Long time lurker, first post! Building a Mini Max Aeromax (not the first choice for many I know, though I like a challenging project and it's within my budget). It's a high-wing light sport 2-stroke and will be fitted with tundra tires. I'm not looking to do any true remote flying, but I live in NY and would love to do some off-airport excursions. Is there any opportunity for that in the Northeast? With no BLM land or similar areas, I'm wondering if there are any parks, campgrounds, or spots that are accessible (and legal) for small airplanes to adventure into. Or if you think it's crazy to explore off-airport with a 2-stroke, I'm open to all opinions!

Here's what I'm working on (photo is a finished version, and without bush tires):

Cool airplane, FUN! Crow Island east of Boston would be a great place for you to go visit. Many “like types” of airplanes there and owner of the strip is an awesome guy! I have known him for many years.

Kurt

An Australian named Tim Howes, (AKA “DrifterDriver” @ backcountrypilot.org) flies a two-stroke. He’s on Facebook and has started several organizations downunder related to bush flying. Tim frequented the HSF for several years.

I visited Tim in Byron Bay AUS and he is a tremendous asset to flying backcountry. I flew the two-stroke and it was a flight never to forget. My first open cockpit.

That looks like a blast of an airplane!

1I1 Marcy Field is in the Adirondacks. Nice grass field.

Kent

Awesome! Thanks guys. Good to know there's more of us out there

G44 wrote:Cool airplane, FUN! Crow Island east of Boston would be a great place for you to go visit. Many “like types” of airplanes there and owner of the strip is an awesome guy! I have known him for many years.
Kurt

Thanks for that! Just looked it up, will definitely put that on my "go-to" list.

Kent wrote:That looks like a blast of an airplane!
1I1 Marcy Field is in the Adirondacks. Nice grass field.
Kent

Found a video on youtube of Marcy Field, that's what I'm talkin' bout! Beautiful approach too.

I read somewhere that “friends don’t let friends fly two strokes”

70’s and 80’s vintage Detroit Diesels were sometimes disparagingly refereed to as “two stroke jokes”

Had to get those two out of the way, but seriously, you’re going about this the right way. There are others up your way that you’ll connect with here and who will share what they know for destinations.

Gettting to know your engine intimately is also pretty key. Not sure what level of two stroke experience you’re starting with. I’ve always been weak when it came to two strokes. Recently have had very good success with Skidoo Rotax etec in a couple snowmobiles I have, so I hope you have similar experience.

There are a couple powered parachutes that fly out of my home field, and I think they in their two stokes have as much fun as anyone. I believe they are achieving really good safety statistics in that segment.

Thanks Pinecone! Appreciate the warm welcome from all. Wish I could build a 4-stroke plane but for the price of the engine I can build my whole Aeromax

Then again for the same price I can buy an old C152 or 140 tailwheel I suppose... But I like hanging out in the wind. We all have to make choices

With a little poking around you can definitely find many nice grass strips in the NE. Not off airport...but still a whole lot of fun!

Looks like a very cool plane you’re building!

Kent wrote:That looks like a blast of an airplane!

1I1 Marcy Field is in the Adirondacks. Nice grass field.

Kent

Plus they do a farmer’s market on Sundays(virus permitting). Fly in, pick up your fresh produce, free range organic chicken, a cool hand made coffee mug crafted by a local artisan and be on your way.

Pete

If you treat any engine well they will reciprocate. Two strokes got a bad name when the ultralight movement first started, a lot of folk didn't worry too much about clean fuel or spark plug condition. Rotax 2 strokes have a fantastic reliability record.
You will have a lot of fun in that machine, basic flying at it's best.

Oldfart wrote:If you treat any engine well they will reciprocate. Two strokes got a bad name when the ultralight movement first started, a lot of folk didn't worry too much about clean fuel or spark plug condition. Rotax 2 strokes have a fantastic reliability record.
You will have a lot of fun in that machine, basic flying at it's best.

This guy gets it. Rotax 503 and 582 are excellent engines. They'll bite you like any abused Lycoming or Continental will if abused or misconfigured.

The ultralight movement was enjoyed by guys who wanted to be free of the burdens of training and maintenance recommendations.

The big thing about 2 strokes is proper mixture, not gas/oil mixture which is important but more importantly is fuel/air mixture. I learned this in 1983 BIG TIME while flying my ultralight on the Iditarod race with 3 other friends. Mike Jacober figured this out and came up with a very cleaver solution. Also, a good warm up after engine start before adding full power is essential. 2 stroke Rotax engines are incredible engines when properly fed and maintained.

Kurt

+1 for Crow Island in MA - great little strip and they do a couple of pancake breakfasts a year when they are more open for anyone. Very friendly group as well.

Another great little strip is RICONN on the RI/CT border. 1,600' grass stip; quiet little field. Owner info is on the Airfield Guide for permission.