RKW

I also have a quote for a new J160 with a few extras such as Dynon D10a and strobe, adjustable rudder pedals etc. Not much change out of $80,000 inc GST.

I have a quote from Aeromil Pacific for the new Skycatcher. They can do one for US$111,500 ex GST. Also add approx US$27,000 for shipping and certification of airwothiness. Delivery is expected in 2012. Obviously someone got an earlier delivery! Should also mention from quote, *please note prices are indicitave only. Final pricing and optional equipment choices will be confirmed in a puchase agreement. All up, approx US$149650.

Ya still young. Age is only a number! Bob

Hi Ballpoint, nice to have some variety. You'll have to take me up for a few laps! All the best, Bob

The new fin has an aerofoil section, whereas the old one essentially has flat sides. This is, apparently, to improve rudder control. The slight radius curve on the top really enhances the overall (visual)effect.

I finally got some photos of the new J160 and instrument panel. Really nice improvements on a popular model. The new fin (fat tail) will be standard on all the new models, same as the J170.

Visited the Jabiru factory on Monday and noticed a new J160 with the new vertical stabiliser, same as fitted to the J170/230. It will soon be undergoing certification and it looks great. No photos this time unfortunately!

Hello Bushpilot, the 170 in my photo has the long nose. Regards, Bob

Hello Matt, What a coincidence, I was flying one with the exact same problem on Friday. It only had 59 hours! Like many instruments in the Jabs, they are made to a price (cheap!) and are not worth repairing. I have observed several others with similar intermittent problems. Not that long ago, VDO's were top quality instruments. Bob

Hello Don, I agree with your sentiments. It really is an insult to the memory of Smithy.

I have it on good authority that Jabiru have a new thru-bolt in the pipeline. I believe it is made of the same material but has a larger diameter. Whilst not ideal, it may yet solve the problem. How the new bolts will retrofit is another matter. Anyway, it is pleasing that Jabiru are finally addressing the problem.

a merry Christmas to you Ross and all the other forumites

One of the joys of flying in to Boonah is catching up with Greg. Flew in on friday and received his usual greeting even though he was very busy. Always a cuppa for us and even lamingtons on special occasions. Greg, you will be missed.

Hello Phil, It may be that your altimeter has simply packed it in. I have had two go on us in my J160 and another in the J170. Sounds like the same symptoms that you described. They are not a high quality item and I don't believe they are worth repairing. We seem to be accumulating them as ornaments at the flying school! Best Regards, Bob

Hi MM, Yes the Foxy's are becoming very popular. They can be ordered with either a central joy stick, or dual control columns. There are now two of them at Caboolture and I think one is for sale. Best Regards, Bob

This is a short field landing in a Foxbat. Its not pretty, but it's pretty short!

Hello MM, There are a lot of Jabirus out there because they are Australian made and represent value for money. None of the range of Jabirus could be described as having docile slow flight characterisics when compared to the Foxbat, Savannah or the like. They are not a stol aircraft. They are not difficult to fly, but there are other aircraft that are easier to fly. Regards, Bob

Hello Jack, I asked them about the six, however, they assured me that it is the four only. Regards, Bob

Here is a photo of the J170. The new ventral fin is not attached. [ATTACH]12548.vB[/ATTACH]

While visiting the Jab factory earlier this month, I saw what may be an upgrade of the J170. It has an extended nose (and engine mount) uses the J230 virt stab and has a new and larger ventral fin. Why the need for the changes...I have no Idea! Regards, Bob

I have to agree with you, Major. Cut threads leave a stress point where the thread ends. A rolled thread will always be stronger. Maybe I am oversimplifying a more complex problem, however, I believe a high tensile rolled thread stud of similar design, would solve the problem. Irrespective of what ever else is causing the problem, the catastophic failure occurs when the studs ends let go. I have expressed these comments to Jabiru now on two occassions. I note that the new engine has spacers at the base of the cylinders. I presume these are the .5mm ones designed to reduce the compression ratio. It runs well now but how will it be around the 300 hour mark?? Jabiru have ironed out a lot of other problems with their motors, but appear reluctant to tackle this one.....Best Regards, Bob

Hello Blackrod, I, too found it amazing that they were unaware of the Flight Safety reports on the thru-bolts. Who is looking out for us? We left them with a copy of the Flight safety Mag! Best Regards, Bob

Hello Jack, The broken engine has always been run on 100LL. I think the new motor has been built to the latest specs. It has no external oil feed to the rockers. Best Regards, Bob

The saga continues.... After about 300 hours of use, the thru-bolts decided to shed their nuts again! With rough running and almost total power loss on take-off at 400 ft, the instructor skillfully landed on the short runway last Saturday morning. Took the engine to Bundaberg on monday and awaiting their report. Now have a new engine with the latest specs (hollow pushrods etc) The thru-bolts need to be high tensile with rolled threads instead of machined chrome molly. Atleast that might keep the two halves together! There were numerous reports of thru-bolt failure in the Sept Oct Flight Safety Mag. The folks at Bundi were unaware of this. Anyway I will keep those who are interested posted if and when further info comes to hand. Regards, Bob