The Mighty Jabiru

Mark goes over the details of the Jabiru Aircraft and engine, then takes it for a flight around the patch.
Link to the Specs & prices of a Jabiru Aircraft: www.falcondesign.com/jabiru_j2...

[@TheOzflyer]

I’m a Aussie pilot and I’ve never heard anyone pronounce Jabiru the way you did, we say It just like you do 😂😂

[@maxgood42]

but The outrow was pretty good. 😮🤣🤣🤣

[@GuardedDragon]

I love the knowledge you show in the planes you handle. Whenever I give myself a steady green signal for first plane ownership, I would love to have someone to talk about the planes like that. Seems invaluable. Your content flows well for an easy watch. Thank you from Canada!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Cool, thanks

I have one Brazilian made airplane called Conquest 180 equipped with a Jabiru 3300. Love the sound and fuel performance of this engine ! I´ve got 1400hours on it.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

I had a jabby 230 for two years living here in Texas you could almost not fly it during August as the cylinder head temperatures would get too hot. That one you have there seems to have the upgraded or updated fiberglass induction cowling for the rear cylinders. After a few years I sold it and it went to Minnesota where there is no problem overheating up there. Fast forward a couple years about a zenith 750 with a 3300 generation three jabiru in it. Still had overheating issues in the summer. If you were just cruising around the grass strip and not getting up to cruise speed at let’s say 6000 foot mine would be right on the red line for heat problems. I wish they offered that jabiru airplane with a Rotax 915. That airplane is absolutely amazing and that engine is also. If they offered it with a Rotax or Viking they cannot keep up with production with them selling. That engine is their biggest holdback.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you. Interesting owners experience.

[@sheldonholy5047]

The Jabiru engines have a very poor reputation in the UK, FWIW.

[@atis5607]

@@sheldonholy5047 Can say the same down here in Brazil, my dad used to buy those engines for the experimental airplanes he sold. Most of the R-12 (the aircraft my father used to build) jabiru powered are having issues, you fix it, and another problem arrives.

[@michaelwiggins3663]

The Gen4 3300 seems to have solved those issues. I have a J230 in Texas with a new Gen 4 motor. I watch the temps like a hawk especially on these 100 degree days but so far have yet to have any problems. Climb at 80-85 kts and temps all stay in the green

[@SLACWA1]

You might have solved the cooling with a deeper lip on the rear of the cowl to induce more airflow, that seemed to work here in Australia. Rotec in Aus used to offer water cooled heads as an upgrade for Jabiru engines, they also had a dry sump offering for them. I had a J160 for about 10 years and the main issue was the small sump capacity on long flights. Also be careful running avgas in them unless you can get the low lead option. They lead up really quick.

[@carlhursh9692]

I go to go to the Jabiru factory about 25 years ago on one of my Down Under trips. Impressive.

[@Anonymous99997]

It will interesting to see what the update to the Light Sport spec will be. If they raise the weight limit, the Jabiru is ready.

[@bigmuz_pilot]

I did my ab initio in a Jab J170, basically the same plane with a 4 cylinder Jabiru engine. Great fun, good training aircraft. Our club runs two of them and students progress easily from their training. Cheap to run and affordable, everything you want in an LSA.

[@toppops22]

Nice review of the Jab Mark. That one is very nicely appointed compared to the early ones, it’s like chalk and cheese in comparison, they have come a long way. I owned a 230B, kit built, 2004 built. Mine was always overheating if the OAT was 30C or more, despite a bigger carburettor jet and modified cowling, a new oil cooler etc, nothing would keep the temp down, always ran hot. I don’t know what the later ones are like, I see that one has an even more modified cowl to my old one. I could hear the radio static a couple of times on that one as you circuited, that brought back memories of mine trying to stop the static, even changed the regulator to a more expensive one and added some suppressors. The engine was their downfall and it gave them a bad name here in OZ. The J160 I gained my RPL in failed over the ocean but the pilot managed to land on the island they were heading for, that same plane had a second engine failure but wasn’t a mayday. Having the fuel taps under the seat belts caused a forced landing in my Jabiru when an instructor and a mechanic took it up for a test flight after the engine was repaired. The pilot owned a J160 which has the fuel tap near your knee and wasn’t aware my taps were hidden under those shoulder harnesses. There’s about 5Litres of fuel under the seat in a header tank which they emptied in a few minutes, ended up landing in a crop trial site. The airframe is great, easier to fly the 230/250 than the 160, sleek design, fuel efficient, strong, docile, a better option than the 160 which is short in the fuselage and has shorter wings.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you for this first hand owner info.

