Symphony Aircraft Industries Sa-160

Single Piston

The Symphony SA-160 is a two-seat, single-engine composite aircraft developed by Symphony Aircraft Industries, a company with roots in both Israeli and American aviation engineering. First certified in the early 2000s, the SA-160 was designed as a modern training and personal aircraft combining composite construction with traditional low-wing configuration. Powered by a Lycoming IO-320 engine producing 160 horsepower, it features a sleek fiberglass fuselage and offers respectable performance for its class, with a cruise speed around 135 knots and useful load approaching 600 pounds. The type represents an attempt to bring composite efficiency and modern ergonomics to the entry-level and training market, competing against established metal aircraft like the Piper Warrior and Cessna 172. Though production numbers remained modest compared to legacy manufacturers, the SA-160 found a niche among flight schools and private owners seeking something different from the standard trainer fleet. Its operating envelope is typical for a modern two-seat trainer: never-exceed speed of 165 knots, structural cruising speed of 135 knots, and stall speeds in the high 40s to low 50s depending on configuration. SkyMeter has tracked 6 flights across 2 airframes and 2 operators over routes, with KESTRELX LLC the largest observed operator.