Photograph:
APAD Aventura 19-3982 (c/n AP2A0075) off the NSW South Coast (Author’s collection)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Two-seat light sport amphibian
Power Plant:
One 48 kw (65 hp) Rotax 582UL-2V two-cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 9.08 m (29 ft 8 in)
- Length: 6.25 m (20 ft 5 in)
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft)
- Wing area: 14.49 m² (156 sq ft)
- Max speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
- Cruising speed: 137 km/h (85 mph)
- Stalling speed power off, full flaps: 56 km/h (35 mph)
- Stalling speed no flaps: 76 km/h (47 mph)
- Max rate of climb: 366 m/min (1,200 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 4,572 m (15,000 ft)
- Cruising range: 402 km (250 miles)
- Take-off run: 76 m (250 ft)
- Landing run: 76 m (250 ft)
- Empty weight: 231 kg (510 lb)
- Loaded weight: 485 kg (1,070 lb)
History:
The APAD Aventura series of light amphibians was originally designed by Highcraft Aero-Marine as the single-seat XL280, which was developed into the XA280 with sponsons on its outer wing panels and a fibreglass reinforced hull. Later again an amphibious version was developed, this series becoming more popular, large numbers having been built in kit form and supplied around the world. Whereas the original single-seat aircraft had a Rotax 277 engine, later models had Rotax 503 and 582 engines. For a period the XL280 became known as the Buccaneer SX. In 1985 marketing of the type was by Advanced Aviation. At one point Keuthan Aircraft of Merritt Island, Florida, USA obtained the assets of Advanced Aviation and the Buccaneer II production line re-commenced.
The series was later marketed by Arnet Pereyra Aero Design of Rockledge, Florida and made available in a variety of models. These included: Aventura HP, an experimental single-seat amphibian with a 48 kw (65 hp) Rotax 503 engine; the Aventura II, a two-seater registered in the Experimental Category in the US fitted with a 48 kw (65 hp) Rotax 582 engine, this model winning the “Sun ‘n Fun Best Lightplane Seabird” award and having a BRS parachute; the Buccaneer II having Rotax engines in the 48 kw (65 hp) to 60 kw (80 hp) range and being a two-seater; the Buccaneer SX being a single-seater with the 39 kw (52 hp) Rotax 503 engine, also with a BRS parachute; the Sabre II being a two- seater with a 48 kw (65 hp) Rotax 582 engine; and the Aventura UL being a single-seater with a 30 kw (40 hp) Rotax 447 engine. More than 500 kits have been sold. In later times the Rotax 912 four-stroke engine has been used in the Aventura II, but engines up to 75 kw (100 hp) could be installed.
Construction was of conventional anodised aluminium tube framework, fabric covered, and the hull was of fibreglass. It was supplied in kit form. The type could be fitted with a tailwheel or tricycle undercarriage.
A number of examples have been imported to this region by the Australian agent, Thermagard Pty Ltd of Bonnells Bay, NSW, being completed under AUF/RAA Regulations, including 19-3982 (c/n Ap2A-0075), this aircraft being registered on 25 September 2003 and fitted with a Rotax 912ULS engine. An Aventura II was registered on 10 September 2014 as VH-XKP (c/n AA2A0155) to its owner at St Georges Basin, NSW.