There is a political aspect to this also.
CASA has limited the Jabiru engine because it is a certified engine, that is, it is subject to the same rules as your everyday Lycoming or Continental. However, where the engine is in an aircraft registered under our Experimental or Recreational Light Sport category there seems to be some contention as to CASA's right to apply the restriction. If shown to be appropriate, then CASA could have the power to apply it to any non-certified experimental engine including the VW, Corvair etc commonly used in KRs. This is seen by many as a regulatory imposition contrary to the very foundation of the experimental category. The restriction is apparently based upon some statistical failure rates, the details of which are not being released, which is making it difficult for our representatives to provide a balanced response. Importantly the failure rates quoted so far do not appear to be significantly different to what you see in other certified engines which makes you wonder why Jabiru is being singled out. The limitation was released in stealth with neither the engine manufacturer nor any of the home built aircraft organisations consulted beforehand. However it has significant financial implications for all concerned. I would like to think that our experimental owners will take note of the technical issues under discussion and address them appropriately using good airmanship but the problem at present is that CASA are refusing to elaborate what they are or justify their position. Our country is becoming highly over regulated and a previous CASA director once famously said "we would have enough work to do even if there were no aircraft flying". .such is the mind set.sound familiar. Cheers John John Martindale 29 Jane Circuit Toormina NSW 2452 Australia ph:61 2 6658 4767 m:0403 432179 email:john_martindale at bigpond.com web site: http://john-martindale-kr2.zxq.net -----Original Message----- From: KRnet [mailto:krnet-bounces at list.krnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Stirewalt via KRnet Sent: Sunday, 30 November 2014 6:40 AM To: krnet at list.krnet.org Subject: KR> Jabiru Someone commented recently on the forum that CASA (Australian FAA) has limited Jabiru-powered aircraft to day VFR.......snip ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2015.0.5577 / Virus Database: 4223/8653 - Release Date: 11/29/14