US Sport Planes Will Distribute Jabiru Aircraft and Engine Separately

By Maria Morrison

Jabiru Aircraft and Engines is celebrating their 30th year in operation, this AirVenture. In 1988, they produced a small plastic craft that was to be used as a trainer for ultralight pilots. It was soon certified and marketed. However, no engine worked in that light sport aircraft, so Jabiru began constructing their own. The 60hp Jabiru engine was brought to AirVenture in 1994, and has since been continually upgraded.

Jabirus are distributed stateside by US Sport Planes (USSP), and owner Scott Severen honored Pete Krotje at AirVenture this year, who originally brought Jabiru to the United States and is now retiring. Along with celebrating their 30th year in operation, this also marks the 20th year they have been manufactured stateside.

Severen says that US Sport Planes has now “taken over the aircraft importing for United States LSA,” including Jabiru. As of the beginning of 2018, the Australian company will be selling their aircraft and engines separately.

Severen’s interest has always been mainly in the airplane, and he enjoys doing structural repairs and maintenance. He has seen the company move away from the maintenance aspect and more towards sales, which he “doesn’t want to be a part of.” This split also allows buyers to purchase only the engine, which is especially popular among homebuilders and experimental pilots. Nick Otterback of Arion Aircraft will be managing the engine production and sales.

FMI: https://jabiru.net.au/