Allegro 2000

ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

The Allegro 2000 is a conventional three-axis airplane with a T-tail powered by either a Rotax 912 or 912S. It is a two-place, tricycle gear airplane with a Kevlar-composite fuselageand an all-metal high wing with fuel tanks.

"This beautiful aircraft is of Czech Republic heritage and will be constructed in Sanford, North Carolina, hopefully beginning in June," reports company President Betty Hempstead in an exclusive interview with ANN.

Located at Sanford-Lee County Airport in Sanford, North Carolina, Fantasy Air is importing the aircraft, but will shortly become the home for all US manufacturing of Allegro 2000s. Because it will be the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), for the planes, there will be a full range of repair/replacement parts, full warrantee work and pilot training classes tailored to the Allegro 2000.

"Related to certification," said Hempstead, "The FAA has the Allegro 2000 on the list for Special Light Sport Aircraft which means that, once successfully certificated, it may be sold ready-to-fly and used for flight instruction and rental." The factory also will make available Experimental Light Sport "Quick Build" kits (not required to be 51% user fabricated).

"This airplane distinguishes itself from the competition because it flies a lot like a Cessna 172 with ultralight-like landing abilities and it is the most economically priced of any of them," Hempstead said. "We flew from Raleigh-Durham NC to Lakeland Florida (Sun 'n Fun) cruising around 120 mph and in great comfort," Hempstead said with obvious sense of accomplishment.

"We are very, very optimistic about the new FAA rules for LSA and sport pilots," said Hempstead. "Light Sport just came out this week, and since then we've sold 19 plane. Deliveries will begin in June through nineteen dealers spread over the United States. When you get one of our planes, you will get a fully registered aircraft with airworthiness certificate in the Light Sport Category, plus all of the owner manuals, and pilot and aircraft log books."

FMI www.FantasyairUSA.com