Sonex is Closing: A Message from Mark Schaible

Sonex LLC owner Mark Schaible has publicly announced that Sonex is closing its doors effecive immediately. The announcement was made in a video message via YouTube and found above. The transcript of this message follows:

Hello everyone, I am Mark Schaible, owner of Sonex LLC. I am speaking to you today to convey some bad news: Sonex is closing its doors effective immediately.

This decision is necessitated by a severe drop-off in sales and our bank’s unwillingness to carry-forward our debts given some unprofitable years. We’ve had to make this decision very suddenly as a perfect storm of bank pressure, lack of sales, increasing costs, competition from our own aircraft in the used market, and cashflow realities are not allowing us to continue our work.

It’s very important to me to convey this message to you personally. That is why I am giving you this message in a video instead of simply publishing an impersonal statement. Please know that we have fought tooth-and-nail to make Sonex successful.

I have been involved in the Sonex Family since 2003 and have owned the company since 2022. It is incredibly painful for me to bring this news to you today, and my wife and I will be filing a personal bankruptcy in addition to the bankruptcy of the business. We are now unemployed and struggling. We have given everything we could have possibly given to this business, and for the second time since the passing our dear friend Jeremy Monnett, Sonex has broken my heart.

As most of you know, there has been another high-profile bankruptcy in our industry in recent years, but unfortunately, this one will be different. Barring an 11th hour investment or purchase allowing the operation to continue, this will not be a reorganization of our debts but will be much more severe.

While I know such an 11th hour miracle is unlikely, both John Monnett and myself are very interested in finding someone willing to step up and support the worldwide Sonex fleet in some capacity. That includes completion of the work required to ship Sonex Highwing kits. We are speaking with key vendors and other contacts about how that can possibly work, but again, it will take someone other than John or myself to make it happen. If you are watching or reading this announcement and have the interest and resources to take-on that role, please get in touch. I am unlikely to benefit financially from such an arrangement, but please know that I will support the efforts of anyone willing to step-up in good faith, to the best of my ability.

Many people are going to be negatively affected by this situation: Vendors, many of which we consider to be like family, our staff, and our customers. To all of you, I wish to express my most sincere apologies for this situation. I have enjoyed great relationships with so many of our customers and will sorely miss being able to talk to you and support your dreams of building and flying your own aircraft.

With respect to the Sonex staff, our current team are among the finest, most talented and dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They weigh heavily in the hearts of Char and I, and we plan to check-in with them frequently. Our only consolation is knowing that with their talents and dedication, they will earn a lot more money elsewhere than they have with Sonex. If you meet any members of our staff on the street, at AirVenture, or online, I urge you all to treat them with dignity and respect, even if you’re angry.

I know that many of you will be angry, will be losing money, and will find this announcement difficult to accept or understand. I joined EAA Chapter 44 in Brockport, NY when I was 14 years old. My late father had to drive me to the meetings each month. Believe me when I say that this is not how I want my EAA story end.

Entities interested in supporting the Sonex fleet in any capacity are asked to make contact at info@sonexaircraft.com