The airplane that started KITFOX? Tony's AVID aircraft and private airstrip.

[@mathewfleming]

Yep, Avid Flyer was first, designed by Dean Wilson and Dan Denny. (I know bc I spent much of my childhood in the hangar where it was built. My best friend was Mike Wilson (Dean’s son) Dean and Danny split in the 80’s and Dan created Kitfox.

[@portnuefflyer]

Dan Denny currently lives about 1/2 mile from me. I pulled up to the jobsite (setting trusses with my crane), and the contractor said "the customer says he knows you." Yeah, Dan and I flew to Oshkosh in '88, my model 1 was serial number 120. Fun plane, at 465 pounds the 532 Rotax kicked butt. BUT, my 4 stroke Rotax 912S in my RANS S-7S uses a bit less fuel, has more guts, and I don't have to premix the fuel. Avid was FOR SURE first!

[@oneninerniner3427]

Yup Kitfox is sort of a spinoff from Avid. It's kind of like Polaris Ind. was started in Roseau MN. by three guys, two of which were brothers. And one brother eventually split off and started Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls MN. True story from my backyard. lol

[@2ndborn186]

Sounds like you have some cool story telling.

[@puttputt73]

Dean had no interest in refining the Avid. When Avid went to the water cooled 582 the radiator was hanging off the side of the cowl. When I saw a nicely integrated installation I asked an older gentleman at Sun n Fun (I assumed was Dean) if that was the new arrangement. He said no, a customer had done it. I asked if he would start shipping kits that way he said no. Dan must have been very frustrated.

[@portnuefflyer]

@@puttputt73 Yeah Dan was more of a detail "make it look flashy" salesman type of guy, Dean had probably already moved on to his next project. When Dan came out with the little faux radial engine bump cowl, it was a stroke of marketing genius, useless or not, it looked cool as hell.

[@W7LDT]

Name her “Diva.” That’s Avid Backwards.

[@james1795]

You are on drugs.

[@henkwallet6756]

Yes, that is a nice name. Bouncing Betty would also be good 😄

[@Maybe-So]

@@henkwallet6756 Bouncing Betty was was a WW2 German shrapnel anti-personnel mine... Not sure I'd want to name my plane after something designed to explode! 😀 Or, I suppose you could think of it as 'redeeming' the name Bouncing Betty...

[@jhmcglynn]

Call AVID :)😊. I had a KITFOX IV for about 7 years and 500 hours. Sold it to an Icelandic Air Pilot. There was an AVID on the ramp here at Cape Fear Regional for years - it went away last month. I built and fly a RANS S-19 now but I miss my KITFOX.

[@keithcress1335]

Really cool little plane. Thanks Tony for sharing your little beauty with us. Thank you Jonas for nice spin in it.

[@GulfSouthGene]

Very Cool Jonas, love it! You and Tony had a great day! Thanks for sharing!

[@alexdarcydestsimon3767]

Good to see you back in the sky.

[@alexdarcydestsimon3767]

Avid Flyer ! Such a good name !

[@philiproyds]

Avid Flier, I think?

[@shawnbadger2737]

Tony, it's great to see your plane finished! I remember seeing it when Wyatt and I visited you, and you still didn't know what you were going to do about the struts. Thanks for introducing us to Tuki! We love that game still.

[@1dpage]

The smile/grin on Jonas face after landing was all i needed to see !

[@drifter503]

Awesome little plane. Meets the mission perfectly. Good for Tony

[@jpascaln]

Great vlog Jonas. Cool airplane Tony. Thanks for showing us around.

[@jimchuk8511]

I enjoyed your video Jonas. I've had 4 Avids through the years, and a couple of Kitfoxes. As far as descents with lots of throttle, what happens is you reduce the load on the engine. That causes EGTs to go up, maybe to an unacceptable level. Then you have a glider. Really the same applies to any two stroke plane. My Avid MK IV actually flys nicer than my Kitfox 4, lighter on the controls, but as you found out, you need to use the rudder much more. Just a matter of getting used to it. Lead your turn with the rudder, and believe the ball. Nice plane Tony!

