Avid Flyer MK IV ZU-BJE

[Dusty Eagle]

My Avid has languished in the back of my hangar for far too long.

I am now in the process of refurbishing her and will post pics as I go along.
She has only done 297Hours, has a new blue top 582 Rotax with a new Warp Drive 3 blade prop. [ These have done 5 hours on the frame].

As we know, she is the Bushbaby granddaddy and Im looking forward to comparing it with my Explorer when I get it flying.
Other than the extra power on take off and climb, there should not be much difference, we shall see.

[Dusty Eagle]

Progress is slow but the pics show: The new turtle deck, I made a new elevator trim which is 0.75kg lighter than the original, the undercarraige has been silver painted and the top cowling is ready for final painting.

Interesting is that the engine is mounted the "right way down". The upside down installation lifts the thrust line and gives the top a very flat look which does not impede your view on short finals.

It is time to decide the colour scheme. Anyone have any intersting pics of similar type aircraft out there.

[Dusty Eagle]

The pic shows thet the flat cowling does not interfere with a landing.

The side view shows the rather drab finish she had when I purchased her.

The other pic is a proposal of an interssted party. I like the two tone white yellow fuselage, but I think the trim on the wings needs a bit of tweeking.

Anyone know this Bushbaby and the owner. Would like to chat to him before I copy any of his inspiration.

[Dusty Eagle]

The pic was too large, had to reduce to post.

Anyone have the owners number?

[Mogas]

Hi Nico
That BB was built by the owner together with Boet from Loeriesfontein.
It and the owner now live in Oz.
I doubt anyone would mind if you took some inspiration from their paint job, pm Boet if you wish.
Cheers
Rick

[Dusty Eagle]

Hi Rick.

Thanks for that.

I am thinking on the lines of this for the wings and tail feathers, would go quite well with the fuselage.

[Mogas]

Nice!

[Aerosan]

This is how I modified that scheme for my old Koala, Im not sure why I didnt do the horisontal.... looks great the way they did it.

Enjoy your build

Sanna

[Goose]

[Boet]

You can copy ZU CUR`s scheme any day. Would feel flattered if you do!!

[Dusty Eagle]

Thanks Goose, is that one of your rebuilds, and Aerosan your Kaola looks great.

Hi Boet, knew you were lurking and hope you are well. But thanks, I really like the fuselage design as does my client, but he does not like the sunburst so I have to find some more for the wings and tail feathers.

Anyway, got lots of little things to prepare before we get there.

Cheers.

[Goose]

Hi Dusty

This plane is a 1996 model and still original. Belong to a client from Potgietersrus.

Goose

[KFA]

The original builder of this plane lives here in komatipoort, he now started building an Explorer. He showed me the complete build history of this plane. If you are looking for some history on your avid you must give me a call and i will send you his number. I know the wings were factory build.
Enjoy

[Dusty Eagle]

Hi Stefan.

Thanks for that, I'll definitely get his number.

I was told that at the time I bought BJE from Sandy Kirpatrick that Bill Anderson was the local Avid agent and builder at the time and operated under the name of Fox Aviation. BJE was their demo model and as it was " factory " built, can be used for training.
I'd imagine that the fuselage was imported and the wings made locally, but it would be nice to know.
I do know that the wash out is about 76mm [ 3" ] and could really land slowly.
In fact, I called Sandy while he was in the CAA offices to register it in his name for training and offered to buy it. I paid too much at the time but I had a lot of fun with her.

The refurbishment is going along nicely, almost ready to start painting.

Cheers.

[KFA]

Hi Nico,
The guy that build it is Johan Anderson zer0 7 22 seven 14 445.
Later