We particularly liked the first version of the Alto aircraft which arrived in Italy, with a two-wheel undercarriage and powerful six-cylinder engine of 120 HP, not only for its flying characteristics, but also thanks to the robust and simple structure. Today, after a long wait, a "more European“ version is available, with the Rotax 912 engine of output 100 HP, with a three-wheel undercarriage, which to a great extent tackles the problems faced by an intermediate-level experienced pilot, and ultimately makes the machine more maneuverable on the ground, and with a level of final preparation which suits the requirements of the market despite remaining simple. It should be pointed out that the two-wheel version was easily maneuverable thanks to the differential brakes and good reaction of the rudder, but the front outlook when rolling was rather restricted and in lateral wind conditions taxiing required certain attention. All such problems have been resolved in this version. The version represents a new application of Direct Fly on the world market, an application which accounts also for the LSA version with an MTOW of 600 kg, which will be available within a short time. The whole-metal TG model with the lower arrangement of wings does not differ structurally from the previous one, unless we look at the undercarriage and at the different dimensions of the control areas, which were remade in order to achieve even more pleasant piloting.

Flight test of new "all-metal" aeroplane from the Czech Republic. Prepared by the Test Department.

Small aeroplane which flies HIGH – ALTO

Inspired by several bestsellers from the American school of the eighties, the Alto TW 3300 aircraft promises a racing performance. This will doubtlessly be achieved as soon as the machine is set up. Once characteristic feature is the unusual wheel used to steer the craft.

Sauro Salvucci (Aviomarche) presents a new model from the Czech Republic. It is called the Alto. We don’t know what the real meaning of the word “alto” is in its original language, but if we take its literal translation into Italian it doesn’t seem a particularly suitable word to define this plane, which looks flimsy yet promises racing features. The shape of this aircraft is reminiscent of the RV 7 Van´s Aircraft and Sonerai II. The Alto TW 3300 is made entirely of metal and consists of a fuselage and ribs in a rectangular cross-section rounded at the top and connected with reinforcing struts. The cockpit is a natural extension of the fuselage with a retractable cover at the front, which gradually flattens out to a fireproof partition to which the steel engine bed is screwed.