4 May 2026
Kitplane manufacturer Sonex Aircraft is back in business, with a new owner and investor.
The Oshkosh-based company closed suddenly at the end of March, with large debts and facing bankruptcy.
The new owner is pilot and general contractor Stephen Osborne. He has acquired all assets of Sonex LLC, including the Sonex Aerospace and AeroConversions line of products. In just 21 days, the deal was closed, the business recapitalised, and kits again being delivered.
Stephen Osborne said, “We are not coming back the way we left. We are coming back better. The next chapter is powered by a focused, experienced team, assembled to streamline operations, improve production efficiency, and elevate our customers to an exceptional builder experience.”
Sonex founder John T. Monnett added, “Stephen’s team has the capital, the conviction, and the love of flight to take Sonex further than it has ever been. I’m proud to support this team going forward.”
The High Wing is the latest aircraft from Sonex, with 80 pre-orders. Photo: Sonex
The former owner Mark Schaible is now Lead Designer of Sonex Aviation, designing aircraft, refining the kits and supporting the pilots who fly them.
Stephen Osborne comes to Sonex as a lifetime EAA member, third-generation aviator and warbird pilot, and a flight-school owner.
“My family has flown for three generations, ” he said. “It’s an absolute honour to carry on the proud legacy of the Sonex brand.
“Sonex is part of how this country builds pilots and how everyday people get into the sky. Letting it disappear was never an option. To every customer with a deposit on the books – get your shop space ready. We are open, we are building and your kit is coming.”
The newest Sonex kitplane, the High Wing, will start shipping soon, a statement issued by Sonex said.
“Eighty pre-orders are on the books. Tail kits resume shipping in May 2026 with full kits expected to ship mid-summer. The backlog is being cleared. The factory is expected to be at full production within the next few weeks.”
