This article is based on an official press release from Sonex Aircraft, supplemented by industry reporting.

Sonex Aircraft, a cornerstone manufacturers in the experimental and homebuilt aircraft community based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has officially reopened its doors under the new name “Sonex Aviation” as of May 1, 2026. This rapid revival comes just over a month after the company shocked the aviation world with a sudden closure announcement.

According to an official company press release, the manufacturer’s assets, including the Sonex Aerospace and AeroConversions product lines, were acquired by ON Capital, Inc. The acquisition successfully recapitalized the business, allowing production to resume immediately and saving the beloved kit manufacturer from bankruptcy proceedings.

The swift 21-day turnaround from the initial closure to the finalization of the acquisition brings immense relief to builders and customers with unfulfilled orders. With the factory lights back on, the company is prioritizing its backlog, particularly for the highly anticipated Sonex High Wing model, while restructuring its leadership to focus on future innovation.

The Acquisition and New Leadership

A Swift Rescue by ON Capital

The rescue of Sonex was spearheaded by Stephen Osborne, the head of ON Capital, Inc. Osborne brings a deep, personal connection to grassroots aviation. According to the company’s release, he is a lifetime Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) member, a third-generation aviator, a warbird pilot, a flight-school owner, and a general contractor. His diverse background in both business management and aviation positioned him to quickly assess and acquire the struggling manufacturer.

Osborne emphasized his commitment to the brand’s legacy and its role in the broader aviation ecosystem in a public statement:

“My family has flown for three generations; its an absolute honor 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.”

— Stephen Osborne, Owner, Sonex Aviation

The transition has also received the blessing of the company’s original creator. John T. Monnett, Jr., the founder of Sonex Aircraft, expressed his confidence in the new ownership, stating in the press release that Osborne’s team possesses “the capital, the conviction, and the love of flight to take Sonex further than it has ever been.”

Production Resumes and Orders Honored

Fulfilling the Backlog

One of the most pressing concerns following the March closure was the status of customer deposits. Under the new Sonex Aviation banner, Osborne has publicly pledged to honor all existing customer deposits. The Oshkosh factory is currently operational, with crews actively working to clear the accumulated backlog. Company officials expect the facility to reach full production capacity within the next few weeks.

The Sonex High Wing and Leadership Shifts

A major focal point for the newly recapitalized company is the Sonex High Wing. According to production updates provided by the company, there are currently 80 pre-orders on the books for this new model. Sonex Aviation anticipates that tail kits will resume shipping in May 2026, with full kits expected to begin shipping by mid-summer.

To ensure the continued refinement of these kits, former owner and CEO Mark Schaible has been retained by the new ownership. Transitioning to the role of Lead Designer, Schaible is now freed from the day-to-day administrative and financial burdens that previously consumed his time. The company notes that he will now focus exclusively on aircraft design, kit refinement, and providing direct support to builders and pilots.

Contextualizing the March Closure

Financial Pressures and Market Shifts

The triumphant reopening stands in stark contrast to the bleak outlook presented just weeks prior. On March 27, 2026, Mark Schaible released a video message announcing the immediate shutdown of Sonex LLC. The closure halted all operations and pushed both the business and Schaible’s personal finances into bankruptcy proceedings.

At the time, Schaible attributed the failure to an insurmountable combination of economic factors.

“We’ve had to make this decision very suddenly as a perfect storm of bank pressure, lack of sales, increasing costs, competition from our own aircraft in the used market, and cashflow realities are not allowing us to continue our work.”

— Mark Schaible, speaking on March 27, 2026

AirPro News analysis

While internal cashflow and rising operational costs were the immediate catalysts for Sonex’s March collapse, broader regulatory and market shifts played a significant underlying role. As reported by Forbes in late March, the FAA‘s new MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule likely contributed to the financial strain on traditional light sport aircraft (LSA) manufacturers.

By expanding regulations to allow entry-level sport pilots to operate heavier, four-seat legacy aircraft like the Cessna 172, the MOSAIC rule inadvertently chilled the market for traditional two-seat kitplanes. We observe that many prospective builders and buyers paused their purchasing decisions, waiting to see what new four-seat options would become viable under the updated regulations. This hesitation directly impacted sales for companies like Sonex, which rely on a steady stream of kit orders to maintain cash flow.

