|
|
Jabiru J160 Review
 After not being very happy flying the Jabiru LSA-55 (see my review on the Jabiru LSA page for more details), I was hesitant to give the newer, larger J-160 model a go. I must say though, I'm glad that I did! It is a completely different a/c all together!!
First thoughts as I approached the J160 is that in comparison to the LSA the J160 is larger, taller, longer, has a much nicer general look/shape, and has a nicer finish overall, but especially to the interior. The fuel tank that sits behind the passenger and pilot in the smaller LSA-55 has been moved to the Wings - a welcome improvement, adding much needed range to this aircraft as well as cargo space.
Getting into the J160 is a LOT easier (especially for the taller folk, like myself) than the smaller LSA-55 model, with its larger doors and higher position. Even at 6'1", I had no trouble getting in & out, and was very comfortable inside the cabin, with a considerably larger cockpit than the LSA model. The leg room is just amazing in the J160, I really felt comfortable sitting inside the cabin.
The J160 has dual throttles, located near the doors left and right on the panel, which is really nice after flying the LSA-55 with throttles located under the seat between your legs! The only problem that I had with the throttle positions on the panel is that it is near the door and is easily knocked with your legs when getting in, but otherwise a great improvement (for me). It also has electric flaps, with the switch (on this a/c) located within easy reach on the center of the panel, which is a huge improvement on the lever next to the pilots left ear above the door that the 55-LSA has! Also, the flap extension speeds have been significantly increased - a great improvement.
Along with conventional instruments, the J160 that I reviewed has an EFIS tube (optional extra) that has most of the flight information on it, which makes for a very sleek and modern feel to the panel, as well as being very user friendly. The interior is quite different to the earlier models and has now quite an overall impressive look.
 Just like the LSA-55, the J160 has an 85hp, 2.2 lt Jabiru 4 stroke, 4 cylinder engine with a direct driven 2 blade wood prop.
The take-off role is a little longer than the LSA, and the climb out is far less aggressive (which is great for nervous pax). At rotation speed a gentle application of back pressure on the stick has the J160 gently leaping off the ground and very quickly gaining speed to 70-75 kt in a very comfortable climb. With full fuel and 2 up (MTOW) we were getting about 500 ft/min initial climb, and approx 800-1000 ft/min once the flaps were retracted (1 stage flaps used for takeoff).
The general ride of the J160 is not unsimilar to the LSA-55, however is far more stable, with the most noticeable difference being MUCH more positive command from the rudder, and a far smoother over all ride, with the J160 being very easy to keep balanced even in wind gusts. Much of the improvements come from extending the moment arm, and increasing the size of the tail and rudder. The J160 is very sensitive to input controls in all axis - with very little aileron input needed to achieve a quick 30 degree bank turn, with the mandatory use of rudder to keep her balanced...in the air, it feels like a very sporty and highly responsive aircraft. The J160 is an absolute delight to fly! Moving from the LSA-55 into the J160 is like going from a Holden Barina into a Holden Comodore - it is that different!
I feel as though Jabiru have really done a lot of work to improve the J160 from the earlier models, making it a great aircraft...particularly at low speeds - where you need as much stability as possible! Well done Jabiru!! I believe that the J160 is a great aircraft to introduce GA pilots to this awesome world of Recreational Flying - flying for the pure love of it and for FUN!
 Coming in to land is like being in a completely different aircraft than the LSA-55. The J160 is precise and easy to maintain rudder balance and directional control even in wind gusts. The J160 has no problems taking on a cross-wind of 14 kt and every landing seems to be effortless and very conventional. But best of all, smooth greasers are easily achievable in this aircraft!
I am quite impressed with the J160 - and a vast improvement on the earlier LSA-55 and SP models! I give the J160 Nine out of Ten - a great little aircraft with noticeable differences to the earlier models.
Negatives - Not much to say on the negatives for this aircraft, my main criticism would be that the brakes are not differential and nor are they very effective - not much of a "short field" aircraft.
Positives - Easy to fly, easy to land, roomy and comfy cabin - in general a very nice a/c that should suit the new pilot right through to the very experienced pilot...great economy @ <15lts per hour and around 95 - 100 kt cruise. Looks a lot better than the early model Jabiru's in my opinion - sits taller, nicer overall look and finish.
Good work Jabiru - you have won me over! A great a/c for the money...around $75,000AU (2008) brand new from the factory. This is an aircraft I would be proud to own and certainly proud to show off!
Aircraft are like a lot of things in this world - they suit different people for different reasons. This Review is just an over view and my personal thoughts, not meant to be a hard and fast rule. I do hope that this review has been helpful or at least interesting to read, and I ask that you also seek another or even your own opinion and experience on this aircraft.
| |
