7th annual Sonex Homecoming and Open House Fly-In on Sunday, July 25th. An estimated 200-plus Sonex builders, pilots and enthusiasts visited the Sonex factory for the event. During the Homecoming, the prototype Onex single-place aircraft was officially rolled-out for the entire crowd to examine. Attendees were invited to try-on the Onex and operate the aircraft's innovative wing fold mechanism at the Open House, and all-week at the Sonex AirVenture booth display. John Monnett also demonstrated engine runs of both the SubSonex personal jet, and the E-Flight electric Waiex prototypes during the Open House. The Homecoming and Open House Fly-In was punctuated with the traditional mass taxi of customer and factory aircraft to AirVenture's Sonex parking area on west side of Wittman Regional Airport. Approximately 18 Sonex Aircraft pilots flew their aircraft in to AirVenture throughout the week!

Another annual tradition, the Sonex Aircraft Hangar Party, was held on Monday night again this year, allowing more visiting Sonex pilots to attend. Fantastic entertainment was provided for the 250+ party goers by the band Red Fish, and a fun photo booth provided by EAA's Mark Forss. Also on the subject of annual traditions, Sonex Founder and President John Monnett celebrated his birthday on Tuesday during the show!

The Sonex Aircraft and AeroConversions booth at AirVenture was a buzz of activity again this year, as prospective builders examined factory Sonex, Waiex and Xenos aircraft, along with the AeroVee Engine and other AeroConversions products, and had their questions answered by Sonex staff. The adjacent customer flight line and Builder's Hangout tent allowed show attendees to meet Sonex builders, see their aircraft, and poll their first-hand experiences. Approximately 90 show attendees were hosted by Sonex Aircraft for factory tours offered throughout the week.

As always, there were several forums offered by Sonex about building and flying Sonex and AeroConversions products. Well known and respected International Aerobatic Club Sportsman-Class competitor Joe Haycraft gave a forum in IAC's new Vicki Cruse Educational Pavilion describing his experiences flying the Sonex Sport Acro in competition. Joe plans to compete with the aircraft at the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships in September. Forums given by Jeremy and John Monnett about the new Onex single-place aircraft and SubSonex personal jet designs were also very well-attended.

The E-Flight Electric project garnered a lot of attention and media coverage throughout the week with the first taxi test of the system taking place a few days before AirVenture began. The forums given by all 4 E-Flight design team members had capacity crowds. Interviews were given to many news organizations including CNN and Wired Magazine. E-Flight design team members also participated in both the ASTM consensus standards meeting for electric aircraft, and the World Symposium of Electric Flight held at AirVenture. At the end of the week the project team was honored to receive the new Lindbergh LEAP prize for Best Electric Aircraft Sub-system or Component Technology.

A new addition to the Hornets' Nest Research & Development portion of the Sonex AirVenture booth this year is a project to explore the viability of turbocharging for the AeroVee Engine. The turbocharged AeroVee has been run extensively in ground testing, and the Hornets' Nest design team is now ready to begin flight testing the system. With conservative levels of boost and a fixed-pitch propeller, the AeroVee Turbo promises to deliver 100+ hp while keeping an acceptable wear life for the engine core. Displayed on the AeroVee Turbo is another new product: a Sensenich Ground-Adjustable Propeller designed specifically for use on the AeroVee. The new prop features a smaller hub designed to fit the Sonex Aircraft cowling profile. Pricing and availability of the Sensenich/AeroVee Ground Adjustable Propeller will be announced soon!

Congratulations are in-order for Sonex builder Mark Huebbe and his brother John. Their workmanship on the newly-completed Sonex SN#24 earned them a Plans Outstanding Workmanship award for plans-built aircraft from the AirVenture 2010 aircraft judges! Sonex builder Chris Williams got an opportunity to fly his AeroVee powered Sonex SN#732 in the AirVenture Homebuilt Aircraft Showcase fly-by pattern. An in-cockpit video of Chris's Showcase flight can be seen on YouTube.

We would like to extend our special thanks to all of the Sonex builders and pilots for attending, bringing their aircraft, and helping to make this year's show another great success!

Links to some of the great media coverage of Sonex activities at AirVenture are provided below:

Onex Single-Place Aircraft:

• AvWeb/Kitplanes Video Coverage of Onex Rollout.
• EAA Coverage of Onex Rollout.
• EAA video interview with Jeremy Monnett
• Loop TV: Day 4 coverage of AirVenture 2010. Onex segment begins at 2:24 in the video.
• AirPigz: Can The Onex (1X) From Sonex Save General Aviation In America?
• Aero-News article covering AirVenture Onex Debut
• Aero-TV video coverage of Onex featuring Jeremy Monnett interview
• Article on ByDanJohnson.com
• Retro Thing blog: Sonex Unveils a $20,000 Sport Plane

E-Flight Electric Flight Project:

