By ANN Correspondent (And All-Around Good Guy) John Ballantyne

ANN is doing its best to follow the developments of a renewed Symphony Aircraft Industry's rather rapid series of achievements.

Symphony is "committed to bringing a 2 place aircraft to the market that is both modern and economical, and incorporates technology that aircraft owners want," says President and CEO Paul Costanzo  to a packed room of media representatives Tuesday morning at SnF.

Symphony intends to offer a broad scope of technology options with strategic partners that will make the Symphony 160 both a superb trainer and an equally superb recreational aircraft. The Symphony SA 160 is a 2 place aircraft that offers 700 lbs. of useful load, 150 mp miles per hour cruise speed, a roomy and comfortable cabin, outstanding visibility, a large baggage compartment and an elegant and modern look.

Costanzo said the Symphony story holds many turns and twists that are now entirely resolved. Transport Canada assumed responsibility as the "State of Design" and has issued the Type and Production Certificates to Symphony Aircraft Industries.

Representatives from each of the three alliance companies were in attendance including Greg Ellsworth, Boris Popov (both shown below) and Larry Williams of BRS, and Glenn MacMillian representing S-TEC and Avidyne.

Alliances with these companies include:

• Five-year alliance with Meggitt/S-TEC to provide autopilot technology as factory-installed option,
• Avidyne Entegra, integrated flight deck glass cockpit,
• Ballistic Recovery System (BRS) whole aircraft recovery parachute system.

Costanzo fielded several questions about production schedule to which he said Symphony expects to have two aircraft certificated to FAA Part 23 by the end of July, and customer deliveries by September, 2005. Another reporter asked how large Symphony expects the market demand to become. Costanzo said Symphony expects production to eventually get somewhere between 200 to 500 aircraft per year, but it will take several years to get, there he said.

Prices include the Symphony SA-160 with the VFR package for $139,900, IFR is $154,900, and Glass IFR (entirely replaces VFR equipment package) for $189,650. The BRS ballistic parachute will be factory installed (pending certification) for $18,500.

FMI: www.symphonyaircraft.com