A couple of months ago I visited Allan Bowden in Victoria Australia, who
has what I believe is the first flying Europa fitted with a Jabiru 3300
engine (much to Bob's frustration). At that stage, the aircraft had
flown only 8 or 9 hours, so any performance figures were very
provisional. One or two other builders on the list have been interested
in an update on Allan's aircraft, so I phoned him last night.
Unfortunately Alan himself has been out of action due to a double hip
replacement which has made getting in and out of the Europa difficult
enough, let alone flying it. So his Europa hasn't flown again since I
was there, and probably won't now until around Christmas. However for
those that are interested, Alan purchased a full firewall forward kit
---From Jabiru including cowls and wooden prop. The prop is 60" dia and 52"
pitch. He also used Jabiru engine and flight instruments. Empty aircraft
weight including 10 litres of fuel is 350kg (771 lbs) Alan reports
getting approx 120kts IAS at 2700 rpm and 130kts at 2900 rpm. The
aircraft looks nice with a slightly longer nose than a Rotax equipped
version. I have some photos which I can send anyone who is particularly
interested.
Rob Waters
kit 437
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