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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.
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