ALLEGRO

LSA America is the new US-based manufacturer of one of the earliest and most popular Light-Sport aircraft, Allegro. The modestly priced and pleasant flying Czech design is now made-in-the-USA, in North Carolina. The Allegro was the third Light-Sport Aircraft to win its FAA Airworthiness Certificate. The original Czech Republic designer and producer of Allegro fell upon difficult times and for several years the brand was not supplied to the US even while service for the type continued. Americans Doug and Betty Hempstead, who represented the aircraft from the start, came to the rescue and have now restarted production as a US-built aircraft.

Also running a flight school, they have logged more than 4,800 hours on one particular Allegro as of the end of 2012, proving both the staying power of the business as well as the capability of the aircraft to withstand the rigors of student training.

Featuring modest prices, Allegro will not bust your budget to get airborne and yet its specifications are strong and satisfying. Allegro’s never exceed speed is 168 mph, generously beyond the maximum speed allowed for LSA (120 knots or 138 mph). Under normal power settings Allegro cruises easily at about 115 mph. Powered by the reliable 80-hp or 100-hp Rotax 912 engine, the aircraft climbs better than 1,000 fpm.

When sightseeing through Allegro’s big windows, you can cut fuel use to less than 3 gph (11.5 litres) and still cruise around at 105 mph. Performance is enhanced by Allegro’s excellent glide ratio 12-to-1.