SonexBuilders.net

I'm sure you've seen the Sonex announcement by now, but Sonex is now offering a Quickbuild option for the Sonex, Waiex, and Onex kits.

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/rele ... 71213.html

Looks like the aft and forward fuselage is built, along with the wings. The canopy is also fitted onto the fuselage.

It looks like the builder still needs to construct the tail, flight controls, then install the engine mount, engine, windshield, cowling, electrical system, and a few other things.

For a quick $10,000 premium, you can probably save yourself around 500 hours of build time. Pretty cool deal if you want to get a plane in the air quickly.

I wonder if Sonex is assembling the quick build kits at the factory and if they are going to employ a staff just for this. They are a very lean organization so it will be interesting to see where they are going to do the work, especially if there is a big demand for these!

Sounds like a great option if you want to go that route.

I will have to stop tagging myself as quick build. It is a great option and will open up more of the market to Sonex. I am happy with my choice of the prebuilt spar and machined angles. That extra $6K ($10K over a standard kit) is exactly the part I want my kids doing - running clecoes and pulling rivets.
Bryan
Check in the mail
Waiex, taildragger, machined angle kit and prebuilt spars, aerovee

Maybe I'm missing something but why would you choose a quick build kit for a Sonex. They advertise that you can be flying for $25,600. Add the $10,000 premium for the quick build kit and you are upt to $36,000 plus crating and shipping for a standard aerovee powered sonex with a very basic panel. You can go on barnstormers right now and buy the same thing for around 30k. What am I missing here? Those who build because they like to build wouldn't choose the quick build option and those who build because they want to fly would be better off buying one already done.

Keith

With the match drilled option, I really don't see a need to offer the QBK. But, hey, if someone wants you to do most of the easy work, so be it. I say offer it to those who wish to go that route.

I'm convinced that you can always find a good used plane cheaper than building one from a kit.

I'm not sure that is completely true of the Sonex. You can put one together for around 25k with an aerovee, very basic panel, and none of the stuff like quick builds or pre-built spars. I would be hard pressed to find a decent used Sonex for 25k. The aerovee powered sonex's seem to be going for between 30 and 32k. Keep in mind that just five years ago it was hard to even find one for sale never mind one at a good price.

Keith