The Airdale is the production version of John Larsen’s “Pursang”. John took his original Avid MkIV “Hauler” and highly modified it to suit the 4 cycle, 4 cylinder horizontally opposed 100hp Subaru EA81 auto engine. Engine options now include Continental and Rotax.
Modifications to the original Avid included:
-Fuselage stretched by 16″ to give better ground handling and CG flexibility.
-Two piece, easy to install, 74″ wide track aluminum landing gear.
-Re-raked windshield.
-Simplified control system which incorporated differential flaperon controls.
-Redesign of cockpit structure to remove tubes from behind seats giving easier access to a larger baggage area (55 gal. drum size).
-Individual, fully adjustable, easy to remove tilt and slide seats.
-Belly structure in footwell area modified to give extra leg and head room.
-Double tailspring for better resilience to rough terrain landings.
-Wider cockpit and doors to accommodate larger pilot and passenger.
-Redesigned cowling to accommodate greater range of engines.
-Modifications to Avid wing to increase Gross Weight capability to 1400 lb.
-Full stress analysis to comply with JAR regulations at 1400 lb. Maximum Takeoff Weight.

Engine: Subaru EA-81, 100 hp
Hp range: 65-125
Cruise: 108 mph
Stall: 48 mph
Range: 860 sm
ROC: 900 fpm
To dist: 800 ft
Ldg dist: 400 ft
Fuel cap: 28 USG
Empty wt: 730 lb
Gross wt: 1400 lb
Length: 18.8 ft
Wingspan: 31 ft
Wing area: 132 sq.ft
Cockpit width: 43 in
Seats: 2
Landing gear: tail or nose wheel