Corbi Air, Inc. of Ohio and DirectFly s.r.o of the Czech Republic announced ASTM conformance verification of the DirectFly Alto Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) today.

Alto enters the Light Sport Aircraft market as a purpose-built LSA, tailored at the factory for Flight Training use. Corbi Air and DirectFly have been able to produce an affordable, cost-effective aircraft that is durable and reliable enough to work in the flight school environment while including features of the best general aviation aircraft today. Standard equipment includes a Mode S transponder, internal corrosion protection, electric pitch and aileron trim, nosewheel steering, Teflon coated aviation grade wiring, Vertical Power's electrical distribution system, and the U.S.-made Sensenich composite propeller with its stainless steel leading edge. Another unique feature is the U.S.-supported Beringer wheel and brake assemblies with ALIR™ anti-skid system, ideally suited for training (no more tires with flat spots).

Where other manufactures use separate oil coolers, Corbi Air has included as standard equipment a laminar flow oil to water heat exchanger proven in Europe on the "Glider Tow" version of the Alto. This warms the engine oil to the proper operating temperature more quickly for the day's first flight, or on those cold winter days; and it also provides superior cooling on those hot summer days.

Not "just another great LSA"

The Alto comes equipped with an aluminum main landing gear, proven stronger and more durable than competing carbon "legs," while retaining a comfortable ride. The Training configuration includes larger main wheels and tires, a huge 600+ pound useful load – enough to carry full fuel (24 gallons, or about 6 hours), two 210-pound pilots, and over 30 pounds of luggage. Even better, the Alto stays within its center of gravity range at any loading: from zero fuel and a single 120-lb pilot, to any combination of fuel, pilot(s), and luggage, up to its 1,320-lb. gross weight!

Owner- Pilots have not been forgotten.

Corbi Air has developed a style and function package tailored to the owner-pilot including wheel pants and upgraded leather upholstery. This Personal version also sports a useful load of over 600lbs and offers a wide array of optional instrument panel/avionics configurations including such names as Dynon, Advanced Flight, and Garmin, making the Alto a truly desirable and capable personal aircraft.

The Mechanic has not been left out.

The all-metal Alto is easy to work on, using traditional and universal techniques. Convenience and accessibility are emphasized by design features like the removable instrument panel and top cover plus the utilization of the Pro Hub avionics connectors and Vertical Power wiring system, to the floating Beringer brake discs, to an engine installation that allows access on all sides.

President Ron Corbi and Aviation Consultant Dan Coffey have achieved their goals of delivering an aircraft that is durable enough to take the punishment of high utilization and student use, and is stable and predictable, fun to fly. The Alto is straightforward and inexpensive to operate, maintain and insure; best of all, its low acquisition cost (starting at $97,500 FOB Ohio) helps to maximize flight school profitability. Current orders are to be delivered in the first quarter of 2011.

The factory demonstrator will be available for press flights at Spot 612 at the Sebring Sport Aircraft Expo, January 20-23, 2011, in Sebring, Florida.