Sonaca 200 now certified by EASA

+VIDEO The Sonaca 200 two-seat light aircraft has received its Type Certificate from EASA after a three-year development and testing programme.

Two models are covered in the certification documents:

• Sonaca 200 Trainer with analogue cockpit instruments
• Sonaca 200 Trainer Pro with a glass cockpit.

“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,” said Harold van der Straten, CEO at Sonaca Aircraft.

“On behalf of the whole Sonaca Aircraft team, I would like to thank the EASA experts and particularly the DGAC for their advice and support throughout the certification project.”

FLYER has just flown the production versiuon of the Sonaca 200 and it will be the cover story and lead flight test in the August 2018 edition of the magazine, on sale from 12 July.

“This is a symbolic moment for Belgium which had not produced a certified aircraft for several decades!” said Carl Mengdehl, Head of Design Organisation and co-founder at Sonaca Aircraft.

First deliveries and future plans

“As we had started industrial production several months ago, we will be ready to deliver the first four 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.

Sonaca Aircraft is planning to ramp up production early in 2019 with an new assembly hall. The company is aiming to deliver  at least 40 aircraft in 2019 and then ramp up to 80+ aircraft per year.

Two more models are also being worked on. A utility version cleared for spinning so it can be used for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), and a further IFR equipped aircraft.

The Sonaca 200 certification in images
This video shows the latest spins tests made on FTA 2- OO-NEW. Nearly 200 spins were conducted to allow the aircraft to perform the stall drills. These aircraft recovery tests were conducted in unusual situations. https://t.co/ZsHjdcOxkU pic.twitter.com/KUb1KOETD9

— Sonaca Aircraft (@Sonaca_Aircraft) June 27, 2018

FAST FACTS
Sonaca 200

• Engine BRP-Rotax 914 F, producing 115 hp
• Seats 2
• Wingspan 9.15m
• Length 7m
• Empty weight 460kg
• Maximum take-off weight 750 kg
• Fuel capacity 150 litres (2 x 75 l)
• Fuel burn 18 litres/hr
• Max cruise speed 115 knots
• Rate of climb: 750 feet per minute
• Price From 177,500 euros

Sonaca Aircraft