Avid Catalina
experimental aircraft, Avid Catalina experimental lightsport aircraft, Avid Catalina
homebuilt aircraft, Avid Catalina amateur built aircraft, Light Sport Aircraft Pilot News
newsmagazine.
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Light Sport Aircraft Pilot is a directory of aircraft that generally fit
into what are described as ultralight aircraft, advanced ultralight
aircraft,
light sport aircraft, experimental light sport aircraft, experimental
aircraft, amateur built aircraft, ELSA or homebuilt
aircraft in the United States and Canada. These include
weight shift aircraft, more commonly known as trikes,
powered parachutes, and powered para-gliders.
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Avid Catalina experimental
aircraft, experimental
lightsport aircraft, amateur built aircraft.
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Manufacturer/
No longer in production.
www.airdale.com for parts
Ah, the songs of the sea and the
beauty of the sky: aviating in amphibious aircraft must be
one of life's greatest thrills.
The Avid Catalina is a revamped version of their highly
regarded amphib. The Catalina offers more room than most
Affordable Flyers--space for as many as three adults to
enjoy the songs of the sea.
The 625-pound bird cruises at 75 mph, stalls at 42 mph, and
boasts light, stable handling. Top speed is 85 mph. |
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This high-wing taildragger will get you
airborne at 750 fpm and also offers a foldable wing that
allows for trailering or easy storage in a matter of
minutes. The fuselage is a welded steel tube structure while
the wing is constructed of aluminum wood ribs, steel
fittings and fabric cover. The Catalina has a 675 payload,
an easy gear retraction system, and excellent manners.
Builders report that the Catalina has a good manual.
Estimated building time 750 - 1200 hours to build your
little water-bird. The bird is a fairly stable flyer that
has demonstrated an ability to handle well over 30 mph winds
(I got stuck once in a squall line in the original factory
demonstrator... I actually backed up on landing). There is a
fair amount of pitching with power adjustments due to it's
high pylon mounting but a very powerful elevator and
aggressive trim system ameliorate that nicely. The airplane
is pretty rudder dominated, the pitch profile is lightly
positive and the control pressures are light and pleasant.
Ground handling is very good, especially now that the old
style droop wing tips were replaced with sponsons.
Zoom Report: This aircraft has gotten some
significant improvements in the last few years.
 The
switch to sponsons offers better ground ops, and visibility
and the bird just flat-out flies better. A delightful
cruiser, the Catalina is a must for the water-happy aviator.
AVID AIRCRAFT CATALINA
Design/Engineering: B+.
Ground Handling: B+. Surprisingly good in a crosswind.
Flight Characteristics: B. Easy water landings.
Kit/Plans: B+.
"Bang For The Buck": B+.
Risk Factor: 1.
Final Grade: B+. Go get wet! |
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Avid Catalina
experimental homebuilt lightsport aircraft |
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