[@Lawiah0]

Hey Mark, "What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?" STICK

[@christopherm7702]

Thanks for this Video Mark! It is refreshing to see LSAs like this featured among the other informative videos you bring us.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tjcrocker443]

Great informative video, haven't seen much on these Jabirus. Thanks

[@fraserwatt6417]

Mark, thank you. I enjoy watchng you when you make your videos. You give up good cler informationabout these aircraft and flying. Looking forward to your future episodes. Fraser.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like them!

[@stevescott1032]

Love these vids! Learning a ton.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like them!

[@markbattista6857]

I love it Mark , it might even be something I could afford & it sounds great . Thanks again

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like it!

[@JohnDoe-we9yk]

Been waiting for your new video, as usual very informative and educational. Tks Mark 👍🙂

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

More to come!

[@JohnDoe-we9yk]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 that polish fighter trainer ?

[@2005CessnaPilot]

Assembled in Shelbyville, TN I believe. Sounds great.

[@EchoKilo]

Great review, thank you.

[@txp7m8]

Your reviews are outstanding, love visiting your KZbin page.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like them!

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@davidduganne5939]

enough room in the back for a dingo... looks like a friendly, well mannered plane.

[@TECAdventures]

That fuselage is a pre 2007 model. There were lots of changes in 2007 that you don’t see here unfortunately.

[@davidduganne5939]

I do like the center mounted "Y" control stick--clear view of the panel, and easier ingress/egress without a control-pole that you have to squirm around. Just like the original Wittman Tailwind!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It was surprisingly big and easy to get in and out of.

[@MrLeslloyd]

I was a little skeptical of the center stick but after 1 hour was convinced,this is the best position for a stick,comfortable as the arm rests on the center pad not hanging as dead weight forward for what can be hours on end,i couldn't go back to Joy sticks or a yoke.

[@moriver3857]

Nice design. However, those red guarded switches should be elsewhere as it looks like they could be accidentally tripped and they seem to be important.

[@FlyingNDriving]

I love it and very informational

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@triskellian]

An odd looking but neat little plane! I find it attractive that it's fairly modern and well priced. Not so sure about the flap switch being so close to the throttle. It seems that in rough air one might bump it. The smooth surface of the airframe and the miserly fuel burn is a bonus. If I was in the market to buy a Jabiru, the digeridoo and boomerang would have to be included! What's better if you buy one from Mark, he might play something on the digeridoo thanking you for doing business with him. Cheers!

[@fraserwatt6417]

Mark, thank you for doing this video about the Jabaru. Nice looking aircraf i do like the fact that it only BURNS 4 - 5 gallons per hour. Very economical. But, that would be better using UK gallons, because that's even less. Haha. Fraser (Watt.) Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Fraser. My Mum was born in Edinburgh. I lived in Scotland for 17 years.

[@fraserwatt6417]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Mark glad to hear that you used to live here. I really enjoy your videos. Keep it up.

[@ackack612]

OOPS! Guilty here, I originally thought, (assumed?) you were from Australia, perhaps a Kiwi even. ANYway, what a great, (thinking 'nifty') plane...so much so I had to watch twice from the get-go to make sure I didn't miss anything. Thx Mark!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

No worries!

[@vinceburling4613]

Never seen a jabiru reach its TBO without major work, the TBO is at 1000Hrs and the complete top end rebuild is required.

[@1cardinalflyer]

Complete TBO is 2000 hours. TOP overhaul is at 1000 hours.

[@kellydaniels0044]

Just turned 1007 hours in my Jabiru 3300 and the only maintenance I did was a carb rebuild (took about an hour) at about 600 hours. I actually flew it today! You can tell its not a new engine but compressions are still good. Meanwhile, my neighbor bought a 2019 Cessna 206 for 700+k and he is already replacing a jug.

[@FINSuojeluskunta]

I'm not a huge fan of Tecnams specifically but I do like the Rotax engines. Seeing some people talk about overheating issues with these and even our Rotax fleet would get grounded above like 100F because of density altitude issues. Current fleet of DA-20s gets grounded due to composite airframe temperature issues. If there is a good, cheap airframe + engine combo out there that can survive southwest/southeast US summers I don't know of it.

