Alpha Aviation's Alpha 160A

Alpha Aviation, based in Hamilton, New Zealand, focuses on building “aircraft that meet the specific requirements of aero clubs, flying schools and private owner/operators.” Their lineup of aircraft is built with primary training in mind, but also with the strength for spin and upset recovery training, and to introduce basic aerobatic maneuvers.

“This one ticks a lot of boxes as a good training aircraft,” said Damian DelGaizo, chief flight instructor at Andover Flight Academy in northern New Jersey. Andover Flight is known for tailwheel and bush flying training but has embraced this modern airplane as an option for pilots who want an introduction to aerobatics or upset training.

“It’s aerobatic, has control sticks, but with side-by-side seating. That makes it a better training platform, instead of having the instructor in the back seat. It’s a nosewheel, low-wing airplane, which also makes it good for first-time flyers and primary training. The all-metal construction and Lycoming engine are familiar and easy to maintain, and the price is reasonable. It’s an all-around good trainer, all the way through upset recovery, spin training, and basic aerobatics,” he said.

The Alpha 160 series evolved from the French Avions Robin R2160. The Alpha name was given to an updated version of the Robin, built with new wings and tail surfaces to allow aerobatics. In 2004, Alpha Aviation in New Zealand was founded and bought the engineering jigs, equipment, and production rights to the design. The Alpha 160A is powered by a carbureted 160-horsepower Lycoming O-320 and is FAA certified under Part 23 in utility and aerobatic categories. An upgraded version, the Alpha 160 Ai, uses the Lycoming AEIO-320 fuel-injected engine, with fuel and oil systems approved for inverted flight. A third model, the Alpha 120T “basic trai

ner,” is powered by a 118-horsepower Lycoming O-235 engine, thereby reducing its purchase price and operating costs.

Long White Cloud
The “Land of the Long White Cloud” is the most common English translation of Aotearoa, the contemporary Maori-language name for New Zealand. With a ridge of mountains running the length of the country, it’s one of the best locations for glider pilots attempting record distance flights.  —DKJAll the Alpha aircraft are sturdily built using conventional metal construction techniques. The design features a huge bubble canopy that slides forward for easy entry and offers nearly unlimited visibility. The oleo-strut landing gear are enclosed in streamlined fairings that improve cruise speed and give it a sporty appearance. A large ventral strake below the fuselage improves its aerobatic characteristics and a skid protects the tail from nose-high landings.

I flew the Alpha 160A with its owner, Justine Pasniewski, a flight instructor at Andover, and found it to be everything they claimed. I appreciated the adjustable (fore and aft) seats, and the five-point harness reminds you what this little airplane can do, as does the placard listing speeds for spins, positive loops, rolls, chandelles, and flick rolls, among other maneuvers. The control sticks curve under the instrument panel instead of connecting through the floor, which gives extra space for your legs. Takeoff is normal using a small amount of flaps, and the airplane climbs easily at 1,000 feet per minute. The controls are extremely smooth, and the airplane responds briskly. One item I really liked was the large trim wheel that operated effortlessly, with just a light touch. It gave me the impression of fine engineering. The two-seater has room behind the seats for 77 pounds of cargo, enough for two overnight bags. Although it’s not IFR-certified, its cruising speed of 120 knots at 75-percent power makes this an enjoyable airplane for moderate-distance travel or just local fun flying.

So far, only two Alphas have been imported into the United States, and both are available for training. One is located at Andover Flight Academy, based at Aeroflex/Andover Airport (12N) in northern New Jersey. The second is located at CHI Aerospace, based at Portsmouth International at Pease Airport (PSM) in New Hampshire.

Why did Pasniewski go all the way to New Zealand to buy an airplane? “I wanted to get into aerobatics, and I had read a lot about the Robin R2160 being a good introductory aircraft, which led me to the Alpha,” she said.

“It’s good for learning basic aerobatics—loops, spins, rolls, hammerheads—and upset training for pilots who are not tailwheel endorsed, since so often aerobatics are taught using tailwheel aircraft. It’s an airplane built in this century that can give students actual spin and upset recovery experience. When I’m teaching spins in our Cub, I think, ‘This is a 76-year-old airplane, don’t we have anything more modern?’ This is it.”