Their search led them to the Czech Republic, where skilled workers have been making all-metal military aircraft for decades. The aircraft of choice was the Direct Fly Alto, a docile, low wing, all metal aircraft with a generous useful load of 610 lbs.

The reliable 100 hp Rotax 912ULS engine powers the Alto. For its equipment, Corbi chose quality manufacturers such as Sensenich propeller, Matco and Beringer brakes and wheels, ACS, Kunzelman lighting, Vertical Power, Approach Fast Stack "ProHub"and avionics from Advanced Flight Systems, Dynon and Garmin.

This mindset is carried on to the electrical system; the Alto is wired with aviation grade Teflon coated wire and incorporates a Vertical Power electronic circuit breaker system and an Approach Fast Stack "Pro Hub" avionics interface system.

Servicing and troubleshooting are eased with a removable, forward sliding canopy and glareshield. This, plus a removable instrument panel face, allows access all the way to the firewall.

In the engine compartment, there is ample room between the firewall and the back of the engine for easy access.

Of course, all this effort is useless if the airplane has any bad habits. Corbi Air has ensured that their #1 criteria was met: the rugged Alto has honest, predictable handling.

For the student it provides the foundation to learn and promotes skills and confidence. This translates into safety in all modes of flight.

But, the Alto is not just for training. Experienced pilots will enjoy trouble-free, low-cost ownership and a satisfying fun flying experience.

For more information contact Corbi Air, Inc. at (330) 337-1180, see www.CorbiAir.com or e-mail Ron@CorbiAir.com or Dennis@CorbiAir.com.

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In April, Project TeenFlight - a dozen teenagers ranging from 13 to 17 - finished and flew their RV-12 after 59 Saturday work sessions. Look for that airplane, and some of the kids that built it, at EAA's AirVenture at Oshkosh.

See http://teenflight.blogspot.com/ for details.

There are several reasons for the success of Van's newest design:

The RV-12 is simply the most complete and accurate aluminum aircraft kit ever manufactured. The "matched-hole" parts come completely pre-formed with every rivet and bolt hole punched.

An entire tailcone can be built - straight out of the box - in a long day.  Everything, from the stickers on the instrument panel to the last cotter pin, is included in the kit.

Engine, avionics, wiring harnesses, tires - it's all there. The only thing the builder has to provide is the fluids and about 800 hours of enjoyable work.

RVs are known for excellent handling and flying qualities, and the RV-12 continues the tradition. It is agile, docile, roomy and just fun to fly.

Several features set the RV-12 apart - and ahead - of other LSA airplanes:

Two people can remove or install the wings in about five minutes. A tow hook on the nose gear allows the fuselage to be pulled onto a trailer by one person.

The whole airplane can be homeward bound on a trailer in about the same amount of time it takes to recover a boat or set up a camp trailer - leaving hangar rent in the rear view mirror.
The cabin of the RV-12 is set forward of the wing, allowing generous space for occupants well over 6' tall. The seating location and bubble canopy afford tremendous visibility, including a view of the ground that matches most high-wing airplanes.

Better yet, the RV-12 is affordable. A simple version, finished and flying costs about $64,000  less than half the asking price of many ready-to-fly LSA aircraft imported from Europe (or China).

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It is known for its ability to carry a great payload a long distance at top LSA speeds. The company's CT series has historically sold well in the west.

From the ease of ground handling by a single person, the simplicity of operation compared to GA aircraft is dramatic. The engine has a 2,000-hour TBO and it loves to burn auto fuel.

The CTLS has become a fun tool that is much easier to operate than a typical general aviation airplane. With fuel prices rising fast and an uncertain future for 100LL this plane offers 21st century Synthetic vision avionics and an out of this world view with simplicity and better than expected all-around performance.

CTLS uses the same amount of gas per mile as your family automobile  albeit at much higher speeds. In a no wind condition CTLS gets 25 mpg at 130 mph.

FD Distributors West has partnered with Lone Mountain Aviation to provide a very professional and highly skilled sales and service organization. Both can be reached at 702-309-2200.

FD Distributors is the west coast distributor for Flight Design and Lone Mountain Aviation is the factory authorized service center to include full structural composite repairs. Flight Design has service centers set up all across the United States.

FD Distributors has partnered with Elite Aviation in Las Vegas, Nevada (702-835-1222) and Copper City Aviation in Bisbee, Arizona (520-266-0515) as dealers and flight training locations. Contact them for sales and training information.

The visibility, simplicity and economy of the Flight Design CTLS give you range, speed and just plane fun to keep you flying longer for less. Get a partner in a new CTLS and get energized to fly!

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By Dennis Hogge

We were in my Lancair 320 so I could get my ticket punched and when we landed.

