Only Two-Stroke Engine Approved For LSAs

Just in time for Arlington and Oshkosh... representatives with Kodiak Research Ltd. told ANN this week the company has received approval under ASTM-2339-04 for the installation of the Rotax 582 two-stroke powerplant on light sport aircraft.

The compliance certificate states the approval is valid on serial numbers 6410347-on, although Kodiak says the approval is retroactive to serial number 6373605.

"This is the ONLY 2 stroke to comply [with ASTM]", said Kodiak's technical director, Eric Tucker, to ANN. "No other companies have stepped up to do their engines."

"This was said to be impossible and that the LSA standards would add tremendous costs to the products," Tucker added. "I am rather proud that Rotax did so and in addition did it without raising the prices."

Tucker adds Kodiak is actively seeking LSA manufacturers who wish to install the 582 on their planes. With a dual-carb setup, the company's lightweight Rotax 582 UL-DCDI (above) produces 65 horsepower at 6500 rpm, according to the company's website.

FMI: www.kodiakbs.com