2013 Sonex Model B, registration N8371 and serial number 1338, is a lightweight, all-metal experimental sport aircraft designed for economical ownership, responsive handling, and efficient cross-country flying.

Airframe & Configuration

• Manufacturer: Sonex Aircraft LLC
• Model: Sonex Model B
• Year: 2013
• Registration: N8371
• Serial Number: 1338
• Configuration: 1–2 pilot seating capacity
• Construction: Riveted aluminum monocoque airframe
• Category: Experimental / Amateur-Built
• Total Time: Approximately 250 Hours TT
• Inspection Status: Recently completed annual condition inspection

The Sonex Model B variant features the widened cabin and increased shoulder room introduced in the “B-Model” redesign, improving cockpit comfort while maintaining the compact, highly efficient airframe characteristics that made the Sonex platform popular among sport pilots and homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts.

Powerplant

N8371 is powered by the widely used AeroVee Engine powerplant, a lightweight, direct-drive, air-cooled engine specifically developed for the Sonex airframe family. The AeroVee series has become one of the most recognizable engines in the experimental aircraft segment due to its simplicity, low operating cost, and strong community support network.

The aircraft’s relatively low total time of only 250 hours indicates limited operational use and positions the airframe and engine well below typical utilization levels seen in many experimental aircraft of similar vintage.

Avionics & Navigation

The aircraft is equipped with a full avionics suite centered around the respected Garmin GNS 430 GPS/Nav/Comm system. The Garmin 430 remains one of the most trusted integrated avionics platforms in general aviation due to its reliability, IFR navigation capability, and intuitive pilot interface.

Avionics highlights include:

• Garmin 430 GPS/Nav/Comm
• Integrated moving map navigation
• VHF communications capability
• VOR/ILS navigation functionality
• Full panel avionics configuration
• Cross-country capable navigation platform

The Garmin 430 system combines GPS navigation, communications, and navigation radios into a compact flight deck solution and remains highly regarded throughout the experimental and certified aircraft markets alike.

Flight Characteristics

The Sonex platform is known for:

• Responsive and sporty handling
• Excellent visibility
• Efficient fuel consumption
• Strong short-field capability
• Economical operating costs
• High cruise efficiency relative to horsepower

The Model B airframe maintains Sonex’s signature light control feel while providing improved cockpit ergonomics over earlier narrow-body variants.

Additional Background on N8371

Publicly available FAA and aviation photography records confirm:

• Aircraft registration N8371 corresponds to a 2013 Sonex, serial number 1338
• Ownership history traces to builder Bernd A. Foerster
• The aircraft has appeared publicly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, one of the world’s premier experimental aviation events

Aviation photographs and registry records indicate the aircraft has been maintained in clean cosmetic condition and actively participated within the experimental aviation community.

Summary

N8371 represents a well-equipped and low-time example of the Sonex Model B platform, combining:

• Proven AeroVee power
• Modern Garmin avionics
• Lightweight all-metal construction
• Recent inspection status
• Economical ownership profile
• Sport-oriented flight characteristics

Its low total time, recent annual condition inspection, and established avionics package make it an attractive option for sport flying, recreational cross-country missions, or continued participation in the experimental aircraft community.