skypics

Avideers:
 
After putting on 4200 hours on my madel B STOL with the bat wing design I have decided to recover my wings.
 
The fabric has been on the Avid since its inception in 1988. I did not build it.
 
After removing the fabris I noticed the great workmanship the Craig Johnson put into it.
 
A friend who is very good at working with fabiric airplanes is doing the work and is using the Stewart System
 
I always wondered why my fabric would be so loose in colder weather and when I took off the fabric I could see why. The trailing edge wire had gotten loose over the yeras.
 
We are going to put aluminum trailing edges on to replace the wire.
 
It is amazing how much wing surface this change will add.
 
I am anxious to see if there is any positive performance changes.
 
I'll let this forum know one way or the other.
 
John M

My name is John. I have owned an Avid model B STOL since 1990 and hav flow in for 4150 hours so far.
 
I have been through 5 different engines. 1) Rotax 532 with rope start 2 & 3) Rotax 582s 4 & 5) Jabiru 2200.
 
The 532 was swapped for the 1st 582 for the dual ignition feature. The 1st 582 had no starter so I hand propped it. The 2nd 582 had an E box with starter. 
 
I wanted a 4 stroke and installed the 1st Jabiru 2200. They had just changed to hyd lifters and the engine had many issues and problems. I had it rebuilt after an exhaust valved head popped and destroyed the number 2 piston, head rod, etc. My dealer replaced the bad stuff and rebuilt it. 
 
After getting it back from him I fired it up and it threw a rod. I was pissed as you might imagine. 
 
I contacted the dealer and he said he would provide me with a brand new , up to date Jab 2200 if only I wouldn't publish my experience on the Jabiru forum. I agreed and have been well pleased with this latest engine. I have flown it for 850 hours with nary a hick-up.
 
I did not build my Avid, but I have modified it to make it all that it can be.
 
Removed the panel tank. Don't like gas hanging over my legs. It still carries 28 gallons in the wings.
Removed the flberglass bucket seats and replaced with the sling seat
Moved the rudder peddals forward 3 inches.
Added extensions on the elevators for better pitch authority
Split the windshield. Now it has a clear .060 front Lexan and a .125 tinted top glass.
Changed the 600 x 6 tires for 800 x 6 x 21" Tundras for that back country flying.
Installed a leaning device similar to HacMan for the Bing carb.
Installed a vacuum gauge similar to that used on autos to monitor my engine health.
Installed VGs which gave much lower stall with flaperons OFF and some benefit with flaperons ON.
Installed VGs on pilot side of the vertical stab to compensate for the vert stab offset designed for the Rotax spinning the other direction.
Installed gap seals on horizontal surfaces
Installed fairings in jury struts, horizontal lift struts and tubes that go from the bungied to the axels.
Installed a Dynon D6 for those times when you wish you had gyros on board.
Installed fuel flow meter
 
My Avid cruises at 100-105 TAS running 2900 RPM burning 2.8 GPH. Range is about 10 hours or 1000 miles...cough...cough. Bladder range is 3 hours.
Climb is 1000-1400 FPM depending on load and DA.
 
The Avid was built in 1988 by Craig Johnson
 
John
 
 
 
 

I have a set of 600 x 6 tires with tubes mounted on Matco 6" rims. Brakes and rotors are with this sale.

The tires are used, but have 50% tread left.

$350 plus shipping.

John

714-329-5506