[@dickyhead]

Thanks Mark

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Very welcome

[@greyjay9202]

Simple design. I bet its reliable. Nice aircraft.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Indeed!

[@cabdouch]

I have a Didgeridoo I got from Australia. I think it would fit into the T210L better than that though :) although your playing was better than mine as I played a KZbin video of an expert playing one while pretending to play mine in my stream. I later purposely screwed up the timing to get caught as people thought I really was playing it I like this aircraft. I got the T210 for carrying 4 people, but might look for something like this for 2 people when the 210 is in the shop for work. I will definitely check with Skywagons for what they have on hand when looking for a new plane as I know you are careful with what you represent. It was nice meeting you Mark, and hope you enjoyed the TEXAS BBQ :)

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Charles. Yes that was a great treat for us to have brisket and ribs brought to us by you. Thanks.

[@Globalflyr]

Mark, just wondering about the location of the red guarded mag switches. Seems like it would be awfully easy to inadvertently turn one or both off with an errant move of the left hand. Concerning to me. Thanks.

[@14chaos2]

I agree! The switch covers are installed incorrectly. The covers are made to ‘cage’ the switch, to prevent accidental shutoff.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

True.

[@davidmoyes726]

Are that for the mags or power/ avionics? Mags on the key in their model I think 🤔

[@rogergraham6342]

I’m an aviation safety scientist and I would definitely move those switches. It was the first thing I noticed when it got flying. A very poor decision to put them there. I’m sure you can nominate the safe space when you order a Jab. Which is what I’m considering.

[@trainsplanes6517]

Nice talking with you this morning. And no, I'm not a spammer! Dave on Smith Flat Road,

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Hi Dave. Strange. A spammer called on a local number. I missed it and called back and got you, one of my KZbin viewers by total co-incidence. Nice to meet you.

[@guymuller3558]

I am very happy with my older Jabiru SP6 leaves the ground by the fourth stripe and climes at 1000+ ft/ min very simple motor to work on.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Great to hear!

[@bryanspayde8688]

I love my 2007 250 . Full GRT glass panels auto pilot. I’ve flown it from California to Ohio and over the last 2 years it hasn’t set still long . I fly along at 100 to 104 knots at 3.7 gallons an hour . 7 hour flight is normal . Climb rate just me and half tanks is 1400 ft per min. Take the front wheel off your pedal bike and you can get 2 in the back with room for camping gear. 35 knot landing speed .. hard to beat the 250 for the money ..

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

They are great planes.

[@bryanspayde8688]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 a under rated aircraft in the light sport world.. the j250. Does three times what the j230 does .. lands slower higher pay load shorter take off .. higher climb rate 1400 ft a min out of mine on a 90 degree day ..

[@lcprivatepilot1969]

Looks like a “Baby Compaire” to me, which is also a very modern, sleek, gorgeous design. I love the fact that it doesn’t have the tubular support pillars obstructing forward viewing in middle of front glass! (Which I think is for supporting floats)? Being it’s a kit plane, I’m sure custom side sticks or dual yokes could be added? Regardless, really great looking aircraft!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It is a surprisingly nice little plane.

[@carlosasher-leon4879]

Mark you are just the best............ I am torn between buy a Jab250 and Arion Lightening XS.... Your video on the Jab has me sold, however in all fairness, I wish you could do a video on the Lightening XS 180hp model..... Thanks........... PS even if you can't do it, you still the best....lol

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks. It is a great plane. If a Lightening comes along, I'll do a vid on it.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Might need 3 hands to land & apply brakes ? It's a different feeling flying from the other seat, too. Nice plane.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It was a bit like a Comanche or early Piper with no toe brakes. If you get it right you should not need them.

[@billr8667]

Thanks for posting. What hilltop airport is this? It looks very pretty. I couldn't quite understand the radio calls.

[@kevinbarry71]

It cannot be an Australian airplane; I didn't see any beer cans. Great video

[@tonycook2347]

They were all under the seat :)

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

:-) :-)

[@ben3989]

I like it! I wonder why they designed a 6 cylinder fir 120hp?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It is very smooth for sure.

[@charlesbrewer6552]

The four and six cylinder Jabiru engines all have the same internal parts. The same cylinders, pistons crankshaft dimesions, the same valves ect. Four cylinders gives 80hp, six cylinders give 120hp. They made a eight cylinder engine for a while I presume that made 160hp.

