So I was told by a A&P IA that a kitfox with the 582 makes a good little plane. I have heard alot of mixed things about the 582, so what do we know?

Learn how to operate them and they're great. I've logged a lot of time behind one.

how do you run one? it has seamed that those bashing them only heard about how bad they are.

Go over to AVIDFOXFLYERS.COM and poke around a while.

There's lots of good two-stroke information there. Two-strokes can be great little motors, with great power and reliability as long as you monitor and operate them properly. They are't rocket science, but there are some tips and tricks. (I'll let more knowledgable guys fill in that information…)

I flew in front of a Rotax 582 Model 99 for about 600 hours with no problems and I really liked the engine. IMHO, operating a two stroke successfully is a matter of understanding them and knowing what is important for set-up, maintenance and operational procedures. I have had two strokes in motorcycles and snowmobiles for 45 years but even with that there were things that I had to learn about two strokes for airplanes. I attended a couple of training courses put on by my local Rotax Aircraft Engine dealer and they were worth their weight in gold. I would recommend seeking out a training course if at all possible. Here is a couple of links to videos that is the tip of the iceberg on two stroke in aircraft knowledge.
http://eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=626943072001
http://eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=3594806859001

Good luck,
Joe

Great engine, don't "tinker "with it, follow what Rotax says. I've flown behind one four times, back and forth, across the US from Calif to the east coast and saw sights as this without one hiccup. Each trip would be about 125 hours, about 75 airports, and it never failed me. Not once. From Leadville to the Salton Sea, that 582 handled it all. If you don't mess with it outside of what Rotax recommends and fly it often, you won't be disappointed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5EpKHcYvuQ

I flew in front of a Rotax 582 Model 99 for about 600 hours with no problems and I really liked the engine. IMHO, operating a two stroke successfully is a matter of understanding them and knowing what is important for set-up, maintenance and operational procedures.

And Beaver550 is a good argument for the 582, he flew behind one to the Arctic Circle and back. These flights were no flukes or "lucky breaks"

I have been successfully flying for a model 2 Kitfox powered by a 582 for 17 years and it happens to be for sale.
It even surprised me how well it performed at last years Hi Sierra Fly In landing at 9000 feet.
Herman Pahls
Coquille, Oregon
541 404 6464

Zenithguy wrote:Great engine, don't "tinker "with it, follow what Rotax says. I've flown behind one four times, back and forth, across the US from Calif to the east coast and saw sights as this without one hiccup. Each trip would be about 125 hours, about 75 airports, and it never failed me. Not once. From Leadville to the Salton Sea, that 582 handled it all. If you don't mess with it outside of what Rotax recommends and fly it often, you won't be disappointed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5EpKHcYvuQ

That was really great!! What an adventure! I dream about a trip like that! Well done

CW

Thanks guys for the info. right now I am atleast 1.5 years from being able to afford a plane just kind of looking into what I could afford to get that will still get in and out of 1000 field with out breaking the piggy bank.

Another firm 2-Stroke Believer/Driver here.. I've gone to great lengths to document as much info as I can find at http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php? ... one-place/

I have lots and lots of hrs between a 503 and a 582. I've flown my 582 powered Avid from Ca to Idaho 4 times at the tune of 10 hrs each way over the most harsh environments imaginable. It took some time to get it dialed in and learn how to operate it safely over long distances but once past that curve it's provided the most amazing aviation moments I've ever experienced.

Lots of vids on Vimeo and Youtube but this one kind of sums it up.

Awesome videos!

I built and fly a Model 4 kitfox powered by a 503 Rotax. The 503 is 52 HP vs 65HP for the 582. My kitfox is very sensitive to weight and density altitude! I don't take fat boys...or girls...with me on warm days . The two stroke engine and folding wings is what makes flying affordable to me. I secretly lust for a 912 Rotax engine.

http://vimeo.com/21117189

https://vimeo.com/12693781