Australia’s most popular LSA trainer has been improved and updated to the J170-M model. With its stout landing gear, stable handling, and fuel economy of less than 4 gallons per hour in daily use, the J170-M is designed with flight training in mind.
The 85-horsepower, direct-drive, 4-cylinder Jabiru 2200 engine is a miser. It offers a frugal 4 gallons per hour fuel burn, and features the latest Jabiru safety enhancements.
The J170-M is a terrific bargain. Other LSA suitable for training can be double the price, and spare parts can be difficult to obtain. In contrast, parts for the J170-D airframe and engine and are readily available from a large inventory of parts maintained in the US.
Any A&P or LSRM can service the 2,000 hour TBO engine, and all the service manuals are available online, at no charge. Simple, as it should be.
Hummingbird Aviation is a full-service flight school near Minneapolis, Minnesota, that has offered Sport Pilot training with a Jabiru J170-SP for several years. The company recently added a second J170-SP to its fleet and its first aircraft has surpassed 2,000 hours of total time. Hummingbird’s chief flight instructor, Chris Cooper, states “We are very happy with the 170 as a trainer. It’s tough and economical, and it fits the mission of an LSA trainer very well. The students enjoy flying it. We are considering adding a third aircraft the future.”
Maximum Takeoff Weight | 1435 lbs |
Empty Weight (Typical) | 780 lbs |
Cruise Speed | 100 knts |
Fuel Burn | 3.5-4 gph |
Engine Horsepower | 85hp @ 3300RPM |
Takeoff Ground Roll | 650 ft |
Landing Ground Roll | 545 ft |
Rate of Climb | 700 fpm |
Service Ceiling | 15,000 ft |
Fuel Capacity | 36 gal |
