Perfect First Plane for New Pilots ALTO NG

Better than Cessna ? Pilots tell me ! I went to Popham airfield micro light trade fair and found the stand with Direct Fly Alto NG and they organised for me a test flight. I do have only 12 hours of flying experience in my logbook and I found this aircraft very enjoyable to fly. The ALTO NG is the new all-metal version of this popular aircraft, developed under the Czech UL-2 certification with a 600 kg maximum takeoff weight. This model benefits from fifteen years of experience in flight schools and aeroclubs, featuring a redesigned engine bed and cowling, a stiffened front leg and fuselage, and a modified elevator control system that utilizes push-pull rods instead of cables. Designed as a simple, two-seat monoplane for easy maintenance and comfortable control, it is powered by a Rotax 912ULS engine and can be equipped with a Galaxy GRS rescue system. Direct Fly now focuses exclusively on the NG version following the retirement of the 912 TG in 2022. Technically, the aircraft measures 6.30 m in length with an 8.20 m wingspan, a 10.6 m2 wing area, and a 1.10 m wide cockpit, offering a 92 l fuel capacity and an empty weight of 320 kg.Performance specifications include a cruising speed of 180 km/h (97 kts), a never-exceed speed of 260 km/h (140 kts), and stalling speeds of 76 km/h in landing configuration and 87 km/ h clean. With a maximum climbing speed of 5.1 m/s and a load factor of +4/-2, the ALTO NG requires a takeoff distance of 410 m to clear 50ft and a landing distance of 295 m from the same height. Huge thanks to Jan Sponer test pilot and Rob Grimwood Director from Exodus Airsports London micro light flying school for organising for me this test flight.