Sonex Aircraft Ceases Operations and Files for Bankruptcy
Sonex LLC, a prominent kit aircraft manufacturer, has declared its immediate shutdown and bankruptcy filing, signifying a considerable setback for the homebuilt aviation community.
Owner Mark Schaible made the heartfelt announcement in a video message posted on March 27, 2026, attributing the closure to “a severe drop-off in sales and our bank’s reluctance to extend our debts due to some unprofitable years.” He portrayed the situation as “a perfect storm of bank pressure, dwindling sales, escalating costs, competition from our own aircraft in the used market, and cash flow realities.”
The Wisconsin-based company, established in 1998 by John Monnett, has been a popular choice among homebuilders for its cost-effective metal low-wing aircraft kits. To date, nearly 700 Sonex aircraft have been completed, with another 1,398 kits marked as under construction in the company’s builder database.
Schaible, who came on board in 2003 and acquired the company in 2022, stated that he and his wife will be filing for personal bankruptcy in addition to the company’s bankruptcy. “We have given everything we could have possibly given to this business,” he expressed. The closure impacts the company’s nine employees, vendors, and customers with pending kit orders.
Although Schaible deemed an “11th hour miracle” improbable, he and John Monnett are in search of someone willing to support the worldwide Sonex fleet and potentially fulfill outstanding high-wing kit orders. The company has reportedly received numerous inquiries about investment opportunities and manufacturing rights.
Source: https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/03/31/sonex-shutters-doors/