As AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 starts, we have arrived at a long-awaited beginning to the world’s biggest airshow. AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 opens Monday July 26th and I am on-site to capture all the best news I can find for light aircraft. Regretfully, my Canada-based YouTube partner, Videoman Dave, was denied entry by Homeland Security — his occupation was “deemed not essential” — so I’ll be flying solo to write daily articles and record video. End of an Era? As a company news release issued just before Oshkosh shows, we have also arrived at the end of an era. Rotax announced that the Austrian engine manufacturer will cease production of their last two-stroke powerplant, the twin-cylinder, 65-horsepower 582. Indeed, as light aviation enthusiasts prepare for the coming Mosaic regulation that will dramatically alter the landscape, a clearer dividing line is revealing itself. Many light aircraft have embraced Rotax’s four stroke engines, overwhelmingly their 9-series models including carbureted 912 ULS, fuel-injected 912iS, turbocharged 914, and the newest 915iS.
AirVenture Day 0: Say Good-Bye to Rotax Two-Stroke Aircraft Engines
End of an Era?
As a company news release issued just before Oshkosh shows, we have also arrived at the end of an era. Rotax announced that the Austrian engine manufacturer will cease production of their last two-stroke powerplant, the twin-cylinder, 65-horsepower 582.Indeed, as light aviation enthusiasts prepare for the coming Mosaic regulation that will dramatically alter the landscape, a clearer dividing line is revealing itself. Many light aircraft have embraced Rotax's four stroke engines, overwhelmingly their 9-series models including carbureted 912 ULS, fuel-injected 912iS, turbocharged 914, and the newest 915iS.
Rotax History
When I first discovered the Rotax brand, I used the single cylinder, 22-horsepower 277 engine. In those days, the Rotax 277 was everywhere. It was the first two-stroke powerplant Rotax discontinued.Rotax's 50-horsepower twin-cylinder 503 was one of the most popular two stroke engines ever to power light aircraft.
Not Gone Yet, But Act Soon
Rotax advised the 582 UL will still be available via the Rotax authorized distribution network worldwide for long as existing inventory lasts at distributors. If you want to purchase a new 582, you should act soon before supplies run out.A Rotax 582 overhaul kit offered by Lockwood Aircraft.