Avid Magnum inquiry

[WWhunter]

Have a seat, open a beer, sit back, relax, and read my story. Maybe grab an extra beer just in case. Or just go to the very end and see if you can help me with a few questions.

As I have mentioned on here a few times, my son is currently in Afganistan and during his deployment, he asked me to be on the lookout for a plane for him to purchase when he returns. Young, coming back from the warzone, and a wad of money that is burning a hole through his pocket. He will be back stateside in a couple of weeks and wants me to have leads lined up for him to look at.

He has expressed a very high interest in getting a Kitfox, probably due to his dad steering him in that direction. Dads have a way of doing those things, don't they?
He had thought of a kit but being active duty his 'free' time is very limited. So he wanted something flying and affordable. We discussed the virtues of certified verses Experimental. Of course he would really like a 170B with an O-360 or similar but the realities of the cost of ownership are something he is aware of. Basically meaning it would be flown less than something with less fuel burn and maintance cost.

I searched and searched for a Kitfox that my son could afford that was in flying condition. In the intrim, I looked at a KF IV that was listed in the classifieds on this very site. I was hesitant to get it due to it not being finished and the fact that there was very little for a builders log. Eventually I decided to get this particular plane after a lot of thought. The price was fair for waht I was getting and I felt it could be put into flying condition in a realatively short amount of time and work. My plan was to bring the KF with to MD for the winter. I normally leave Mn during the winter to spend time with my spousal unit, who is at Ft. Meade, MD. I built/modified a trailer to haul it. I had it loaded and ready to go, but ended up having second thoughts due to a couple of issues.

So, now I am in MD with nothing to do, except browse Barnstormers, and post long threads on various airplane sites. IM'ing occassionally through SKYPE with my son, he has decided that maybe a KF IV will not be big enough for him and his wife to enjoy. So, 2 things, one is the fact I have a KF IVthat I need to figure out what I want to do with. The second thing, keep looking for something the number one son can buy/fly. Weight is an issue in his search for a useable plane. He and his wife probably weigh a combined 400+ lbs. and he would like the ability to carry another 100 lbs. for baggage. This weight combined, and then be able to add enough fuel to fly a reasonable cross country trip. Roughly 6.50 lb total useful load capability

He has expressed interest in the newer model Kitfox's models 5-7 but they are all much more expensive and over his budget. There have been a couple of 5/Vixens for somewaht decent prices but the one is Subaru powered and I suggested he try and stay with the tried and true Lyc or Rotax. One of the model 5's has the 912 with the 95 HP pistons but the plane seems terribly heavy to me for being a model 5. I think they addvertise it as 830 lbs. empty, isn't this quite high for a model 5? It's the red/white/blue one listed on BS. Personally not a huge fan of the paint job even though I am very patriotic.

He has found a couple of Avid Magnums for fair prices but hasn't been able to find out much about them. Any owners on here?

Is there anyone on here that has any experience with the Magnum? How do they fly? Parts available if there are issues?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Keith