Sonex Aircraft is excited to announce that pilot and engineer Jessica Bower has been hired as the newest member of the Hornets' Nest Research and Development team at Sonex. An incredibly synergistic hire, Jessica is a former employee of the Lockheed Martin ADP Skunk Works mentored by early Sonex lead engineer Pete Buck. Jessica is currently building Sonex #1563, while her father John Forster is building Sonex# 1567 and owns Sonex #480.

"Sonex is excited to have Jessica join our R&D staff," remarks Sonex Founder and President John Monnett. "She brings a full tool box of skills, insights and passion that will help us move forward on all our future projects."

Jessica Bower is a MIT graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics and is a native of nearby Kaukauna, WI. She earned her Private Pilot¹s License at Oshkosh¹s Wittman Regional Airport, has attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 21 out of her 27 years, and has been an EAA member since the age of 16. In the Advanced Development Programs department of Lockheed Martin, Jessica was primarily responsible for conceptual design of the next generation of military aircraft, including configuration layout and performance analysis, design skills that make her a great choice to shape the future of Sonex aircraft designs and carry-on the proud tradition of Sonex engineering.

"I am so thrilled to join the Sonex team, and to be back in the heart of experimental aviation that is Oshkosh," writes Jessica. "The Skunk Works made me want to be an aerospace engineer, but experimental airplanes are my first aviation love. Sonex has a fantastic line of airplanes and products, and I think people will be excited to see what comes out of the Hornet¹s Nest R&D Center in the future!"