Avid Aircraft Avid Flyer

Single Piston

The AVID Flyer is an American homebuilt aircraft designed in the late 1980s by Dean Wilson as a rugged, back-country capable light sport aircraft. Built primarily as a kit, the high-wing, tube-and-fabric design emphasizes short takeoff and landing performance, with some variants capable of clearing obstacles in under 200 feet. The aircraft's tandem seating, large tires, and simple construction made it popular among bush pilots and recreational aviators seeking an affordable platform for off-airport operations. The Flyer family includes several variants (the original Model C, the heavier Model IV, and the Speed Wing), each optimized for different missions from maximum STOL performance to modest cross-country speed. Powered by engines ranging from 40 to 80 horsepower (Rotax 503, 582, or four-stroke alternatives), the AVID cruises around 55-65 knots while sipping fuel at rates well under 4 gallons per hour. Its stall speed in landing configuration sits below 30 knots, giving pilots comfortable margins even on short grass strips. The German D-M registrations in the observed fleet indicate microlight category operation under European rules, where the type remains active in the hands of sport pilots. SkyMeter has tracked 4 flights across 2 airframes and 1 operators, with the largest observed operator.