Thanks to all who contributed to the Jabiru /Rotax post I put out. I was
expecting
a spirited dialogue, and got just that.
Certainly alot goes to those running the Rotax now, but so too, to those making
new paths with Jabiru: a very good engine.
With my time at Oshkosh over many years, I have been seeing a shift of sorts,
for
an engine choice. Most were going with the Rotax, including myself years ago,
but there is a shift in the kit manufacterer's choices. They are getting into
the Jabiru line, simply because the consumer wants it. Not unlike the Murphy
Rebel of mine, which also was designed and built around the early Rotax 80
hp.
Now this plane sports a 180 hp Lyc in some cases, flies and performs well. It is
simply a sign of evolution.
I doubt the Rotax will be replaced... but I do believe that there is a good
reason
why the manufacteres are starting to switch from what they offered as standard
equipment.
The biggest advantage from an operator's view is running costs... two I spoke
with,
operating flight schools, cannot keep the economics down, and have switched
to the Jabiru, and are satisfied with performance, operating costs, easier
maintenance, and equal , if not more power.
Not all of us are commercial operators, so the rigours of this type of flying
won't
be the norm, then again, for some it may be.
All in all, I have obtained a wide cross section of information from many
different
people, with different exposures to both engines, and it has been interesting.
Thanking you all again for your inputs.
Myron Haluschak USAF monowheel A049
|