• Voice of America Article
• Voice of America Video
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• Aero-TV: Day 5 coverage of AirVenture 2010. Electric flight segment begins at 5:30 in the video.
• AirVenture Today
• Terri L. Griffith, Ph.D. AirVenture Electric Aircraft Blog Coverage
• CNN Report on Electric Aircraft
• Powered Sport Flying Radio Show interview with Craig Willan, who is a driving force behind EAA's efforts to promote electric aviation.
• Aero-News Podcast interview with Jeremy Monnett

SubSonex Personal Jet Project:

• EAA video interview with John Monnett
• Aero-TV video interview with John Monnett
• Aero-News article

AeroVee Turbocharging Project:

• EAA video interview with John Monnett
• Aero-News Podcast interview with Mark Schaible about AeroVee Turbo (follows E-Flight segment with Jeremy Monnett).

Lindbergh LEAP Prize:

• Aero-News Network
• AvWeb
• GA News

General Coverage:

• EAA: "Taxi Test x Two & a turbine"
• EAA Dead Grass Awards: "Sonex Times 3: The Hornets' Nest R&D had Plenty to Announce at AirVenture 2010"
• AirPigz: Sonex Open House and Onex coverage
• Aero-News Podcast audio interview with Jeremy Monnett about Hornets' Nest R&D Projects.
• Wired Magazine's Autopia blog covers the SubSonex, Onex, and AeroVee Turbo

We will continue to update this list of links to AirVenture media coverage of Sonex and AeroConversions products on our Articles web page. Notification of new postings will be distributed to our Mailing Lists and News Feeds, so stay tuned for more to come!

The Sonex ramp gradually fills-up with customer-built aircraft throughout the Sonex Homecoming and Open House Fly-In event.	Three generations of Monnetts at the Open House. Clockwise from left: John Monnett, twin brothers Jason and Jeremy Monnett, and John Monnett Sr, now 99 years old!
John Monnett gives a run demonstration of the quietest aircraft in the fleet: the E-Flight electric powered Waiex prototype...	...then goes-on to demonstrate the loudest aircraft in the factory's fleet: the SubSonex personal jet prototype, which is now ready to continue testing on tricycle gear.
AirVenture attendees read Sonex and AeroConversions booth kiosks to learn more about our products!	A crowd gathers around the Onex single-place aircraft prototype at the Sonex AirVenture booth.
A crew from Aero-TV interviews Jeremy Monnett about the Onex.	Jeremy points-out the features of the Onex wing fold system.
Builders, enthusiasts and friends gathered for another great Sonex Hangar Party on Monday night.	Trace Chiappe from the Sky-Tec family jams with Red Fish at the Sonex Hangar Party.
Sonex pilots who flew their aircraft to AirVenture 2010 were invited to introduce themselves at the Sonex Hangar Party.	An electrical wiring workshop taught by AirVenture volunteers used a Sonex airframe for the class demonstrations.
Respected IAC Sportsman-Class aerobatic competitor Joe Haycraft gives a forum about his experiences flying the Sonex Sport Acro in competition.	Kids pose for a picture with the Sonex Sport Acro factory prototype on display at the International Aerobatic Club headquarters building.
Pete Buck gives an E-Flight presentation about motor design to a packed house in the GE Aviation Learning Center.	Erik Lindbergh is interviewed with the E-Flight electric powered Waiex prototype for a story on CNN.
LEAP students conduct a video interview with E-Flight design team members.	Andrew Pearce gives an entertainingly geeky E-Flight forum on electric motor controller design.
The cluster balloon launch as-seen from the Sonex hangars. Thankfully, it was well out-of-range of John Monnett's pellet gun.	The sun sets on another very successful EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for Sonex Aircraft, LLC. We can't wait to do it again next year!

It's Show Time: AirVenture Oshkosh 2010!
07-25-10

We had an outstanding Open House and Homecoming Fly-In event today, the booth is set-up and we're ready to begin the show tomorrow!

For those not attending AirVenture this year, our offices will be closed until Monday, August 2. We will not be answering the phones or email during this time, however, we will be checking the phone and email for urgent messages, and will reply as necessary, as time allows. We appreciate your patience during the busiest week of our year.

If you are making it to the show this year, a complete schedule of Sonex and AeroConversions events has been posted to the Sonex Events Calendar!

Sonex First Flight: Rick Owens
07-22-10

Congratulations to Rick Owens of Iuka, Mississippi whose AeroVee powered Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 1311) flew for the first time on July 15th! "I've really enjoyed the building experience and now looking forward to flying!" writes Rick. Gold Wings are on the way to Rick!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Sonex First Flight: Mark Huebbe
07-22-10

Congratulations to Mark Huebbe of Saint Peters, Missouri whose VW powered Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 24) flew for the first time on April 14th! Tom Huebbe, fellow Sonex builder and father to John and Mark Huebbe, acted as test pilot. "The tri-gear Sonex is a blast to fly, climbs very well, and so easy that a blind person could land it," writes Tom. "The Sonex is really sweet." Mark produced a great video documenting the first flight, which can be viewed on YouTube. This video, and another new video of Tom's adventures, have been added to our Sonex Flying Stories page. Gold Wings are on the way to Mark!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Great Sonex Activities at Arlington 2010; David Weber Wins Reserve Grand Champion!
07-20-10

The gathering of Sonex builders at the Arlington BBQ.

