JABIRU HISTORY

Jabiru Aircraft PTY LTD of Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia

Jabiru was started in 1988 by Rodney Stiff and Phil Ainsworth to develop an affordable, reliable and efficient light aircraft to make flying possible for more people. In October of 1991, the type certificate for the first Jabiru aircraft was awarded, but only one month later, the engine manufacturer ceased aircraft engine production. Undaunted, the Jabiru team decided to design their own engine for their new aircraft. Thus, the unique dual mission of engine and aircraft manufacturer was born.

Since then, Jabiru has built thousands of aircraft and engines, with aircraft manufacturing centers in Australia and South Africa, with a growing fleet of light-sport aircraft in the U.S.  In 2009, Rodney Stiff was awarded the Dr. August Raspet Memorial Award by the Experimental Aircraft Association “for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of the design of light aircraft.”

To learn more about Jabiru Australia, visit www.jabiru.net.au.  

Jabiru USA History

Jabiru USA Sport Aircraft was established in 2001 by the Krotjes who offered sales & service of Jabiru aircraft engines and airframe kits. In 2005, Jabiru USA began manufacturing turn-key Jabiru Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Today, Jabiru owners fly all over the USA for pleasure, traveling, and flight training, enjoying one of the best safety records in the Light-Sport industry. Over 3,500 of the 7,500+ engines produced by Jabiru are flying in the USA with over 1 million hours on the Jabiru fleet worldwide. Jabiru LSA ranks in the top 7 Light-Sport manufacturers (By DanJohnson.com) in the USA.

Our most common question: What is a “Jabiru,” anyway?

“Jabiru” (jab–uh-roo) is a common name for the Black-Necked Stork, a large bird native to Australia. The Jabiru mycteria is a different species of stork native to Central and South America. Jabiru storks are quite impressive, standing 5 feet tall with a wingspan between 7 and 9 feet.

Photo Source: Djambalawa at English Wikipedia