Alto 100 light sport aircraft

We used Alto's air conditioning to make a very comfortable cockpit even while flying in strong sun under a bubble canopy. Until we powered down, I didn't realize how much effect the system had. Corbi will sell this system to any airframe supplier.

Earlier air work: • Stalls were extremely mild; every stall was modest even when the nose was held high in the air.
• Accelerated (turning) stalls never dropped a wing though a pronounced buffet could be felt even by a novice pilot.
• Steep turns were so easy, even at a 45-degree bank, that I could let go of the stick.

Negatives are few:
• Trim buttons lack some tactile feel so I quick-punched the stick-top controls to relieve control pressure.
• As with most LSA you need to use but not overuse the rudders. Uncoordinated use of the controls set the electronic Dynon ball swinging though control feel is so positive that a few more trials quickly brought better results.

Alto was reworked by Ron to enhance what they called the aircraft's "maintainability," by including features like American-made brakes, bucked rivets replacing pop rivets, an electronic electrical system and a Dynon Skyview. 

Alto 100 isn't the fastest LSA; dashes in opposite directions showed a max cruise of about 104 knots at 3,000 feet MSL. For one of its primary markets, flight schools, Alto 100 is especially well behaved; students should love it yet learn excellent control skills. Experienced pilots will love Alto's mannerly flight characteristics.

Corbi said Direct Fly has built about 40 aircraft so far. The Czech company has been very responsive to requests for alterations to suit the American market, both for individuals and flight schools. I see Alto 100 as a strong candidate sure to rise in market share.

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