John's J400 Build Log

John's Jabiru J400 Build Log

The Jabiru J400 is a single engine four seat aircraft which comes in kit form from Jabiru Aircraft in Bundaberg, Queensland.

I commenced construction of my plane in December 2004.

I intend to register it under CASA's GA - Experimental Category. To qualify under the experimental rule, a plane must be at least 51% built by the owner. In the case of the J400 I have found that there is no problem satisfying this rule, because no two parts seem to fit together without some modification eg sanding, reaming, grinding etc.

The Sports Aviation Association of Australia have been very helpful, from putting me in touch with a technical counsellor to negotiating insurance policies for home builders.

I learnt to fly at the Darling Downs Aero Club in Toowoomba, and currently hold a Private Pilots Licence with night VFR rating.

While I enjoy flying, it is increasingly expensive to hire GA aircraft, and the aircraft I want is not always available at the time I want it. I would like to travel to various places in Australia, but it is difficult to rent an aircraft then hangar it for a week or two at a destination. There is also the pressure to return the aircraft on time in marginal flying weather.

One solution is to buy a plane. Unfortunately an aging GA aircraft is expensive to maintain, and a new aircraft is prohibitively expensive. Joining a syndicate is another solution, but revisits the problem of aircraft availability when you want it.

I opted to buy a kit. An advantage is that by the time I finish building I will have total familiarity with the plane's systems and structure. For one thing, building has made me realise how many critical parts there are in a plane, so I won't be tempted to exceed the design parameters when I fly it!

Other J400 Builder's Sites:

http://www.jabiru-aircraft.com/

Wal's Jabiru