Furthermore, the experimental aircraft market has been experiencing a period of notable instability. The recent high-profile bankruptcy and reorganization of Van’s Aircraft, the largest player in the kitplane industry, highlighted the fragile margins within the sector. However, the rapid 21-day rescue of Sonex Aviation underscores the remarkable resilience and brand loyalty within the grassroots aviation community. With an estimated 1,600 kits sold historically, Sonex remains a vital pipeline for affordable aircraft ownership, and its survival is a positive indicator for the homebuilt market’s endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new name of the company?

Following the acquisition by ON Capital, Inc., the company has been slightly rebranded and is now operating as Sonex Aviation.

Will my existing deposit be honored?

Yes. New owner Stephen Osborne has explicitly stated that all existing customer deposits on the books will be honored, and kits are currently being prepared for shipment.

When will the Sonex High Wing kits ship?

According to the company, tail kits for the Sonex High Wing are scheduled to ship in May 2026, with full kits expected to follow by mid-summer 2026.

Sources:

• Sonex Aircraft Official Press Release (May 1, 2026)

This article is based on an official press release from DART Aerospace.

On May 5, 2026, DART Aerospace announced the receipt of an updated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). According to the company’s press release, this certification officially approves the installation of its extended Cable Cutter system on the Airbus H145 BK117 D-3 helicopter.

Wire strikes remain one of the most significant hazards for low-flying rotorcraft, particularly those engaged in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), search and rescue (SAR), and utility operations. By securing this STC, DART Aerospace provides operators of the advanced five-blade H145 variant with a critical, passive safety mechanism designed to prevent catastrophic mid-air collisions with power lines and cables.

We note that this certification expands DART’s existing portfolio of wire-strike protection systems, which already covered earlier iterations of the H145 family, ensuring that modern fleets can maintain rigorous safety standards as they upgrade their aircraft.

Engineering the Cable Cutter System

Passive Protection for High-Risk Missions

The DART Cable Cutter system operates as a passive safety device. As detailed in the provided research report, the system features both upper and lower cutters equipped with high-strength blades. Deflectors are integrated into the design to guide unseen wires away from the windshield and rotor hub, funneling them directly into the cutting mechanism.

The engineering behind the system is robust. Testing verifies that the DART cutter can sever cables with a tensile strength of up to 14,000 lbs. The primary objective is to stop wires from breaching the cockpit or entangling the main and tail rotor flight controls.

“The primary goal is to prevent catastrophic damage by stopping wires from entering the cockpit,” according to the provided industry research report.

The Airbus H145 BK117 D-3 Platform

Expanding Capabilities for Modern Fleets

The Airbus H145, specifically the BK117 D-3 variant, is a premier aircraft in the light twin-engine category. The D-3 model is distinguished by its innovative five-blade main rotor system, which Airbus designed to provide a smoother flight experience and an additional 150 kg (approximately 330 lbs) of useful load capacity compared to its predecessors.

Because of its compact footprint and rear clamshell doors, the H145 D-3 is heavily utilized globally for air ambulances, law enforcement, and offshore energy transport. Prior to this May 2026 update, DART’s cable cutter STC already covered older variants in this family, including the Airbus H145 / EC145 T2 and the BK117 D-2, according to the company’s background data.

The Deadly Threat of Wire Strikes

Industry Statistics and Safety Imperatives

Helicopters frequently operate at low altitudes, often below 500 feet, where power lines, telephone wires, and guy-wires present a nearly invisible threat to pilots, especially against complex terrain or in poor lighting conditions.

Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highlights the severity of this hazard, recording 124 fatalities in the United States attributed to wire strikes between 1994 and 2018. Furthermore, aerospace medical studies cited in the research report indicate that in fatal wire strikes, 100% of victims suffered major head and neck injuries, frequently sustaining basilar skull fractures due to impact with flight controls.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the continuous updating of STCs by aftermarket manufacturers like DART Aerospace as a vital component of the aviation safety ecosystem. As Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Airbus innovate, such as introducing the five-blade rotor on the D-3, third-party safety equipment must keep pace. The rigorous FAA STC process ensures that these retrofits do not compromise the airworthiness of modern, highly advanced airframes. For global operators, the availability of a 14,000-lb capable cable cutter for the newest H145 variant is not just a regulatory checkbox; it is a life-saving necessity that turns potentially fatal collisions into recoverable incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an FAA STC?

