Jabiru Aircraft J230-D

Single Piston

The Jabiru J230 is an Australian light sport aircraft designed and manufactured by Jabiru Aircraft in Bundaberg, Queensland. First introduced in the early 2000s, the J230 represents Jabiru's evolution of their successful two-seat side-by-side design philosophy, optimized to meet both recreational pilot certificate and light sport aircraft regulations in multiple countries. Powered by Jabiru's own 80-horsepower 2200cc four-cylinder air-cooled engine, the aircraft features composite construction with a high-wing configuration and fixed tricycle landing gear, delivering economical operation and straightforward handling characteristics that appeal to flight schools and private owners alike. The J230's design emphasizes accessibility and efficiency, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds placing it squarely in the light sport category. Its relatively low stall speed of 35 knots in landing configuration and never-exceed speed of 122 knots define a forgiving flight envelope suitable for ab-initio training and recreational cross-country flying. The aircraft's Australian engineering heritage shows in its focus on hot-climate operations and rough-field capability, with robust landing gear and effective cooling for the horizontally-opposed engine. While not breaking performance records, the J230 has earned a reputation for being one of the more affordable factory-built LSA options, with Jabiru's vertically integrated manufacturing—including their own engines and propellers—helping control costs. SkyMeter has tracked 10 flights across 6 airframes and 1 operators, with the largest observed operator.