Avid Catalina Flight Video
Robert Smith has his Avid Catalina out for a day of testing amphibious operations. I’ve seen this plane up close and talked to the builder. The cabin was modified for a center bar hinged pair of gull wing hatches. The wings are clipped too. Rob put a lot of TLC into getting it’s performance to be exceptional. Originally, this kit was designed for the Rotax 582, but this yellow duck has a Rotax 100 HP 912UL. Unfortunately, the Catalina kits are no longer produced. I’m not losing hope that the day will come when the kits are being manufactured again. Once in a while you will see a previously owned one for sale on the aviation classified websites like Barnstormmers or Ebay Motors. Great job though, Rob! Makes me want to go out to the garage and get mine flying!
Stumble It!
on August 15th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Presados Senhores
Sou piloto moro no Brasil, e gostaria de receber informaçoes e preço sobre o Avid Catalina.
Sem mais apresento minhas cordiais saudações.
Atenciosamente
Luiz Fernando
(English translation) Presados Gentlemen I am pilot I live in Brazil, and would like to receive information and price on the Avid Catalina. Without more I present my cordials greetings. Yours truly Luiz Fernando
on September 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I purchased an avid catalina and it wan’t to difficult to build. The airframe came pre-welded along with the sponsoons. The landing gear retracts into the sponsoons and it can land or take off on land or water. I purchased a 100hp air cooled engine so i don’t have to worry about a radiator.
on December 28th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
What are these aircraft worth now? I have an avid amphibian in my shop that is almost complete and curious what they are worth now. It is powered with the 582 Rotax with the “C” gear box.
on December 29th, 2008 at 7:49 am
This is a tough one to answer with any degree of accuracy! I can only offer my observation and opinion. As you know, there are so many factors that affect the $ value of aircraft. The critical factors are quality of workmanship, quality of documentation, the instruments that are in it, etc. Value is in the eye of the beholder. I would think that a finely crafted and well documented, well equipped 582 Amphibian that has the 40 hours flown off should bring a minimum of $30G. Of course this would vary quite a little depending upon prop setup, fuel tank arrangement and a whole list of other factors. Does the hull leak? Is there a clutch on the prop? Is there a bilge pump in it? Are the clearance lights and strobes in place and working? Are inspection ports properly positioned? What method was used for fabric covering? Have the flight surfaces been rib stitched?
I have seen ready for flight Catalinas sell for under $20G and know of instances where Catalinas with 4 cycle engines sold for well over $40G.
Generally speaking, unless an aircraft is complete, signed off, numbered and ready to fly, a person would be fortunate just to re-coupe the $ invested.
I hope this is some inspiration to finish the project and get some air under the tires. Tom