An historic step for Belgian aviation: after a three-year development and testing programme, Sonaca Aircraft has been awarded the EASA Type Certificate for its Sonaca 200 aircraft. The aircraft now meets all the techical specifications of airworthiness.
“The Sonaca 200 certification application was filed in August 2015 and the Type Certificate was issued in just under three years after the initial filing. This is an exceptional performance,” says Harold van der Straten, CEO of Sonaca Aircraft .
Thanks to the Type Certification, Sonaca Aircraft is now authorized to fly the Sonaca 200, under a European Airworthiness Certificate, both in Europe and in the rest of the world. “This is of course a strategic step of the project but also a symbolic moment for Belgium, which had not produced any certified aircraft for several decades!” says Carl Mengdehl, Head of Design Organization and Co-Founder.
Deliveries and models available for sale in 2018
The first Sonaca 200 deliveries will take place after the certification. “As we had started industrial production several months ago, we will be ready to deliver the first 4 planes in September 2018 and a dozen planes by the end of the year,” said Pierre Van Wetter, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder at Sonaca Aircraft. Two versions of the aircraft are currently available: the Sonaca 200 Trainer (analog version) and the Sonaca 200 Trainer Pro (glass cockpit version).
“There is an increased demand for airline pilots, aviation schools need to expand and replace their existing fleet,” Harold van der Straten added, “in order to meet this continuous demand, Sonaca Aircraft will have a brand new assembly hall ready next January in order to build and deliver more than 80 aircraft per year. At least 40 aircraft will be delivered in 2019.”
New developments in progress
Sonaca Aircraft does not intend to stop with the first two versions of the Sonaca 200, the company is currently working on the certification of a utility version for “Upset Prevention and Recovery Training” (UPRT) training courses as well as an IFR version (Instrument Flight Rules).
Sonaca 200: technical specifications and prices
ENGINE: • BRP-Rotax 914 F – 115 hp
SEATS: • Seating capacity: 2
DIMENSIONS: • Wing span: 9.15 m • Length: 7 m
WEIGHT AND LOAD: • Weight empty: 460 kg • Maximum take-off weight: 750 kg • Fuel Capacity: 150 l (2 x 75 l)
PERFORMANCE: • Max cruise speed: 115 knots • Rate of climb: 750 feet per minute
STRUCTURE: • Aluminum Alloy
FUEL CONSUMPTION: • 18 l/hour
PRICE: • Price: from 177,500 euros
