randy

Thanks again to everyone for the fine information. I am flying out to see the airplane and "try it on for size" on this Sunday. The seller is asking an amount that is near the lower end of a "reasonable" price range, and is already saying that he will entertain offers. And I've not even seen it yet. The fact that it's a two-stroke, plus it's been in storage, plus it's a tail-wheel, all will make it hopefully more affordable. If I can factor in some motor work -- or a full replacement in the worst case -- and still have an aircraft that has a somewhat reasonable cost, I will be a proud new owner. Fingers crossed. Randy

Excellent advice, all. Thanks. I'm compiling a nice list of things to check/fix/replace to make this a good motor. Wonderful. Now... since I really cannot fly this thing before I buy it (based on much of the advice I'm getting for things to do before the first flight), I'll need to figure out a good way to assess the condition on the ground. Perhaps a conditional sale agreement with some description of a maximum cost of getting the motor back on line? Randy

Maynard, and Bill, Fabulous, thanks! This aircraft is pretty close to what I can afford to buy, and I won't have the money to replace the engine for a while. So that's why I'm a bit worried. Sounds like you have had great success with your 582s. That's very encouraging. I'll look at the plane and see how everything else looks. If it's been stored in good conditions, and we can get it running... I'll see what the owner is willing to take for the airplane. Hopefully we can come to terms that works for the existing owner, and can make me comfortable that I can still handle potential issues. (Three years in good storage isn't that long, I suppose.) Thanks, Randy

Thank you for the Welcome note. Very nice. As for looking beyond my training... I really don't have much choice if I'm ever going to get my license. I cannot solo or do my checkride in the Cessna, since I'm going for Sport Pilot (limit of 1320 lbs / 600Kg). I can only do those in a light sport aircraft, which I cannot find near me. So unless I'm content to do dual-instruction forever, I need to do something. So far I've flown Cessna 172's (too heavy for Sport Pilots), a J-3 Cub (which I could legally fly, but it's several hours drive from my home), a Remos G3 (which I could also solo in legally, except someone ran that one out of fuel and crashed it), and an Ercoupe 415-C (legal for me, but with no rudder control that would be all if could legally fly if I do my checkride in that). So it's a challenge, to be sure. Next week I will be looking at an Avid Mk-IV with a Rotax 582 motor. Nice airplane, and nearly within my budget. But it's been in storage for 3 years, so I'm a little apprehensive about the condition of the motor. Plus, it's a "silver head" 582, which has a reputation of not being a long-lived or reliable as the "blue head" versions. But if I can get a good deal... Anyway, that's where I'm at. I'm happy to be here on this site -- it seems like a great plan to find knowledgeable folks. Very nice. Randy

I recently found a lovely little Avid Mk-IV with a Rotax 582 in it, and I'm thinking of buying it. But I'm hearing many bad things about the 582 "Silver Head" motor (which is what this one is). This motor has 184 TT hours on it, but has been in storage for the last three years. From what the owner says, it's been prepped pretty well for storage (Stabil in the fuel, cleaned the carbs, fogged the carb while running 'til the motor quit, covered intake and exhaust, removed the battery, drained the tanks). The price for this aircraft is on the low side of OK, but not a truly stellar deal. But I'm worried about that silver head 582. What is likely to be the lifespan of this motor? Can this be rebuilt and be a solid motor? What are your experiences with the older 582s? Should I just plan on replacing this motor (which would significantly reduce the amount of my offer to the current owner)? Please advise... I've never had a Rotax. Randy

Hi, All. Just found this site -- almost by accident -- and it looks like a great collection of knowledgeable folks and good info. I'm a Sport Pilot student -- about 15 hours in so far. Mostly flying a Cessna 172 in dual-instruction, since there are NO light sport aircraft in this area for rent. Dang! Guess I'll have to buy one... but are they ever expensive!!! Randy