Jabiru Aircraft J160

Single Piston

The Jabiru J160 is an Australian-designed light sport aircraft that has become one of the most successful kit-built and factory-built aircraft to emerge from the Southern Hemisphere. Manufactured by Jabiru Aircraft in Bundaberg, Queensland since the mid-1990s, the J160 represents the company's philosophy of simple, affordable flying with a distinctive high-wing configuration and all-composite construction. Powered by Jabiru's own horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines producing 80 horsepower, the aircraft achieves a cruise speed around 95 knots while sipping fuel at roughly 4 gallons per hour, making it exceptionally economical for training and recreational flying. The type's lightweight construction keeps it under the 600-kilogram limit for ultralight certification in Australia and qualifies it as a Light Sport Aircraft in the United States, opening pathways for sport pilot certificate holders. The J160's docile handling characteristics, excellent visibility from the cabin, and forgiving stall behavior have made it popular with flight schools across Australia, South Africa, and Europe. Its side-by-side seating and relatively spacious cockpit offer more comfort than many ultralights, while the simple tricycle landing gear and straightforward systems keep maintenance accessible for owner-operators. SkyMeter has tracked 13 flights across 10 airframes and 1 operators, with the largest observed operator.