The
Sonex OneX got my attention in a recent
Kitplanes article, largely due to the significantly reduced cost of flying:
1. Nicely equipped VFR aircraft for about $25K (depends on your choices of course; BTW - the engine alone for the RV-12 is $27,785):
- Complete OneX Airframe Kit $12,995
- Hardware from Aircraft Spruce $861 (rivets, bolts, nuts, etc.)
- 80hp Engine $6,995 (also a kit that they claim you can build in about 12 hours)
- Prop $820
- Avionics, Upholstery (up to you)
2. Wings fold up (in 15 seconds) or can be removed - store in garage or covered trailer and drive it to the airport; no hangar expense! (RV-12 has the wing removal advantage too.)
3. Runs on 90 octane mogas or avgas - lower GPH and fuel price.
4. Acro capable, stated cruise of 135kts (at 8,000ft - Ceiling is 16,000ft) - fun with some utility.
5. Build time of about 500 hours.
I bet Vans could do better. Maybe a redesigned RV-3 with punched holes and smaller engine? While I want to build a -8, a Sonex OneX (better yet a Vans version) is/would be a compelling option to allow me to get and stay in the air VERY economically, as well as test my building abilities with less risk. Unfortunately my little lady isn't as enthusiastic about flying as am I, so I'm usually in the cockpit alone anyway.
Oh, and you can switch between nosewheel and tail dragger!
I imagine such an airplane would outsell all others in his lineup. I believe I read somewhere that Sonex had shipped 50 OneX kits by the end of 2011 with 1,100 orders placed (could be a long wait list).
Chris