[@jernejfunkl8300]

Avid Flyer...this was my dream when I was a young ambitious pilot. It was in the early 90s. At that time, Avid and Kitfox were one of the first ultralights in our new country. I'm glad that these planes are still flying today :)

[@williamwintemberg]

Great lesson on Avid! Beautiful build! Love the rope start! Fun video Jonas!

[@fishertrowbridge]

Pretty neat to watch the wing tip vortices in the dust. Awesome video Jonas, and thanks for taking us along!

[@hike2bhuman110]

I like reading the comments, great comments! Always fun to learn a little history. Great video Jonas!

[@darrelhanway5982]

Really wild to see this plane again. I worked at avid aircraft in my early 20s. I used to package up all the aviation gear before it got shipped out. Brings back memories.

[@RXRSawdustStation]

Champ. That was an exceptional viewing experience. Well done! Great aircraft. Sweet trailer, too! Tony was quite knowledgeable and articulate. Very well done all around! Excellent content! Thanks for the effort!

[@mannythehunter]

Really interesting little plane. Loved the simplicity. That 2 stroke does scare a lot of people away but if they are properly maintained they will run!

[@bubbainc]

My first plane was an avid acrobat heavy haul. Unstoppable

[@rickramsey9868]

Love video of you flying again. The ones of you going down the river or cross country were so fun to watch. I really miss those video's. And the one's you and the wife took in the kitfox used to make my day. Really wish you would get another kitfox. I loved that plane. Please try and get another plane and start flying again when you can. I know, easy for me to say.

[@wr1411]

fantastic, ground level aviation content. Thanks to Tony for showcasing his project and thank you for your time creating the content Jonas. Awesome.

[@jareddenison3994]

What a nice genuine guy

[@chrisjamison376]

Great Video Jonas, I have an Avid with a Subaru engine, and love it. Mr. Tony is awesome and we have talked a few times! 👍

[@jameslipman8165]

My first plane was an Avid Speedwing. Not speedy. Every flight was day #1 at taildragger school. I flew it from the UK to France, to the Isle of Man (for the TT races) and all over Ireland (some fair water crossings behind a Jabiru 2200). Loved every minute of ownership. Wouldn't do it again.

[@prof.heinous191]

Other ones? Eurofox/Aerotrek from Aeropro, same ancestry. Thanks Tony for getting that man airborne!!

[@tenlittleindians]

Highlander and Ridge Runner are two more and then there's also a few single seat versions that are clones too.

[@steilkurbler4973]

The european ones are propbably more due to different legislations and shipping stuff over the pond can be a Pita. There is also KFA (Kitplanes for Africa). You can register it as an ultralight in most EU countries. Wheras the Kitfox somehow never got there over here. The Avid Flyer is pretty common tho.

[@mariegallagher5867]

“DIVA” gets my vote! …a little temperamental, lively, cheeky, and full of spirit! Enjoyed the video JONAS! Hugs, Aunt Marie ❤

[@JonasMarcinko]

Thanks Aunt Marie!

[@timwintersoncntr]

Wonderful! Thank you, Tony and Jonas.

[@airfed]

Living in Tucson, AZ, you make me wanna get a little bush plane like that. Thanks Tony & Jonas.

[@saddleback4021]

For a two stroker on first pull start up is always a good feeling

[@chetmyers7041]

Thanks Tony, lovely plane.

[@sonnyshort6455]

Love that recoil starter!

[@tray22]

Dust Devil is what I would name it. That shot of it taking off with the cloud of dust rolling behind the wings was awesome.

[@MishMashMoto]

I have flown an Avid and a Kitfox. Both good aircraft in their own right.

[@pfletch]

Love the plane content! Keep it up!

[@ManNomad]

Avid sounds so much better than "Kitfox". Nice legacy airplane you've got there.

