Jabiru J-160 First Flight

[Quicky]

The other day i took my first flight in a Jabiru J-160C and compared to what trained in a skyfox gazelle these things are little rockets. The gazelle cruised at about 75kts if you pushed her, but this little j-160 could easily reach 100kts and you feel the difference believe me! I was quite nervous for my first flight in the Jabiru even tho i would be supervised by an RAAF pilot beside me. They tackle the turbulance beautifully but in the gazelle it wasn't the most plesent of rides. We got the jabiru started, Run-up checks, up to 1800rpm mag check, 1 drop, 2 drop, Carbi heat hot...10 seconds back in, a little bit of ice nothing to worrie about tho, before i knew we were on our way "Ballarat traffic Jabiru 4781 rolling runway 05 for circuits Ballarat". Straight up to full power and this plane wants to go! I got planted back in my seat and we were at 50kts before i knew it, slight back preasure, hold...hold... Lift off. 200ft AGL Flaps up and a very noticable sink more back preasure more back preasure and before i knew it we were at crosswind turning height of 500ft AGL, I thought "Christ"! we turned downwind doing our checks and you need to know them off by heart because this beauty cruises at about 95kts on downwind with a 5kt tail wind before i knew it, Base turning time, Radio Call, Check. Carbi, Check, and before i knew it i was falling behind the aircraft after getting the flaps down at 80kts i was taking a high approach final hooking the plane around straighten up, Centre line between my legs, right, after what my new instructor teaching Aimpoint, Aspect, Airspeed thats all i had to remember on final, Aimpoint, Aspect, Airspeed at about 50-70ft AGL Manny said right focus on the landing, focus on the landing and instead of in the gazelle at 10 ftAGL pulling the power off you basically land with 15% power on as my instructor said these things are like little jets, so treat them that way! If anyone gets the opportunity to fly a Jabiru of any sort Especially the J-160 i would Highly recommend it, Cheers Quicky

 

 

[jetinight]

Wow, your report was awesome bro, Thanks.