Avid Flyin in Taylorsville NC

May 22 2004
Yes - the First Avid Fly-in in Taylorsville is history. We had Avid fly-in, Mike Matthews' Avid Model B with Rotax 503, Tom Ives' MK-IV with 582 and John and Patrick McKiernan's MK-IV with 100 HP Subaru (who came all the way from Gulf Breeze, Florida - 5 HR and 20 min non-stop flight) - try that in a GA spam can! We had other builders visiting Todd Lesh who is building a MK-IV with 912S and trigear, Jack, his wife, Ruthann, Herb and his son, Joshua Fuhrer who are finishing their MK-IV with extended speed wings Rotax 582 tri-gear. The Fuhrers' like to travel in style - they brought their motorhome from Strasburg,Ohio. In addition, Wade Brown came in his C-172, Ed Sisson Sr from Tenessee in his beautiful Champ, Mike Wooten arrived in a Trike, Brad Gryder in his Quicksilver and other local owners at the airport were showing off their airplanes. I think had the weather been better in the Northern states and more people would have gotten off their butts and made the trip, we would have had a lot more than 60 people in attendance.
However, I'm planing on having another one next year. I've taken some pictures but not enough. Please click on each image to see a larger view.

Mike Matthews landing his Model B Mike's Model B Mike - low pass. Tom Ives and his beautiful MK-IV.

Tom taking off for his aerobatic show. Tom's low high speed pass - that speedwing is moving. Line up - imagine more planes. First landing in a tailwheel in 15 months - John uses his MK-IV as a float plane.

Father and son flying team - 5hrs 20min from Gulf Breeze Florida. John and Patrick in a low pass - Pat is waving - who is flying? That's why they call them Taildraggers John and Patrick are trying my Avid Plus for size.

Check out John's extended baggage compartment - there is a lot of stuff in there. Mike Wooten in one of his toys. Mike Wooten Warren making rounds around the pattern.

Ed Sissons Sr. Champ from Tennessee. Sammy in his Luscombe - his dad, Jones has one as well. Wade Brown - there he is one high time pilot - still got it. Other builders inspecting Warren's airplane.

Brad Gryder and a friend in a Quicksliver. Another aviation family - Ed Sr. came in his Champ. Todd Lesh and yours trully - trying on Avid Plus. Another happy airplane owner - as a matter of fact Joey has two - amphibien and a 172.

Jack Fuhrer from Ohio looks at the difference in size of MK-IV and Avid Plus panel. Mike Matthews and his girlfirend Samantha with Josh Fuhrer - I've never seen a 5 year old this excited about aviation - there is hope!!.

First Annual Fly-in of Avid Owners and Builders.
When: May 21,22,23 2004
Where: Taylorsville North Carolina
Private Grass Strip 2400 feet.
Runways 9-27 (approximately) Unicom 122.9
GPS coordinates are: N35deg 55.854 and W81deg 11.787.
Airport is located 2 miles West of town of Taylorsville, we use runway 27 for takeoffs and 9 for landings unless there are strong winds favoring different pattern. East end of runway has trees on final approach. An easy way to find the airport is to locate a hill North of town with white round water storage tank on top, overfly the tank to the west and airport should be straight ahead. On the picture of Charlotte sectional below airport is between town and first tower to the west.
If you drive - from the East take HWY 64West - after the overpass (HWY 16) go to second traffic light and turn right, go about a 1 mile - look for the Airport Rd on the left - field is at the end of Airport Rd.
From the South Take Hwy 16N to Hwy 64W - second light turn right, go about a 1 mile - look for the Airport Rd on the left - field is at the end of Airport Rd.
The main event is going to be on Saturday May 22nd. I'm opened for suggestions as to what we are going to do. I'm going to cook hotdogs and hamburgers maybe some chicken etc. All who fly in will eat free. We are thinking about doing our Airport Day at the same time - which means we would invite town folks to come down and look at the airplanes and have lunch at the airport. Most years we get quite a crowd.
Accommodations near Taylorsville:
In Taylorsville - T'ville Motel 828-632-4266 - I never stayed there and I don't think I would.
In Hiddenite about 15 min from the airport - Hidden Crystal Inn - very nice B&B - 828-632-0063
In Statesville about 30 min from the Airport - all kinds of Motels - Best Western - Red Roof - Holiday Inn etc. Look for locations off I-40 West near exit# 148.
Car Rental
Statesville Airport uses Courtesy Car Rental 704-871-1999 but most nationwide chains are represented, call your favorite rent-a-wreck.