[2] The Sonerai began to compete as a single-seat, mid-wing, tailwheel[3] Formula-V racer class formed in 1972.

[6] Many Sonerais have been built and it remains a very popular design for people seeking a low-cost experimental aircraft with good speed and maneuverability.

[7] The Sonerai I design and construction started in 1970 with the goal of a flying aircraft to be demonstrated at the 1971 EAA airshow.

The aircraft is built around a fabric-covered steel-tube fuselage and tail,[1] with all-aluminum wings[1] and a fiberglass cowl.

[12] The prototype Sonerai 1 was displayed at the Experimental Aircraft Association Airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where Monnett eventually relocated.

The C-1a/0 (Landplanes: takeoff weight less than 300 kg) Speed over a straight 15/25 km course of 292.15 km/h (181.53 mph / 157.74 kn) on February 19, 1989.