[@ted1728]

Sooooo with the right hand on the stick and the left on the throttle who works the brakes? Also 2 big red cutoff switches near the throttle? Other than that cool little plane.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It's surprising, but you don't need brakes until it's on the ground and idling. Like an early Cherokee. Hand brake only. Saves brake pads and accidental feet on brakes while landing.

[@chriskiwi2601]

Very good didgeridoo effort Mark, oh and the plane's not bad either. 😂

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I do not know why that amused me way more than it should have, having those things in the plane.

[@paulmcphie1596]

You should take an Airvan (GA8) for lap around the circuit.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I would like to but I have to have one here.

[@philbrammer3632]

I love it. I was wondering if the jabby would ever make the cut at The University..and here we are! But hey, come on, could you not have played the fanfare on the didge? ;)

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

*headslap!*. We totally missed that opportunity! Doh!

[@stephenwalters8061]

'Yeh, G Day mate. Gee I likes how that little Aussie kite dus a lap and she's a real bute.' Another excellent review Mark.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

No worries mate.

[@PARTner91]

When one throttle is pushed forward, does the other one follow it the same amount? That seems logical but also technically challenging to design/build.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It does. They are both linked.

[@jpaulkepler4638]

Cool plane. The thumb was either a severe incident of M-1 thumb or an experiment with left handed hammer use.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The thumb was trapped between a tractor roll-bar and a tree branch.

[@joekelley1014]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Ouch... looks like the roll bar won! Great video!

[@soundman447]

I'm having a hard time with the caged Master Power and Avionics switches should the default not be on? just seems like asking for the power to be killed.

[@kellydaniels0044]

I have a little less than 800 hours on the Jab and I have the same setup except I dont have the caged switches and never came close to inadvertently shutting those switches off. They take some deliberate pushing to move them. Even if you did shut them off in flight the engine continues to run until you turn the key off.

[@soundman447]

@@kellydaniels0044 the cages would make it easier as they add more leverage but you are correct the engine would not be effected

[@jackbego6571]

nice

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks

[@habk8574]

👍👍

[@FlightSimDude]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@hotttt28]

Where can I get one of these! And what’s the drawback?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

They are available for sale generally and they are great little planes. No drawback. Made in Australia.

[@HoundDogMech]

Could have posted the SPECS in the SHOW MORE Area.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Easy fix. We've provided a link to Jabiru in the "Show More" area. - Don the Camera Guy.

[@spannaspinna]

I’m surprised there wasn’t a bottle of Bundaberg rum and a boomerang on the dashboard 😂

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The Boomerang was in the back with the Digeridoo. .

[@peredavi]

Nice plane. If it comes with a didgeridoo,a boomerang and a cute sheila , I’m in.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Crikey mate!

[@rogerdixon3700]

A kiwi watching a pom playing a didgeridoo in America. What will you think of next!!!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

We are all so "global" now.

[@captmulch1]

Nah, we say Jabiru just like you do!! Not too shabby for a Pom on a didge!!!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

"Not too shabby for a Pom on a didge" ha ha ha thanks. My moment of musical fame.

[@matthewstuckings6781]

No mixture?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

No Mixture.

[@RobMcGinley81]

Jabs are as common as fly's at most airfields in OZ

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I bet they are. Are the engines reliable?

[@RobMcGinley81]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 I've heard conflicting things, but seeing they are so common they can't be too bad as long as you watch the temp gauge.

[@justinc5284]

Good on ya Mark - looks like that thumb might have made your eyes water...

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Oh yes. :-) I have a photo that I have been told I should not post.

[@kevinbarry71]

A lot of static on the radio; might have a ground problem

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I think it is our "mic in the headset" arrangement.

[@kevinbarry71]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 perhaps but I'm only hearing it when the other party speaks, and it sounds like it is showing up on the radio itself, but of course I cannot verify that

[@tonyvaccarella5362]

Sorry - the engine is only 1000 TBO

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@1cardinalflyer]

Somewhat incorrect... TOP overhaul at 1000 hours; full overhaul at 2000 hours.

[@RaysDad]

The engine seems loud.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It really isn't. It's just our microphone.