[@IkeCoblentz]

Yes! Kitfox is the worst name

[@kryan318]

cool little plane. runway looks a little bumpy but how much fun. one pull start tony so laid back. looks like a "little miss red"

[@myronjacobs5014]

Enjoyed very very much your footage, you flown this plane just awesome 👏

[@bellofello1]

We should pool up and get Tony a set of bigger tires for his avid 👌

[@PeaceMarauder]

Diva is the obvious choice for a name. Avid Diva ;)

[@greg1268]

What a fun little channel!! Just watched a few videos and really enjoyed myself! Thank you! You just gained a subscriber

[@pilot.azimali]

always wanted a KF nice video

[@robstanton9215]

Great video Jonas! Tony seems like a nice down to earth guy. Always good to see you flying!! An airplane that is 😂😂

[@dougmcnamara7532]

Hello, I have an Avid Model C serial 573. Subaru NSI EA81. 100 hp TT: 1776.0 Avid was first and then Kitfox came second. Nice plane!!

[@TheIObook2024]

I just purchased an Avid with 100hp Subaru, 725 lbs empty. Haven’t flown it yet. Whats your empty weight and shortest take off distance?

[@dougmcnamara7532]

@@TheIObook2024 empty weight is 679lbs. We had a 200’ takeoff two people 500lbs, full fuel 24gallons. 425’ field elevation standard day. Warp drive 70” prop.

[@TheIObook2024]

@@dougmcnamara7532 wow that’s pretty good 👍 how did you get it down to 679 lbs?

[@dougmcnamara7532]

@@TheIObook2024 Lot’s of work with fabric, paint, and details. Battery is mounted at the tailpost to offset the NSI weight in the nose. Randy Moore landing gear. 4” Wider slightly and a bit more forward to help with landings. Didn’t go with large bush tires. Aero classics.

[@dougmcnamara7532]

@@TheIObook2024 Hi, sorry for the delay. What Model Avid and is it the Subaru NSI 100hp engine?

[@pulsarpilot7501]

I flew my 582 from Minnesota to Kansas. Ran it about 6200 rpm. It was happy as could be, but was thirsier than i expected. Closer to 5-6 ghp. Good times.

[@normplatt7549]

Great to see you guys flying, farming and filming! Dont prang your prop!

[@Highnotefarm]

That’s a first for me Jonas … pull cord on that type airplane . Hmmm , pull cord … “Lawn mower is taken , maybe weed eater or chainsaw . Thanks for sharing !!

[@Wings_of_foam]

Imagine the cord snapped. Have you ever installed a new cord on a lawnmower? It's a nightmare with the damn spring lol.

[@its9429]

Yeah, flying!

[@BryanNichols]

Awesome vid. Thanks Tony and Jonas!

[@TheRealChetManley]

That is a really cool airplane. I like it.

[@RafMov]

Respect for Tony! Thank you Jonas for showing us Tony's AVID.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Man, that looked like fun! What a great aircraft that is. I didn't know they were the parent, so to speak, of Kitfox. Great history there! Rotax 582 - same engine my buddy has in his powered parachute. I got familiar with the powerplant during an engine swap I did on one of his units last summer. Pretty rugged engine with all the redundant ignition components of a certified aircraft (Only with a few less cylinders, lol). Jetting on these is HUGE. Sounds like that one is probably a little rich on the needle, which my buddy's unit is, too, to a lesser extent. It gets a little sketchy trying to dial that needle in - drop the needle (Raise the clip) too far, and you'll get things hot FAST ... and we all know how that story ends. I got his dialed in pretty good, but it took A LOT of time and testing. Great shots with the cockpit and drone cams! 👍I haven't flown my paramotor in almost a YEAR. Haven't even started my '74 Yamaha RD350 this season yet. Back to working for someone else takes a major chunk of time away, that's for sure. Of course I'm also doing a little side work, plus trying to get my new Cummins-powered '93 W250 up to speed. Endless projects! I can feel winter coming already ... 😂

[@dennispitz7488]

Very cool! This is so encouraging! I'm currently building a Super Koala which looks quite similar. My current plan is to power it with an 85 HP VW.

