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THE FOLDING WINGS
All AVID aircraft are built with a unique wing-fold system which allows
the wings to be folded in less than 5 minutes without disturbing the
integrity of the control system. Dean Wilson created this system on the first AVID. His
experience with sailplanes taught him the importance of being able to rig
the airplane without disturbing this vital function.
THE STRUCTURE
The structure of the AVID is strong, yet simple and light-weight. The
design uses proven construction techniques. The lift-strut fittings are of
a "box" design that provides not only high strength, but eliminates
bending loads for indefinite fatigue life.
The strut at the wing attach point is designed not to place any welds
under direct tensile load.
The elevator, flaps and ailerons are controlled by push tubes. The
rudder is controlled by stainless-steel cables.
THE FLAPERONS
Why do AVIDs use flaperons? Flaperons are not a new idea. They have
been used for many years on aircraft where maximum lift must be extracted
form a wing.
Later variations on the same theme include the popular S.T.O.L. kit -
sold for Cessna aircraft - that droops the ailerons with the flaps.
The idea is to enhance lift on the entire wing rather that the in-board
section only, as on more common flap/aileron designs. The flaps deploy
together a total of 15 degrees. This still allows the aileron travel of
about 5 degrees. Even after the main wing stalls, the flaperons remain
effective to provide needed roll control.
You will notice the counterbalance on all our flaperons. This insures
that the surface is static-balanced and eliminates any tendency to
flutter.
Avid Champion
The Avid Champion was
introduced in 1998, and the first plane flew in June of 1998.
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