Company Profile
The AVID FLYER was the brain-child of aircraft designer Dean Wilson. Back in 1983, Dean realized the need for an inexpensive alternative to certified aircraft - not another ultralight, but a safe, well-built airplane. It would have to incorporate accepted aircraft structure and use the new lightweight two-stroke aircraft engines. It also had to have folding wings, allowing the plane to be towed home and stored in the garage. First seen at Oshkosh in 1983, this AVID flew with a Cuyuna engine and tricycle landing gear. It was an instant success and won the coveted "Best New Design" award.
It wasn't long before AVID's customers were asking for more cabin room, faster cruise speeds, and even more load-carrying capability. So Dean went back to the drawing board to create several different models of the AVID FLYER.
Dean even built a special AVID FLYER to fly to the North Pole. This aircraft incorporated an 85-gallon fuel tank, and on May 7, 1987, Hubert de Chevigny successfully landed his AVID at the North Pole - the first amateur built aircraft to land there. But that wasn't enough for Dean. He saw a market for an affordable flying boat, and the AVID AMPHIBIAN was born. This truly unique design incorporated the same wing fold as the FLYER, but with a new airframe. The AMPHIBIAN is a true three-place aircraft with great performance.
So what is Dean up to these days? Well, he has created what must be the largest homebuilt aircraft ever ! Designed to fly around the world on a special film mission, the AVID EXPLORER is large enough to accommodate an AVID FLYER, with its wings folder, inside!
Where is AVID today? After careful design and testing Avid introduced the CHAMPION, a 103 legal ultra-lite.
In the spring of 1999 Jim & KimTomash of McAllister, MT bought all manufacturing rights and tooling. Avid was then moved to Ennis, Montana. Back in full production the R&D crew are busy creating new and exciting additions and enhancements to the already popular line of kit-planes!
What are the plans for the future? PLENTY! Avid is looking at several new and exciting designs to add to the hangar.
AVID AIRCRAFT is truly a unique and innovative company, with its eyes on the future and its ears listening to you, the customer.
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