CASA has lifted the operating limitations on many Jabiru-powered aircraft provided the individual motor complies with conditions laid down in a new legislative instrument.
In an announcement made today, CASA outlined maintenance requirements that needed to be met in order for aircraft to be allowed to operate without limitations, which include adopting Jabiru's maintenance schedule and replacing engine though-bolts in accordance with Jabiru service bulletins.
CASA Director of Aviation Safety Mark Skidmore said the risk mitigations had been developed in collaboration with Jabiru and Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus).
“CASA’s engineers have looked very carefully at engine failure data and analyses and worked with Jabiru’s engineering adviser,” he said.
“CASA and Jabiru now have a better understanding of the problems involved and this has led to the development of the new direction.
“I am pleased operators of Jabiru-powered aircraft can now resume normal operations once the appropriate maintenance-related actions have been taken.”
The legislative instrument signed by DAS Skidmore on 28 June gives Jabiru owners and pilots the option of continuing to fly with the limitations under Schedule 1 of the instrument, or complying with Schedule 2 and flying without the limitations.
Schedule 2 requires the aeroplane owner to identify the engine compared to a CASA table and comply with the maintenance and inspection requirements according to the table.
Jabiru founder Rod Stiff made the following statement following the CASA announcement.
"The instrument is basically saying that Jabiru engines that comply with the Jabiru maintenance schedule and the Service Bulletins and Letters and have no modifications have all the limitations lifted.
"With the accompanying CASA’s Jabiru Engine Reliability Analysis File ref:D16/181471, it is heartening to see recognition by CASA of the issues faced which are beyond our control and the steps taken by Jabiru to deal with the issues within our control.
"It is also heartening to see the dramatic increase in compliance to the Service bulletins/ Letters and maintenance procedures. This combined with our Jabiru engine training workshops has resulted in fewer incidents and puts us well ahead of Rotax for reliability, the standard by which CASA based their aggressive actions.
"We will continue to work for and with our customers and operators to strengthen and grow the Jabiru fleet. We have weathered the storm – it is now onwards and upwards for the Jabiru fleet."
The specific requirements of Schedule are set out in the Jabiru Limitations Document 28 June 2016.