Jabiru J170D light sport aircraft review
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For years one of the top LSA brands in the United States has been Jabiru, the Australian brand that is fully assembled and significantly American sourced in Shelbyville, Tennessee, near the center of the country.
Long operated by Pete Krotje (pronounced like karate), he has now assumed leadership of the newest versions that feature better prices than ever through innovative arrangements with suppliers around the world.
In January 2016, Jabiru USA split into two new companies, Jabiru North America and Sport Aircraft Services. Jabiru North America is the sole North American distributor for Jabiru engines and aircraft, as well as a manufacturer of firewall-forward kits for a variety of experimental-amateur built aircraft. Sport Aircraft Services, LLC is owned and operated by Pete's son, Ben, as a full-service maintenance facility for Jabiru engines and experimental and light-sport aircraft. Everybody wins in this division as each man offers great strength and long experience.
Jabiru J170D light sport aircraft Images
The J170 was developed with the flying schools in hotter climates in mind. It is the J170 with the longer wings of the J230 and a bigger elevator. The longer wings allow it to climb faster in hot conditions.
The longer wings also provide more float on landing which is helpful when learning to land. The dual controls and adjustable rudder pedals are continued in this model. The 100 knot TAS cruise speed is still easily achievable at 2850 rpm.
Fuel capacity is 135 litres, swallowed by the engine at a rate of 15 lph at 75 per cent power.
That setting will give you 100 KTAS and a range of 850nm. Like most Jabs, the J170 features a central control column forked into two handgrips, so the aircraft can be easily controlled from either seat.
For those that remember the early Jabirus, the throttle is now on the instrument panel rather than between your legs, which makes it more comfortable to use. The cockpit itself is 1.14 metres wide.
Options for the instruments are myriad, including the full line of Dynon and Garmin.
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