Aero Composites Apm-30 Lion

Single Piston

The APM-30 Lion is a French four-seat single-engine piston aircraft manufactured by Aero Composites, notable for its all-composite construction and modern glass cockpit in the light general aviation category. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Lion was designed as a touring and training aircraft emphasizing efficiency and handling, powered by a Lycoming IO-360 engine producing 200 horsepower. Its composite airframe keeps empty weight low while providing a useful load competitive with metal contemporaries like the Cessna 182 or Piper Dakota. The APM-30 cruises at approximately 135 knots and offers a range of around 700 nautical miles with standard fuel, making it suitable for cross-country flight training and personal transportation across Europe. Its never-exceed speed of 162 knots and structural cruising speed of 135 knots place it firmly in the high-performance single-engine piston class, while stall speeds in the mid-50-knot range provide docile low-speed handling. The type remains relatively rare compared to mass-produced American singles, with production concentrated in France and a small but dedicated operator base. SkyMeter has tracked 8 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with activity spanning routes.