"Pappy," who flew P-51s in the war, still hadn't told me if I passed. I think he made the decision even before we took off.

I think it was when I told him I made my first solo cross-country in the Lancair to Las Vegas.
"I haven't had this much fun since the war," Pappy said as he flew most of the ride himself. I passed and IÕve been building and flying composite aircraft ever since. I have 3,800+ hours in Lancairs, so I know how they are supposed to work.

I discovered building from my dad, who had me holding things for him as soon as I was able. He started a bicycle repair shop after the war.

By the age of six, I knew how most mechanical things worked and I was building things soon afterward. My first major project was a hotrod that I wanted to put a big V8 in.

I asked my dad if I could do it in the back yard.

"No way!" he said. "It will take too long and kill the grass."

So I did it in two weeks while he was away on vacation. That's how my building career started.

Airplanes came into my life in 1990. I was building a Lancair and friends kept asking me why I was building an airplane if I didn't even know how to fly. My response was, "You need an airplane to learn in, so why not a fast one?"

Someone saw my plane and asked me to build them one. Hogge Aircraft was born.

At Hogge Aircraft, we specialize in composite aircraft and we do the complete job, from unpacking the crate to test flying the plane.

There are always the custom guys who want to try something different. Put 1,000 horsepower in a Lancair IV-P? Sure!

At Hogge Aircraft, we can do anything your imagination can think up and do it well. We have experience working on the Lancair IV, IV-P, 360, 320 and 235, the Glasair, Wheeler Express, Legend, Legacy and more.

For more information call Hogge Aircraft in San Diego, Calif.at (619) 549-9606.

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With its sweeping compound curves, the Series 2000 is very aerodynamically efficient, but yet still displays a sense of style, making it one of the most beautiful and stylish airplanes available anywhere.

Roominess was another objective. The Series 2000 boasts the largest and most versatile cabin in a four place piston aircraft - both certified and kit built!

In fact, the Express boasts more cabin room and better performance than most retractable certified aircraft ... but with fixed gear and for thousands of dollars less.

Express yourself, come fly with us, you will be amazed.

For more information call (360) 864-6271 Mail to: Express Aircraft Company 148 Skyhawk Dr. Toledo, WA. 98591 or visit us on the web at: www.compairtechllc.com.

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You will definitely want to be a part of this amazing day! Last year over 1,000 people enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast, with thousands more admiring over 100 antique cars, trucks and airplanes, plus participating in numerous valuable auction items.

"Great food, no lines, what a super community event, can't wait to put it on my calendar for next year," were just some of the compliments received. All proceeds will again benefit New Generations Early Childhood Development Center.

Also join us Friday, Sept.10 - Oregon Pilot Association Conference where Nationally known aviation humorist/author Rod Machado will speak. Sunriver is one of America's premier resorts and among its friendliest private airports (S21) with its 5455 x 75-ft runway and large apron.

It's only 19 miles from Mt. Bachelor, the fifth largest ski resort in North America renowned for its powdery snow from the Cascade Range from October to May and within a 50 mile radius, you have over 125 lakes where you can fish, float, boat, kayak or swim from June to September.

While in Sunriver or any other time please feel free to talk with me about properties available in  this wonderful area, and any area in Central Oregon especially if you are thinking of buying a vacation home or relocating here. That's my specialty in Bend, Sisters, Redmond and Three Rivers South.

I will be serving pancakes at the breakfast and would love to talk with you. See our ad in this issue and see our featured property in next month's issue of Pacific Flyer.

For more information about the Fly-In or properties in the area contact: Ginny Kansas-Meszaros, Principal Broker, 541-977-2710, email: ginny.m.kansas@gmail.com or visit: www.ginnyk.com.

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nV Aerospace offers a fast-build kit, including pre-molded parts and components from their fully upgraded manufacturing facility now at their new location in Chino, Calif. Steve and Eric Glover acquired the company in September of 2009.

They also purchased all molds and tooling for wings, landing gear and other components from Deihl Aeronautical to bring everything in house for the fabrication of the KR series of aircraft.
Steve has had a passion for aircraft since a young age.

While in the Marine Corps he built his first homebuilt in the barracks at MCAS El Toro in the 90Õs.
He has built three aircraft and is now working on the factory demonstrator and finishing up an A&P program at OCC in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Eric started building a RV-7 until Steve brought him to the dark side with wood and composite construction. As if he didnÕt spend enough time around aircraft, Eric is a Division Officer in an Aircraft maintenance facility in the U.S. Navy and is stationed at Pt. Mugu in Ventura County.

For more information visit www.nVAero.com or call (800) 515-4811.

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