[@californiakayaker]

Da)( ! That is an absolutely amazing plane ! I wonder if a little lithium Iron Ph battery LIPO would work, they are so light. They are the same voltages as a lead acid pretty much. That low pass would have been a thrill for him because he may not have had anyone to fly it so he could video the plane !

[@tenlittleindians]

There's no need for a battery unless you want an electric start. The problem with those batteries you mentioned in car or airplane applications is setting up a proper charging circuit off the alternator. The cut in and cut out voltages are different than lead batteries.

[@RADThird1]

Fun flight! Neat little plane.

[@shawnmenzenberg6442]

I really enjoyed the video. It was fun to see you having fun.

[@joseruiz-Joecool]

What a great little red plane! It could be named "LIL RED", or like "LIL RED ABBIE".🙂

[@davepalmer8925]

I have an avid that i imported from usa to canada . Transport canada was some lady on her couch with kids yelling in the background once i finally vot ahold of someone . The faa was awsome to deal with no effin around total time dealing with faa 5 min total time with transport canada weeks on hold

[@barrysimmons5489]

FAA was probably happy cause it'd turn into one less to contend with. (Maybe?). Great it finally worked out for you...

[@davepalmer8925]

@@barrysimmons5489 haha ya probably true.

[@cwo8771]

Good to see ya flying again.

[@malcolmallen3687]

Livin' in my own private Idaho. 😎

[@edwardkie380]

Flying delight

[@garybucher6824]

Sweet little plane !

[@growth8857]

great video.

[@LimaOneNiner]

I'd call it the weed wacker cuz you gotta pull start it and it sounds like a weed wacker. Good to see you flying again!

[@Whiskey-Danger]

Needs more pitch on the prop. That will put more load on the engine and smooth out the four stroking...maybe. Mix the fuel on the oil rich side to help with the under lubrication while windmilling. Or use Optima.

[@dyc1013]

I remember in the 80s when they first appeared when all ultralights were open, it was a success, a true ultralight aircraft

[@chrislovett6120]

That’s a cool little plane

[@j.b.8767]

Good to see you back up on the air, Jonas... Your paramotor is cool, but it has to be a hole in your heart, missing your old Kitfox! Do you ever catch yourself sneaking over to the channel of the guy that bought your Kitfox, and secretly watching videos of her, like sneaking glimpses of an old girlfriend, and wondering why you ever let her go? Now, your Lady is super fine, and a real sweetheart, so, I know, this is strictly with the plane, and nothing else, of course... Oh, and before I forget: congrats to you and your Lady on your beautiful little bambino! That is such a blessing, even with the every 2 hours feeding, and a LOT of sleepless nights, which won't change with time, actually, as having children always means sleepless nights, forever! 😂 Blessings to you and yours, brother!

[@wrdturkey]

That's a nice little plane. Lots of fun.

[@GrantGrove]

I'm 6'2" and at times had to reach under my knees to manage the stick. I like right seat operations but wheel brakes on the left. I flew first evolution Avid with STOL wing.

[@srnunan4783]

Yeah the 2 stroke danger area is long decents with a reduced throttle but still high rpm, being pushed by the prop. Closing the throttle closes the fuel (and oil) delivery and runs them lean. Its ok with the nose high to run at partial throttle with the engine loaded on a slow cruise but not a long shallow decent unloaded.

[@badlandaircraft9504]

Great video Jonas!!

[@JonasMarcinko]

Thanks!!

[@scottmordauntflyingspanner2216]

Cool vid once again, you need to get more vids out bro, missing the your regular stuff.

[@jimromero1384]

That was fun

[@bcgambit80]

Great plane, thanks for sharing! Just so you have a non-obscene name suggestion: GrAvidy Glider

[@markcorboy8528]

I’d call it Horse. Enjoyed watching this episode very much.

[@ludvikblondal9885]

"Just saddle up the horse and go riding "giddy up yeah.