[@hotttt28]

What happened to your thumb?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Awkward. Drove under a lowish branch on a small tractor and it caught on the rollcage. I freed it with my un-gloved hand and the branch whipped away and ripped my thumb open. Later after some repairs I went back to the offending tree with my Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw with it's 24 inch blade and evened up the score.

[@runtr8389]

your Austrailain ? , you wish , he he all the best

[@mytubehkjt]

But those aileron cables?!?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Those cables behind the seats that go up to the wing roots are the worm drive cables for the flaps.

[@mytubehkjt]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Ah ok. But those flap cables?!? ;-)) P.S. Love your videos.

[@1cardinalflyer]

@@skywagonuniversity5023I liked the video, but JT was correct. The teleflex cables control the ailerons. The flaps are conteolled with a shaft that is either manually adjusted or adjusted with an electric drive motor )linear actuator).

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

@@1cardinalflyer Thank you. I stand corrected.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

Btw looks like you stuck your thumb where it didn’t belong.

[@GuardedDragon]

Plane’s from Australia, Mark must’ve had to fight a kangaroo for it

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Erm, Yes. Between the roll-bar of a tractor and the oak branch it was driving under. 8 stitches.

[@triskellian]

@@GuardedDragon 😆

[@triskellian]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Yikes! 😐

[@FINSuojeluskunta]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 I'm sure Mark had the mouth of an Aussie when that happened

[@woodwelder]

I’ve got all day .. tell us about the broken thumb - cobber …!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Cobber?!! exactly. ha ha. Well I drove under a low branch while mowing on my tractor and the branch caught against the rollbar. I pushed it up to make it go over the rollbar but it was loaded like a bow and when it whipped over and away it opened the ball of my thumb like a burger to the bone. "Damn it" I commented.

[@woodwelder]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Ouch ….. doesn’t that sh1t piss you off 😬 Keep up the good work… later sport

[@PoorBoyPennyShow]

CUTE PLANE ,,BUT I CAN SEE WHY ITS CHEAPER THAN A CESSNA 172 ,,,TO ME ,,ITS A CHEAP KNOCK OFF ,,BUT A VIABLE AIRSRAFT ,,DONT LIKE THE REP NEITHER ,,BUT CUTE

[@philipritson8821]

Really! A didgeridoo AND a boomerang? Well tie me kangaroo down.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes, strange, and a bush hat. Crikey Mate.

[@philipritson8821]

This deserves a " Strewth cobber!" Now where did I put my Billabong?

[@philipritson8821]

I found my Billabong! It was under the shade of a coolabah tree.

[@footetoes183]

Why don't they just put a Subaru engine in it?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I suppose you could because it is experimental. It'd also be three wheel drive. ;-)

[@kkiwi54]

Purpose designed aircraft engines are usually far superior/safer than converted car engines

[@spannaspinna]

@@kkiwi54 the early jabiru engines weren’t much good

[@MrLeslloyd]

A chappie recently put a Subaru engine in a Zenith he built,he flew towards our strip after the first flight,engine screaming at high RPM's,no thanks.You can barely hear Jabiru's overhead in the circuit.

[@chrisc161]

Never seen this before. Don’t care for the controls. This is a new plane could have been designed a little better.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It's actually very good. That was the first time I had flown it.

[@kkiwi54]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Same arrangement on the Zenith CH701

[@ryannelson113]

Left hand throttle, right hand stick...the way it should be!

[@chippyjohn1]

Were you a pilot in WW1? What's with all the imperial measurements, you sound as though you are 110 years old.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

There are two types of country in this world, those that use the metric system and those that have been to the Moon. Seriously though. I'm in the US and here it's all old school Imperial. The whole world uses feet for altitude in aviation though.

[@chippyjohn1]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 NASA actually used Metric for the moon missions. The scientists such as Von Braun explained how stupid imperial measurement was and refused to work with it. The recommended standard for altitude is actually the metre, feet is secondary according to the International aviation administration, its just that the US refuses to comply. A large portion of GA use metric as does Russia and China. I don't use feet, my altimeter is in metres and I'm in Australia. Non standard measurement should be illegal, Metric all the way.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

@@chippyjohn1 I gave an inch and you took a mile. 🙂

[@chippyjohn1]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 As we say here, oK

[@matthewroyds8807]

Worst Australian accent since the Simpsons episode. Liked the review though!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Was it as amusing as the Simpsons? Thanks for watching and we're glad you liked the review!

[@ess7488]

they look so terrible inside out, stuck with one design

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro