Arion Lightning
Arion Aircraft · United States · first flew 2006 · light aircraft
The Arion Lightning is an American all-composite light sport aircraft first flown on 3 March 2006, available as a factory-built SLSA or a 600-hour kit. It offers efficient cross-country cruise performance on modest fuel consumption.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- All-composite low-wing light sport aircraft with fixed spatted tricycle gear
- Jabiru flat-six engine behind a smooth composite cowling
- Side-by-side two-seat cockpit with large bubble canopy
A clean low-wing composite monoplane with retractable tricycle undercarriage, side-by-side seating, and a tapered wing with rounded tips. Distinguished from Cirrus SR20 by its much smaller size and LSA category compliance.
Specifications
- The Arion Lightning has a length of 6.3 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.3 m (31 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Pete and Ben Krotje and Nick Otterback, the Lightning was one of the early LSA designs to appear after the FAA established the sport pilot/light sport aircraft category in 2004. It has been produced in modest numbers and is popular in the kit-build community.
Variants
Available in SLSA and E-LSA kit form; engine options include Jabiru 3300 and Continental O-200 derivatives.
Where you'll see it
Operated privately in the US and several export markets; not used in military or commercial aviation.
Related aircraft
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