[@lloydgraves]

Tony + Avid = Tovid

[@Piperfan71]

Beautiful aircraft 😍

[@1pottercounty]

I have to say that I’ve been flying Rotax 447’s 503’s and 582’s for over 30 years & never once had an engine failure. If you take care of your power plant you shouldn’t have any problems.

[@haroldchapman8499]

What frame jig did you use in the episode where you built a frame?

[@ccrockyhorses98]

Good one Jonas

[@bj.roberts6410]

Great video great little 2stroke plane. Name " Pretty Little Cornhopper"

[@TheFretman2]

Enjoyed this!

[@jpwoelfling]

Little Red flying machine

[@kendall6030]

So kind of Tony to show us his airplane and to let you take it out for a flight. When are we going to see Jonas with a kit plane again? Looking forward to adventures with the family.

[@JonasMarcinko]

I’m working on it!

[@oneninerniner3427]

​@@JonasMarcinko you working on the Cappella? Cools. How about the Air bike, did you figure out a better main gear setup?

[@mhilderbrand7693]

Great video!

[@kerrythompson9506]

I wonder if Tony's place is on the same side of the river as you. I grew up not far from there, my grandfather's farm was in Wapello so we visited there a lot. Oh, and nice airplane! Looks like maybe Tony should borrow a tractor and scraper and smooth that runway a bit...

[@upthere1583]

I've got one. The gophers and mice really tore it up last winter. Haven't got to it yet.

[@BGBLUWHELR]

Tickled

[@willf5768]

Pretty Cool plane. And a name for it How about Bouncing Betty, 😁

[@danstephens5501]

Name for the avid (grass hopper)great looking little plane

[@joeroscillo4015]

Looking good on the stick, even though, wrong side of plane for you!!

[@barrysimmons5489]

Hey, this time right was left. So left was in fact right. 🤔 Anyway it was fun tagging along. Hope Mama n the Baby are well. ⚘⚘

[@MaxRunia]

Nice guy, nice plane

[@YellowPinkie]

11:50 "Croc clip in place? Check" 11:55 Croc clip exits the chat...

[@brianp.945]

Seems like a really nice guy Tommy! Nice of him to let you fly like that. Now back to baby business!😂😂👨🏻‍🍼

[@jeffrojefferson]

Maybe Tommy is a nice guy ,who every he is 🤔😵‍💫

[@oneninerniner3427]

Just Highlanders have foldable wings too. I wonder if the Zenith highwings had that option, maybe not though. Rans was supposed to have that option available on some of their highwings, but i guess not many folks went for it. Nice little airplane for sure that one is tho!

[@portnuefflyer]

The BIG difference (pun intended) is the width of the wing chord between a RANS and a Avid/Kitfox/Highlander. A Rans has a T-Craft sized chord, (had one of them too) which precludes the simple wing folding of the A/K's as far as meeting highway over width regs. Fold a RANS like them, it'd be 10' wide or so. I personally prefer the aerodynamics/ of the larger wing chord, over the ground bound utility of being able to quickly fold and trailer, as I have no need to trailer it. It's all a compromise, my first S-7 wings folded, but it took another person, and about 30 minutes, my Kitfox1, solo I could get it off the trailer and fly off in less than 10.

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Good morning from Minnesota! Fun episode! See you at Oshkosh???

[@JonasMarcinko]

wish we could make it, but no we wont be there.

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Maybe next year!

[@10esseeTony]

Pull start.......😯

[@jimcripps3612]

Under Camber wings gives more lift at slow speeds which for an Avid type of aircraft is what you want. Regards, Jim the Brit in NI UK

[@harrisonaero]

Unloading the engine with a partial throttle descent leans the fuel-air-ratio and spikes the EGT and causes damage. They work best in an aircraft either full on or full off. I always figured someone should add a simple supplemental fuel injection system that measures crankcase pressure and is controlled by a simple arduino or similar. Don't think you could catch the rising EGT fast enough but that would be easy to add to the control software as another variable. Would make a good video for a popular creator. $0.02

[@se-jos]

Great video, I do really enjoy your content, thanks for sharing!

[@JonasMarcinko]

Glad you enjoy it!