Well first of all the LSA 55 that i flew has got the new Jabiru 2200 engine the same as the J-160 and being 100kgs lighter then the J-160 this is an extreme machine! After applying full power it was within seconds and we were in the air, taking off at ballarat we had a steady wind blowing down runway 23. I handled the take-off with my flying instructor in the passenger seat and although being so used to flying the J-160 the LSA has a much more sensitive steering technique also a much better turning circle which if anybody has ever flown a jabiru, you definately want a better turning circle. We climbed to 3000ft msl and headed to the western training area(Burrumbeet) and i just got the feel for the plane. I am 193cms tall and i found it quite comfy in this little plane, i like the over-all feel of inside this plane, for a person who is any bigger then me you may struggle to get into this plane as it does sit alot lower to the ground then the J-160. With light winds we were cruising at about 105-110 kts, turning takes quite an effort as the aileron controls are quite stiff as well as the elevator not so bad, this plane you find your trimming all the time, mostly forward trim but just the general feel of the plane is brilliant. The landings in this plane are fine as can be they are quite similar to that of the skyfox Gazelle only with a lower nose attitude because of the flaps (which are manually handled inside the cockpit), As only a young pilot with only little experience flying, i encourage many people to get out and experience all different types of aircraft especially the range of jabiru's out there! they are a fantastic range of aircraft from little to small, 2 or 4 seaters, but theres many things that make a jabiru what it is, Looks, purposes, engines etc. Have fun Flying Guys.
