What a Sonex Onex costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 3 Sonex Onex aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
How far can a Sonex Onex fly?
A Sonex Onex flies about 465 nm, roughly 861 km, which is about 3 h 27 min in still air at typical cruise.
What does a Sonex Onex cost to own?
A Sonex Onex costs about EUR 823 a month to run, or about EUR 95 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the Sonex Onex
How much does a Sonex Onex cost?
What is the price range for a used Sonex Onex?
How many Sonex Onex aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a Sonex Onex for sale?
What should I check when buying a used Sonex Onex?
About the Sonex Onex
Aircraft overview
The Sonex Onex is a single-seat, kit-built sport aircraft from Sonex Aircraft of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The prototype first flew in 2011, and the design was developed for the Experimental Amateur-Built market rather than type-certificated production. It is distinct from the two-seat Sonex and Waiex models, with its own compact airframe, centerline seating and folding wing arrangement. The Onex matters in the used market because it combines a low operating-cost mission with genuine all-metal construction, aerobatic capability when built and operated within approved limits, and storage flexibility for owners who value trailerability or reduced hangar footprint.
Performance & specifications
Typical Onex performance depends on engine, propeller, empty weight and build quality. Factory-published figures for AeroVee-powered examples include cruise speeds around 135 knots, with a maximum speed around 148 knots. Published range is about 435 nautical miles with standard fuel, and service ceiling is listed at approximately 16,000 feet. The Onex has a gross weight of 1,150 pounds, with empty weights varying by equipment fit, so useful load should be checked aircraft by aircraft. Common powerplants are the 80 hp AeroVee 2.1 and the 100 hp AeroVee Turbo, both VW-derived engines supported within the Sonex ecosystem. Some examples may have alternative experimental engines, which should be assessed carefully for documentation, cooling, weight and supportability.
Cabin & avionics
The Onex has one seat under a bubble canopy, with a simple cockpit focused on sport flying rather than travel comfort. Cabin width, baggage capacity and fuel endurance are modest, so buyer expectations should be closer to a personal sport aircraft than a touring machine. Avionics vary widely because each aircraft is individually built. Typical panels range from basic analog flight and engine instruments to light experimental EFIS installations from brands such as Dynon, Garmin G3X, MGL or Grand Rapids. Garmin Perspective and Garmin G1000 suites are not typical for the Onex. ADS-B equipment, radio fit, intercom quality and electrical workmanship should be verified during inspection.
Buying & value
Used Onex listings are usually valued below many two-seat Experimental and Light Sport aircraft, reflecting the single-seat layout, simple systems and owner-built nature. Important checks include builder logs, operating limitations, Phase I flight-test completion, weight and balance data, condition inspection history, engine logs and any deviations from the plans. Inspect the folding wing mechanism, spar carry-through areas, landing gear attachments, fuel system, canopy fit and control rigging. Desirable upgrades often include a well-supported AeroVee installation, modern EFIS, ADS-B Out, reliable engine monitoring and clean wiring. The strongest examples are documented, light, consistently maintained and built close to factory guidance.