Symphony Aircraft, based in Three Rivers, Quebec, announced on Tuesday that it has obtained from Transport Canada the type and production certificates for the Symphony 160 two-seater, which were formerly held by a now-defunct German company. With these certificates in hand, the first North American-built Symphony 160 aircraft will be delivered on March 31, the company said. Symphony added that it will have more announcements and details later this week, so watch for a follow-up report in Monday’s AVweb news. A Symphony rep recently completed a cross-country tour showing off a brand-new 160 to the aviation press and we flew it. The small airplane has a roomy and uncluttered cockpit, with lots of visibility, plus pleasant predictable flying qualities that you can enjoy without rubbing elbows with your cabin-mate. It also managed a full-fuel departure with bags (and two pilots) at about 700 fpm (in clear, dry 70-degree air). The 160 will sell for around $150,000 IFR-equipped with steam gauges (and a nice Garmin radio package). The aircraft is basically a wider, much better-looking (one opinion) Cessna 172 that doesn’t pretend it has four seats. The company is also developing a four-seater (with substantially more horsepower) and a diesel version of the 160.