"Amazing, informative, outstanding and rewarding are just a few words that were used to describe the Sonex programs at Arlington 2010," reports Sonex builder David Weber (Sonex SN# 318), who organized Sonex events at the Arlington Fly-In, held July 7-11. "The weather cooperated throughout the week and as a result we had several Sonex’s show up, a record number of builders and a remarkable amount of interested builders."

Two Sonex forums held by David were well attended with standing room only and the picnic was a terrific hit with over 40 people in attendance. To top off all of the excitement of the fly-in, David's plans built Sonex #318 was awarded Reserve Grand Champion for Homebuilt Plans by the Arlington fly-in judges. David wants to thank all of the people who helped him throughout the week with a special thanks to Eric Sheppers who stood with David by his plane for long periods of time answering question after question. "Needless to say, the grass around N924WT was well worn before the end of the show, that Monnett design just keeps attracting the crowds!" writes David.

Sonex Aircraft, LLC would like to extend special thanks to David and his helpers for organizing and hosting another grass roots Sonex Builder event at this year's Arlington Fly-In! You can find more Builders' Events, or submit your own event to our Builders' Events Calendar!

David Weber explains why the Sonex meets Light Sport Aircraft rules in one of two seminars given during the show.	The Sonex girls show off their support with their custom made Sonex shirts which they made at the womens tent during the air show.
This years grand prize winner of the autographed John Monnett book was Sonex legendary Sonex builder Eric Scheppers.	David Weber accepts his award of Reserve Grand Grand Champion - Plans Built for Sonex #318 N924WT.

E-Flight Electric Flight Webinar
Video Now Available Online!
07-14-10

On Tuesday, July 13, Jeremy Monnett (Sonex Aircraft CEO and General Manager) presented a Webinar about the latest developments in the E-Flight Electric Flight research and development project. The webinar is now available as a Video Archive hosted by EAA.

Sonex Aircraft will be exhibiting E-Flight hardware and information in the Aviation Learning Center at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and will be participating in the AirVenture Electric Aircraft Symposium. Space is still available to register for the Symposium. See our Events Calendar for a detailed schedule of E-Flight events!

Find Out More About Hornets' Nest R&D Projects

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E-Flight Electric Flight Webinar Tomorrow Night! Space is Limited, Sign-Up Now!
07-12-10

EAA is hosting a highly-successful program of Webinars (web based seminars) that feature expert presenters on a variety of aviation topics, and Sonex Aircraft has once again been invited to present. On Tuesday, July 13 at 7pm Central Time, Jeremy Monnett (Sonex Aircraft CEO and General Manager) will present a Webinar about the latest developments in the E-Flight Electric Flight research and development project. The presentation will last approximately 1 hour. Presenters use slides and audio, and audience members can ask questions or be polled for their opinion. Space is limited, so Sign-Up Now!

Sonex Aircraft will also be exhibiting E-Flight hardware and information in the Aviation Learning Center at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and will be participating in the AirVenture Electric Aircraft Symposium. See our Events Calendar for a detailed schedule.

Find Out More About Hornets' Nest R&D Projects

Subscribe to the Hornets' Nest R&D Mailing List!

AirVenture Events Calendar Updated!
07-09-10

The Calendar of Sonex-related events at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 has been updated with the following new items:

• Forum: E-Flight Electric Airframes
• Forum: E-Flight Electric Motor Design and Packaging
• Forum: E-Flight Electric Motor Controllers
• Forum: Onex featured in Homebuilt in Review series
• Electric Aircraft Symposium Panel Discussion
• Forum: Flying Aerobatics in the Sonex

A complete schedule of Sonex and AeroConversions events has been posted to the Sonex Events Calendar! Stay-Tuned to this schedule for additions and changes. Subscribe to our Mailing Lists to receive automated notifications of changes to this schedule!

Planning a Sonex Builder get-together at your campsite, the beer tent, or at a restaurant or hotel during AirVenture? Don't forget to submit the gathering to our Sonex Builders' Events Calendar!

Sonex First Flight: Glenn Hunt
07-08-10

Congratulations to Glenn Hunt of Winchendon, Massachusetts whose AeroVee powered Tri-Gear Sonex (S/N 639) flew for the first time on July 2! "Man did it run sweet!" writes Glenn. "Thanks go to my wife Susan, and my family for all of their support during this process. Special thanks go to my mentor Ian Clark for all of his help and guidance, John Lavoie for his support and friendship and CFI Rick Bendel of Monadnock Aviation for ground support. Thanks also to the Sonex factory team - you guys are awesome! " Gold Wings are on the way to Glenn!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions