Modern. Light. Sport.
The most efficient way to fly cross-country in Texas.
120 knots true. 5 GPH cruise. 35.4 gallons usable. Six-plus hours endurance. Pilot eligible — no medical, no BasicMed paperwork. The cleanest, most economical way to fly cross-country in the United States right now.
N779J — 2017 Jabiru J230-D
Garmin G3X Touch • 120 HP • 120 kts
The Fuel Math
5 GPH changes everything.
A 9 GPH airplane is a $63-an-hour fuel bill at today's avgas prices. A Jabiru is $35. Over a 100-hour year, that is roughly $2,800 saved against a Warrior and $3,200 against a 172 — the difference between flying and not.
Comparison assumes $7/gal 100LL across all three aircraft. These are fuel costs only. A4 Aviation's Light Sport rates are wet, so members never see a separate fuel bill — the low ~5 GPH burn is what lets us quote a low all-in wet rate.
Why Modern Matters
Built for how pilots fly today. Not 1978.
| The old way | The modern way |
|---|---|
| 1970s steam gauges | Dual GRT Sport HS glass with synthetic vision |
| No autopilot, or analog wing-leveler | DigiFlight Vizion 380 with altitude preselect |
| Mode C transponder, no traffic awareness | ADS-B In/Out, traffic and weather on the panel |
| 9 to 10 GPH, 100LL only | 5 GPH, factory-approved for ethanol-free auto fuel |
| Third-class medical or BasicMed paperwork | eligible. Driver's license medical. |
| Aluminum airframe baking on the ramp since Carter | Composite. Hangared from new. No UV. No corrosion. |
| Built when fuel was 60¢ a gallon | Built for a $7 gallon world |
Jabiru vs. Traditional Trainers
See how Jabiru stacks up against the aircraft most pilots learn in — and why experienced pilots choose Jabiru for time-building and recreational flying.
| Category | Jabiru J230 | Cessna 150/152 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | 115–120 kts | 90–95 kts | 110–115 kts |
| Fuel Burn | 5–6 GPH | 5.5–6.5 GPH | 8–9 GPH |
| Hourly Cost (wet) | ~$150/hr | ~$140/hr | ~$195/hr |
| Avionics | Glass panel standard | Analog gauges | Mixed / varies |
| Airframe Age | 2007–2017 | 1960s–1970s | 1970s–2000s |
| Construction | Modern composite | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Our Jabiru Fleet
Three Jabiru aircraft, each with unique capabilities and modern avionics. All maintained to the highest standards.
Jabiru J230-D
Our flagship with Garmin G3X Touch glass panel, 2-axis autopilot, synthetic vision, and ADS-B In/Out. The most advanced Jabiru in the US rental market.
Engine: Jabiru J3300L Gen 4 — 120 HP
Based at: Hicks Airfield (T67)
Jabiru J230-SP
"Jack"
A well-loved J230 with strong performance and a loyal following among our members. Ideal for local and cross-country flying.
Engine: Jabiru 3300 — 120 HP
Based at: Hicks Airfield (T67)
Modern Glass Cockpit Experience
Our Jabiru aircraft feature state-of-the-art glass panel avionics — Garmin G3X and GRT displays that rival cockpits costing ten times more.
Ready to Fly Jabiru?
Whether you're looking to rent, time-build, or simply experience what modern Aviation feels like — we'd love to show you the Jabiru difference. $50/month membership, from $135/hr wet.