On August 27, 2025, aviation fans around the world continue to watch Sonex Aircraft, a company known for making fun and cheap kit planes. This small firm in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, helps people build their own aircraft at home. They focus on simple designs that fly well without costing too much. Over the years, Sonex has grown from a tiny idea into a leader in sport flying.
Many pilots love Sonex because their planes are light and fast. These aircraft use metal parts that are easy to put together. Builders can choose from different models to fit their needs. The company started with basic two-seat planes but now offers more options, like a small jet and a new high-wing design.
This year has been exciting for Sonex. They flew their newest plane for the first time in June. Fans at big air shows got to see updates. The company also sent one of their built planes to a famous museum. These events show how Sonex keeps innovating in the world of homebuilt aviation.
The History of Sonex Aircraft
Sonex Aircraft began in 1998. It was founded by John Monnett, a man with lots of experience in plane design. He had made other aircraft before, like the Sonerai and Moni. John wanted to create simple kits for hobby pilots. The company set up shop in Oshkosh, a city famous for aviation events.
In the early days, Sonex focused on low-cost planes. They used aluminum metal for strength and light weight. Builders could finish a plane in about 800 to 1,000 hours. This made it popular with people who like to build things themselves. By 2014, over 500 planes had been completed by customers.
The company faced sad times too. In 2015, Jeremy Monnett, the founder’s son and CEO, died in a crash. But Sonex kept going. John Monnett planned to retire in 2018 and sell the business. In 2022, Mark Schaible, a long-time worker, bought the company. Today, it stays true to its roots, helping new pilots and builders.
Key Products from Sonex
Sonex offers several models. Each one fits different flyers. All are homebuilt kits that meet U.S. rules for experimental planes. They use engines from 80 to 130 horsepower. This keeps them light and fuel-efficient.
The Classic Sonex-B
The main model is the Sonex-B. It is a two-seat, low-wing plane. Builders can pick tail-dragger or tri-gear landing. It flies at speeds up to 130 mph. The design is clean and strong. It can do aerobatics, like loops and rolls. Prices start low, making it great for beginners.
Many people build the Sonex-B from plans or kits. A full kit costs around $25,000 to $30,000, plus engine. It has a 22-foot wing span and fits in a small garage. Pilots say it handles well with no bad habits.
Waiex and Xenos Variants
The Waiex is like the Sonex but with a Y-shaped tail. This gives it a sporty look. It shares parts with other models for easy building. The Xenos is a motorglider version. It has longer wings for soaring without engine power.
Both qualify as light-sport aircraft. This means simpler rules for flying. Over time, Sonex added fast-build options. These meet the 51% rule, where builders do most work themselves.
Onex: Single-Seat Fun
For solo pilots, there is the Onex. It is a one-seat plane with folding wings. This makes storage easy in a home garage. First flown in 2011, it costs about $25,000 to build. The wings hold strong, tested with over 10,000 pounds.
It flies aerobatics and fits light-sport rules. Many choose it for low costs and simple fun.
Exciting Jet and Highwing Models
Sonex thinks big. They made the SubSonex, a tiny jet plane. It is single-seat with a turbojet engine. First shown in 2009, it flies fast with retractable gear. The engine gives 240 pounds of thrust. Pilots like Bob Carlton use it for air shows.
The New Highwing Debut
In 2025, Sonex launched the Highwing. This two-seat plane has high wings for better views. It first flew on June 30, 2025. The company shared test data in July. It handles like other Sonex planes but sits low for easy entry.
At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, they started taking orders. Kits cost $39,000 for basic and $55,000 for quick-build. A tri-gear option adds $1,250. Shipments start by end of 2025. It is aerobatic and fast, not for rough landings.
Recent Achievements and Community Impact
Sonex made headlines in May 2025. They gave a Waiex-B plane to the Smithsonian Museum. Built in one week at Oshkosh 2022, it shows what homebuilders can do. Thousands helped build it. Now, it hangs at the Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington, D.C.
The company supports pilots through education. They have a foundation for builders and flyers. This group promotes safety and training. Podcasts and forums help new owners.
Sonex also works on drones through Sonex Aerospace. They partner with others for big unmanned planes. This shows their skills in new tech.
Looking Ahead for Sonex
Today, Sonex Aircraft leads in affordable flying. Based in Oshkosh, they show at events like AirVenture. Factory tours let fans see how kits are made. With new owner Mark Schaible, the future looks bright.
Pilots from tier 1 countries like the USA, UK, and Canada buy Sonex kits. They enjoy the low costs and high fun. Maintenance is simple compared to big planes. As aviation grows, Sonex helps more people take to the skies.
In summary, Sonex Aircraft stands for innovation and value. From humble starts to jet planes and museum pieces, they inspire builders everywhere. If you dream of flying your own plane, Sonex might be the way.