Arion Lightning vs Sonex SONEX
The Arion Lightning and Sonex are sport kits — the Arion a refined composite two-seater, the Sonex a low-cost metal sport airplane.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 2011–2011
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2011–2023
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Arion Lightning | Sonex SONEX |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 2 |
| Serious | 2 | 0 |
| Fatal | 0 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Arion Lightning | Sonex SONEX |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $78,000 | $21,682 – $33,800 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 120 HP | 80 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 150 kts (278 km/h) | 130 kts (241 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 550 nm (1,019 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Useful Load | 550 lbs (249 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Arion Lightning or Sonex SONEX?
Bottom line: Choose the Sonex for lowest-cost build; choose the Arion for a more refined composite cruiser. Sonex = budget; Arion = refined/composite.
Pick the Lightning if…
- Faster cruise — 150 kts vs 130 kts.
- Longer range — 700 nm vs 550 nm.
Pick the SONEX if…
- Budget matters — from $21,682 vs $78,000, you save ~$56,318.
- More inventory — 3 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.