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FLYIN-May 2004email me: clouis_at_gogtt.net |
Michael D Ricketts - Avid Heavy Hauler .
When I decided to buy an Avid I took my van down and had a trailer hitch mounted on it and figured I would just go out, buy one and drag it home. Through my research I learned that the B and C models with a 582 were really good performers and so I started searching for one. I learned allot from this experience, mainly its easy finding the right airplane to buy. Just ask yourself, would I be comfortable flying my son or wife or friends in this airplane?
After many
nights in hotels and wasted trips (not to mention money), I found what I was
looking for south of 
Mr. Crites made a few modifications including, a baggage area, a Taylorcraft style trim that is controlled with a vernier, a Maule tail-wheel,
re-route of the induction air, and an addition of a
cowling lip and prop slipstream duct.
These three modifications resolved the cooling/EGT issues that the C models had. The result of this mans genius is the water temps run between 160F and 165F. I saw it hit 176F once in a climb but it was 100 degrees outside.
I have added an HAC kit which does an outstanding job of controlling the EGT's regardless of season or altitude, and a
I also
fabricated and installed an aluminum channel over the flaperon push tube under
the sling seat. This is a requirement on the UK Avid’s.
My father in-law
made me this tail-wheel dolly, which works awesome and comes in very handy when
the wings are folded.
As for me, at
five years old I already new what I wanted to do with my life and that was play
guitar and fly airplanes. I made my first $20 playing guitar when I was 13 and
that’s the same year I took my first flight lesson. That was 1973 and now I’m
43 and so far so good.
As my dad likes
to say, “I have never worked a day in my life”
I have been
flying for NetJets (formerly Executive Jet) since 1997 and am currently a Check
Airman in the Hawker 800XP. It’s a little faster than my Avid. .80 mach at
37000, that’s about 465 knots.
My Avid
indicates 90mph at 5800 rpm and it stalls at 24mph with the flaperons down and
33mph with them up. The Hawker just about taxi’s faster than that, (depends on
if Southwest is behind me). I will shoot a video of some slow flight and stalls
this year and put it up on the website as there are some folks that think I’m
kidding when I tell them that. Most of my time in the Avid is spent between 40
and 45mph which is between 4200-4500rpm on the 582.
NetJets can best
be described as a private airline for celebrities and executives. Last fall I
was assigned to fly 
As you can
imagine I spent quite a few days waiting for him in 
Anyway I have
been fortunate to fly many many types of aircraft in my career and with the
exception of a couple, none of them put a smile on my face like flying the Avid
low and slow, especially with the doors off. The airplane has made me remember
why I started flying in the first place. My job takes me all over the country
and chances are I will be over night in your town or nearby at some point. If
you would be interested in showing me your Avid, send me an email at theguitarwiz_at_earthlink.net with
your city and phone number and I will give you a call if I end up close. If you
would like to fly over, this is the strip that I fly off of. It has about
1500ft usable and is 30ft wide.
Watch out for
the power-lines! We have had some orange balls added since this picture was
taken.Michael D Ricketts theguitarwiz_at_earthlink.net