A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is a document issued by the FAA approving a major modification or repair to an existing type-certified aircraft. It signifies that the FAA has thoroughly reviewed the engineering and safety of the modification.

What is the tensile strength capacity of the DART Cable Cutter?

According to the company’s specifications, the DART Cable Cutter system is tested and verified to cut through cables with a tensile strength of up to 14,000 lbs.

Who is DART Aerospace?

DART Aerospace is a privately held manufacturer of helicopter equipment and aftermarket accessories. The company has been in operation for 50 years, holds over 2,000 STC certifications, and ships roughly 30,000 parts annually to 120 countries.

Sources

• DART Aerospace Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Lindo.

Lindo has officially announced a new collaboration with Airbus Asia Pacific and Airbus Helicopters, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement centers on the exploration and development of antimicrobial blue light (aBL) applications specifically designed for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

According to the official statement released by Lindo, this partnership establishes a strategic framework to investigate the integration of occupant-safe disinfection technologies into next-generation aeromedical platforms. The initiative is positioned to support future HEMS programs throughout Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region.

At the heart of this collaboration is a focus on infection prevention. Critical care transport environments operate under intense time pressures and experience high patient turnover, creating inherent risks for pathogen transmission that both companies are now seeking to mitigate.

Advancing Aeromedical Disinfection Technology

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services face unique operational challenges. The confined spaces of aeromedical cabins require rigorous cleaning protocols between missions, which can impact turnaround times and operational efficiency. By introducing antimicrobial blue light technology, Lindo and Airbus aim to provide a continuous, autonomous layer of protection.

In their public announcement, Lindo emphasized the operational and safety benefits of this technological leap for healthcare transport environments.

“Advancing autonomous, continuous disinfection within these settings represents a meaningful step toward reducing pathogen transmission while maintaining operational efficiency,” stated Lindo in their official release.

Research, Development, and Future Integration

Phased Approach to Certification

The collaboration will initially prioritize research and development. According to the company’s statement, the early phases of the project will focus on feasibility studies, system integration, and the rigorous validation of antimicrobial lighting solutions within Airbus helicopter platforms.

Following the successful completion of these R&D milestones, the partnership intends to map out potential pathways for certified integration into operational aircraft, ensuring the technology meets stringent aviation safety and regulatory standards.

Collaborative Innovation and Support

This MoU represents a significant alignment of global aerospace capabilities with Australian technological innovation. The technical execution from Lindo’s side is being driven by their internal R&D team, including Urbain du Plessis, in conjunction with their design partners at Marker Design.

The initiative has also garnered regional backing. Lindo acknowledged the continued support of the Victorian Government in enabling advanced manufacturing and technology development within the state. The company publicly thanked key government representatives, including Gönül Serbest, Teresa Tufano, and Chin Wijesuriya, alongside Airbus personnel Christian Venzal, Scott White, Andrew Wild, Richard Ward, and Mandy Hentschel for their roles in supporting the MoU.

AirPro News analysis

We view this MoU as a highly relevant development in the evolution of aeromedical transport. The global healthcare sector has placed an increased premium on passive, continuous disinfection technologies in the wake of recent global health challenges. Antimicrobial blue light (aBL) is particularly notable because, unlike traditional UV-C light, specific wavelengths of aBL can be deployed safely in the presence of human occupants. If Lindo and Airbus successfully navigate the complex aviation certification pathways, this technology could establish a new baseline for cabin safety and infection control in future HEMS fleets worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary focus of the Lindo and Airbus MoU?
The agreement focuses on exploring and integrating antimicrobial blue light (aBL) disinfection applications into Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

Which regions will benefit from this collaboration?
The framework is designed to support future HEMS programs across Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region.

Who is involved in the research and development?
The R&D is being led by Lindo’s internal team and Marker Design, with integration support from Airbus Helicopters and advanced manufacturing backing from the Victorian Government.

Sources

• Lindo Official Statement