Sonex Aircraft
2 used Sonex aircraft listings · $23,000–$35,000 · last refreshed 1 hour ago
About Sonex Aircraft Company
Sonex Aircraft builds one of the most popular families of affordable, all-metal sport kit aircraft — simple, economical, fun two-seaters (and a single-seater) designed for the homebuilder. The two-seat **Sonex** is the core model; the single-seat folding-wing **Onex**, the Y-tailed **Waiex**, and the **Xenos** motorglider round out the line. Powered by the AeroVee (VW-conversion), Jabiru or other engines, Sonex aircraft are prized for low cost, sporty handling and a huge builder community. As kits, build quality and documentation are everything. There are currently 2 used Sonex aircraft for sale.
Sonex Aircraft for Sale
Price $23,000–$35,000
Sonex Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a Sonex aircraft cost? Current pricing for used Sonex aircraft (also known as Sonex choppers or Sonex helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental | $23,000–$35,000 | — | — | — | 2 |
The cost of a Sonex aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
Sonex Models
Sonex Models — Specifications
Model specCompare Sonex Aircraft
vs. Competitors (2)
Showing the most-searched matchups. Open a model or family page for its full set of comparisons, or browse all comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sonex
What is a Sonex aircraft and is it a good first kit build?
The Sonex and Waiex (Y-tail variant) are lightweight all-metal two-seat homebuilts designed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. They use pulled rivets instead of bucked rivets, meaning you can build solo without a helper. Build time is 700–1,000 hours with the standard kit, or 300–500 hours with the Quick Build option. The aircraft flies similarly to Van's RV series — sporty with neutral stability — but is lighter, slower, and significantly cheaper.
What problems do Sonex owners report?
When buying a used Sonex/Waiex, quality varies dramatically by builder. Some used aircraft have been found with hardware-store bolts in critical wing attachments or workmanship requiring near-complete rebuilds. The 80 HP Jabiru engine option can feel underpowered; the Rotax 912 or AeroVee (VW-based) are preferred by many owners. Carburetor setup can be finicky with multiple needle options. Always get a thorough pre-buy inspection on any used homebuilt.
Sonex vs Van's RV-12 vs Zenith CH 650 — which affordable kit?
The Sonex is the cheapest path to a sport airplane — kit prices start well below RV-12 and CH 650. It is the sportiest of the three with light, responsive controls. The RV-12 offers better cruise speed, LSA certification, and higher resale value but costs more. The Zenith CH 650 is the easiest to build (matched-hole) and most forgiving for beginners. Choose Sonex for budget and fun, RV-12 for polish, Zenith for builder-friendliness.
Sonex Inventory by Country
| United States | 6 |
| Bulgaria | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
| Netherlands | 1 |