At Midwest LSA Expo on Day Three, I interviewed two leading sellers in the LSA or Sport Pilot kit space, one imported model and one U.S. brand. They represent different approaches to the business yet each has been successful, one for 35 years and one for 40 years. These conversations were a great way to end Midwest 2023 on a high note… and on an exceptionally beautiful day. I use the phrase “Mosaic-Ready” when talking about this Jabiru Elite because importer Scott Severen of US Sport Planes believes this company is poised and ready to be a Mosaic LSA or mLSA. Right after I interviewed Scott, I spoke with Michelle Schlitter of Rans, who noted their S-21 Outbound, which qualifies as a SLSA today at 1,320 pounds, can quickly be “Mosaic-Ready” at 1,800 pounds at which it’s already been tested. Other producers are also close to or at Mosaic-readiness.
“Mosaic-Ready” Jabiru Elite Offers Luxurious Appointments and Smart Safety Features
Elite Description
Making a close-up examination of the Jabiru Elite that US Sport Planes exhibited at Midwest 2023, it was clear this was a cut above. While the familiar J-230D model is professional in equipment and appointments, it is less luxurious than seen in Jabiru Elite.Jabiru's J-230D has long distinguished itself with a large third door allowing easier access to its spacious aft cabin.
Smart Safety
Modern digital screens are quite remarkable in the sheer quantity of information they can display in a bright, colorful format which can be set up to show the pilot whatever they wish. Devices like Garmin's G3X are so capable that, like your computer, they take time to learn and you must keep your skills up to use them effectively. Yet as with your computer or smartphone, an effort to learn is usually worth the time you invest.Mosaic-Ready Prices
When I show the "Christmas in July" slide of my "What's In It for You" Mosaic presentation, I enjoy noting the many upgrades will become available to Mosaic LSA. Yet I have to ask, "Each one of those capabilities will add to the price. How many do you want?"J-230D's aft cabin is particularly roomy as it can be fitted with two more seats in Australia, a possibility in the USA after Mosaic passes.
ARTICLE LINKS:
- US Sport Planes is the importer for Jabiru aircraft, link with contact info and articles on this website
- Jabiru Australia, link to manufacturer's website with contact info and articles on this website
- Video Review of Jabiru's J-230D, on this website, recorded at Midwest 2019
- Earlier article about "Runway Seeker," a predecessor to "Smart Glide," on this website