www.jabiru.net.au/Photopage/Magazine%20A...August%2009%20AA.pdf

Hiya folks,

Just curious to know if anyone here has first-hand experience having flown and/or built the J430 kit?

Thanks.

FN

I know this post is a few months old, but I flew the J430 in Bundaberg a little while back. My father in law owns a J160 and I've been interested in the Jab ever since I flew his. Also, I'm into carpentry, electronics, mechanics and similar, so am keen to do a kit build, definitely not factory built. Adding to that my son is growing up and a kit aircraft would be a great project for him getting into teenage years.

I'm interested in the J430 with VH rego to get the whole family on board. Also, my wife is a skydiver and won't let me get an aircraft she can't jump out of! So an experimental certificate is ideal.

So, before I ramble on too much, send me a reply to:
Something is hidden for guests. Please log in or register to see it. to confirm this thread is active, and I'dd be happy to chat further.

Cheers.

Is it easy to jump out of a Jabiru?

Rubberdown

Hi All,

Here's a copy of the air test I did on the J430 some time back A Bigger Bird. J430 Air Test.

There is also some further information on the J230/430 at www.owenzupp.com as I flew this type around Australia on a charity flight in 2010. Feel free to contact me with any questions via this link Contact Owen.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Owen

I love the look of the J430 but being a lousy tradie, I'm afraid putting one together is not going to work out.

This thread seems like a good place to ask the question... What sort of (annual) costs should someone expect when owning an aircraft like the J430 ?

eg. Are LSA upkeep costs less expensive than VH ? Is it insurance/maintenance/parts where the two differ (I guess you could make some savings by doing some of the maintenance yourself, but does the regulator allow that ?). In terms of recuping some costs, what about leasing an aircraft to, for example, a flying school when you are not using it yourself ?

Anyway, I have always wondered how much it would cost to own an aircraft and, although it seems unlikely at this stage, it is good to know the ballpark figures. Thanks in advance !

rubberdown wrote:
Is it easy to jump out of a Jabiru?

Rubberdown
Rubberdown... as mentioned earlier ... my wife is a skydiver of 20 years and I'm a pilot of 15. Being pretty handy with building and electrics, and with a young family I'm looking for a project to get everyone involved in and spend time time together. I've had my eye on a J430 for many years and while in Bundy a couple years back my wife and I went up for a fly in BNP.

I guess I'm telling you the history here because my wife told me there's NO WAY I'm allowed to buy/build a plane that she can't jump out of! So by getting a J430 you get the rear seats for your pax during take off and landing (which you probably know don't get in the J230) and they're right next to the rear door for the jump. Also, the forward doors are structural so must be attached and latched to provide integrity during flight. (I'm sure Owen or Jabiru could provide more info here?)

So with a J430 that means a VH rego on the aircraft, but it's still in the Experimental category so you can do mods to the aircraft if you're an owner-builder. I spoke at length with Jabiru in Bundaberg and we took the rear door off while on the ground and my wife practiced exiting and agreed she could jump out. She's 5'10" so being able to get out easily enough is important, and we agreed the door aperture is sufficient. We discussed with Jabiru a sliding door arrangement and while we didn't come up with a design, we did agree a solution would be achievable. It's a little more up front cost for the VH rego, but you still get the benefits of owner maintenance and modifications.

Meanwhile I'm keen to hear the response to Damono's question on operating costs.

Oh and Owen, I read and re-read that review many times since it was published. Well written and very informative!

Cheers,
Jp.

Jumper:
Re the idea of a sliding door setup.What about a door that opens upward,or a roll down plastic blind arrangement.I have seen these very setups,in a variety of skydiving aircraft,that I have come across.They would surely not be as hard to fit to the J430,as trying to engineer a sliding door,and I would reckon that as far as the weight,would be lighter to boot,as well.Being a skydiving pilot,I would leave the final choice to you,etc...as to the best fit,for the J40.Talking to Jabiru,themselves,would also be a great idea,as well.If it can be done,I'm sure they could come up with a viable solution.i'm also sure that there could be a another option/use for the above,that is for aerial photography,operations.