Andrew,
You're not alone in your views about the 'firewall-forward' part of the
kit-build so often conveniently overlooked by kit manufacturers! I fairness
I suppose, to all kit companies (except Jabiru, who I think are unique
selling both aircraft and engines), the Firewall-Forward is 'Somebody Else's
Problem'. Kit manufacturers tend to concentrate on airframe support, and why
not? Having said that, I do applaud Europa's long-standing support for the
Rotax setups and I'm not here to rubbish Rotax in favor of Jabiru. However
(!), I ask potential engine customers to consider the following issues:
1. Simplicity. The Jabiru is designed as an aircraft engine, uses all
'aircraft' (AN/SAE) fastenings, is direct-drive and air cooled. No gearbox,
radiator, header tank, fluid pipework, etc.
2. Reliability. Jabiru engines have a 2000 hour TBO, with a 1000 hour
recommended top-end overhaul - essentially changing the piston rings and
re-honing the bores, and maybe re-seating the valve seats if necessary. No
need to split the crankcase until 2000 hours.
3. Cost of ownership. Jabiru parts are around 1/2 the cost of equivalent
Rotax parts, and the cost of TBO overhaul, parts and labor, is currently
around $6500 all-in, and remember it's at 2000 hours, so the cost-per-hour
is very competitive with those having lower published TBOs.
4. Flexibility in use. The engine runs equally well on AvGas or premium
auto-gas (minimum 93 Octane), and uses regular aviation oil.
5. Sound. The Jabiru's maximum RPM is 3300, not over 6000.
OK, that's about as close as I'll get to a hard-sell on here; I respect that
these lists are for inter-owner technical information and opinion and not
necessarily for heavy marketing or 'our product is better than theirs'. All
I ask is that prospective customers look closely at the alternatives and
decide based on their own preferences. I'll be happy to provide more
information or enter discussion here if members are interested....
Andy Silvester
Suncoast Sportplanes, Inc.
www.suncoastjabiru.com
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
ACJARVIS1@aol.com
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Jabiru 3300 Engine option
Being at heart a glider pilot, when I started on this homebuild lark I had
naively thought one's problems were just about over when the airframe was
built . I imagined you just bolt in the engine, probably a Rotax, connect
the fuel
and some wires, and the rest just happened. I now have a sneaking feeling
it's not that simple....
Reading all the technical snags people are running into makes me wonder. I
know for a fact that if snags are out there, I will get the lot.
At least I have the luxury of time before I have to send someone another
huge sum of money (for the engine that is- and maybe this time I'll get the
goods I paid for.) But now a new dilemma- should the money go to Austria or
Australia?
My point is , no doubt many builders would be very interested in a nicely
cowled Jabiru option; but would it be a better choice than the Rotax? if so
will it be easier to fit, more reliable, more economical, etc etc?
Obviously
the hiatus in Kirkbymoorside offers Jabiru an ideal chance to come up with a
brand new firewall- forward package, but ....how does one decide which
engine to
buy? And then what about these diesels? Heavy and smelly but so much
simpler...so ,sell me an engine, Andy at Suncoast Sportplanes!
Andrew Jarvis 599 [wingless wonder]
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