FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
COCKPIT DIMENSIONS

Will I fit in the Sonex?

We highly recommend trying a Sonex on before deciding if you fit. We have builders that are up to 2 meters tall.

TOOLS REQUIRED

What tools/shop space are required to build Sonex?
  • A 1,2 m by 3,6 m flat work table.
  • Two saw horses.
  • Clecos and Air Tools (Rivet pull and drill).
  • Access to a minimum 1,8 m bending brake.
 

(the prototype was built entirely with a 1,8 m brake. A bending brake is not required if you buy the pre-formed aluminum kit)
Minimum shop size is 1,8 m by 4,8 m.
 
What is the extimated build time?

800 +. This estimate will vary with things like build experience, and your ability to complete things.

ENGINES AND PROPS

Will you have an electric starter system?

Yes. Both the VW and Jabiru options have electric start.

Will it be possible to use a newer design composite propeller (three bladed or more for minimum vibration to the powerplant system and airframe)?

No. Unfortunately, most composite propellers are made for engines with reduction drives.
Since both the Jabiru and VW are direct-drive, the Sonex is limited to a two-blade fixed-pitch prop of which most are wood.

Rotax Engines: why are these not supported for the Sonex?

We wanted to focus on two engines to get started. This engine certainly could work for the Sonex, but the use of reduction drives and radiators runs counter to our as simple as possible philosophy.

INSTRUMENTS

Will there be room to install GPS based moving map displays?

Yes, as long as it's not too heavy.

Can I install a Transponder?

Yes.

PERFORMANCE

Takeoff roll at max gross?

120-180 meters. (2200 Jabiru or 2180 VW) - 60-90 meters. (3300 Jabiru)

Initial climb rate at max gross?

3-4 m/sec with cruise propeller (2200 Jabiru or 2180 vw) - 6-7 m/sec with cruise propeller (3300 Jabiru).

Stall Speed?

The stall speed is 64 Km/h with full flaps (dirty) , 74 Km/h clean.

What is the service ceiling?

The service ceiling is 4800 meters.


TRI-GEAR

How much heavier is the SonexTri-Gear vs. Std Gear?

13-18 Kg.

What is the speed difference between the Sonex Tri-Gear vs. Std Gear?

The Sonex Tri-Gear is about 6,5 Km/h slower than a similarly-equipped tail dragger, and the tri-gear is not recommended for rough-field use.

CONSTRUCTION

Why is a bucking bar on the required tools list?

The bucking bar is for the standard AD aircraft rivets used in the spar build-up. You can also use the Sonex Riveting Tools in lieu of the bucking bar and Rivet Gun.

With the SS rivets against the Al skin isn't there a galvanic corrosion problem?

No. We have been using this combination for 25 years and have not experienced galvanic corrosion.

Can regular bucked rivets be used when both sides are accessible?

Yes. However there are areas, particularly in the leading edge and closed control surfaces, where bucked rivets cannot be used.

GENERAL

Would it be possible to get a flight in your factory demo?

Factory Demo Rides are not be offered for liability and prototype licensing reasons.

Will you offer the Ballistic Parachute System?

You may contact BRS for a design guide and recommended installation.

Do you have a "wet wing" option?

No. We feel 60 litres is sufficient fuel for the design philosophy.

Do you have a raw material list in the builders manual i.e.. rivets, bolts, nuts, sheet 6061, ect. ?

Yes, this is included with the builders manual. Wicks and Aircraft Spurce are now offering complete Sonex hardware kits.

Would it be possible to get some of the CAD files of the wing and rib components ?

No. For Proprietary Reasons, the plans are only available in blueprint form.

AIR SHOW

As per past Years we will be at European Air Show with our Demo or customer's Aircraft.