Evans VP1 Reg G-BAAD

The Evans VP1 was designed in California by Bud Evans as a simple to build light aircraft at low cost, available to the man in the street, the prototype first flying in 1969.

G-BAAD was built by Richard Husband and completed in 1973, with its first flight in February, winning the PFA Air Squadron Trophy in that year. G-BAAD cost £500 in total and was constructed over a 2 year period. Originally flown at Netherthorpe airfield, it was initially fitted with what was thought to be a Continental engine A40, but had an unusual Czech imported engine fitted – a 45 HP Persey II. This was replaced in 1989 with a VW 1600 cc engine rated at 40 HP at 3200 rpm. The current 1835 cc VW engine was fitted in January 2003. This gives the aircraft a much needed extra power and an increase rate of climb from around 300 fpm to 500 fpm.

The aircraft is maintained on a “Permit to Fly” which allows the group members to carry out all our own repairs under the guidance of a PFA inspector. This allows the aircraft to be run with the lowest possible cost. This aircraft is non-aerobatic, i.e. loops, flick rolls, spinning are strictly prohibited.

Technical Details

Max all up weight 748 lbs

Aircraft weight 540 lbs

Take off speed 45 to 50 knots

Cruise speed 50 to 60 knots

Approach speed 50 knots

Stall speed 30 knots

V_NE 100 knots

Fuel capacity 6.5 Gallons

Best glide [engine off] 60 knots