Speedwing

The Speedwing, built by Avid Aircraft in the early 1970s, was the company’s answer to a market craving a lightweight, high‑performance sport plane. Designed by Iven C. McCroskey, it featured a welded steel‑tube fuselage paired with a fabric‑covered, all‑metal wing that gave a sleek, low‑drag shape and exceptional maneuverability. Powered typically by a 100‑hp Rotax 912, the Speedwing cruised at about 150 knots while maintaining a stall speed under 45 knots, making it suitable for cross‑country travel and basic aerobatics. A key innovation was its folding‑wing system, allowing owners to trailer the aircraft on ordinary road vehicles and eliminating the need for permanent hangar space. During its production run, over 500 units were completed, influencing later kit‑built designs that prized simplicity, affordability, and performance. Safety upgrades such as a reinforced cabin roll cage and dual‑redundant fuel lines kept the model popular with flight schools, and an active owners’ network continues to provide support and modifications, preserving the Speedwing’s relevance decades after Avid ceased production in 1991. Today, many restored examples still fly at airshows, demonstrating the aircraft’s enduring blend of speed, handling, and builder‑friendly construction.