Ref the above post - this sounds slightly more positive than CASA’s original decree. I will be writing another response covering the specific issues requested here – i.e. operational limitations impacting flying schools. All owners out there should be doing their own submissions stating their own views and reasons (if wanting to propose modification to the restrictions) :-
CONSULTATION DRAFT: OPERATING LIMITATIONS ON JABIRU POWERED AIRCRAFT CD 1425SS
(Extract)
CASA acknowledges that Jabiru has enjoyed a good reputation for manufacturing safe and reliable engines, and that most Jabiru-manufactured engines continue to operate safely and reliably, in Australia and abroad. None of the issues that have given rise to current concerns about Jabiru engines has anything to do with the safety and reliability of Jabiru aircraft, the integrity of which continues to enjoy CASA’s full regulatory confidence.
To Jabiru’s credit, they have acknowledged that a problem of some kind does exist with at least some of its engines—which, as said, may be the consequence of mechanical, operational and/or maintenance-related factors—and that appropriate operational limitations should properly be introduced pending a determination of the cause of that problem and its rectification.
* No operational limitations of any kind have been imposed at this point
* No action has been taken by CASA at this point to impose any operational limitations, other than to publish notice of the limitations CASA proposes, and to invite public comment on those limitations.
* No action will be taken by CASA to impose any operational limitations until after relevant responses to the invitation for comment have been considered, in conjunction with reports and other relevant information CASA has available to it—including submissions and advice received from Jabiru, with whom CASA is conferring, and will continue to confer until optimal and appropriate safety outcomes have been achieved.
While responsive comments of any kind may certainly be submitted, the most helpful and relevant responses will relate to the nature and scope of the proposed operational limitations, and such alternative operational limitations as might arguably be more suitable in all the circumstances. In making such alternative proposals, it will be useful if clear reasons for those alternatives are provided.
CASA and Jabiru recognise that any operational limitations will be inconvenient, and it will be in everyone’s interest to identify the cause(s) of, and to rectify, the problems involved as quickly as possible. In the meantime, general assertions to the effect that most Jabiru engines operate safely and reliably, or particular claims that a specific Jabiru-powered aircraft has enjoyed many hours of safe and reliable performance, do not address the safety issues immediately to hand.
Extension of consultation period. In the consultation notice published by CASA on 13 November 2014, responsive comments were sought by close of business on Thursday, 20 November 2014.
Having clarified aspects of this matter about which there appears to have been some misunderstanding, CASA has decided to extend the consultation period by an additional 7 days.
Comments may now be submitted to CASA at sport@casa.gov.au until the close of business on Thursday 27 November 2014.