Issoire APM 40 Simba

The Issoire APM 40 Simba is a light sport aircraft produced by the French manufacturer Issoire Aviation, a company that emerged in the early 2000s from the legacy of the former Pédal'Air workshops in Issoire. Designed to meet European LSA (Light‑Sport Aircraft) regulations, the Simba first flew in 2007 and entered limited production the following year, quickly gaining a reputation for simplicity and economical operation. Its high‑wing, strut‑braced configuration provides excellent visibility and stable handling, while the all‑metal airframe—primarily aluminum alloy with composite fairings—offers durability and straightforward maintenance. Powered by a Rotax 912ULS or 914 turbocharged engine, the Simba delivers a cruising speed around 115 kt, a range of approximately 650 km, and a useful load sufficient for two occupants plus modest baggage. The aircraft incorporates modern avionics options, including glass cockpit packages, enhancing situational awareness without adding weight. Significantly, the Simba has broadened access to flying for private pilots and flight schools across Europe, demonstrating how a modestly priced, low‑maintenance platform can fulfill both recreational and training roles. Its blend of traditional construction techniques with contemporary performance standards underscores Issoire Aviation’s contribution to revitalizing the European light‑sport sector.