HPCA finishes company J200 Demonstrator ZK-CPA

01 July 2003:  "HPCA Ltd have recently finished building a Jabiru J200 aircraft under the Part 103 Microlight regulations. According to company director Alan Dempster, ZK-CPA will soon be travelling around New Zealand to show off to prospective customers and visit the odd airshow.

The J Series represents a major new update of the Australian Jabiru range of small composite homebuilts.  Available in 2 and 4 seat configurations with the company's own 6 cylinder, 120hp engine, it is starting to attract a lot of attention worldwide.

"The Jabiru SP and UL models have always sold well in Europe" says Alan. "With the J series, and new dealerships across Africa, North and South America and here in New Zealand, the company is already seeing a big increase in demand.

"The project took about 30 weeks from opening the box to receiving the Permit to Fly. That is a little bit longer than the 600 hours published, although we went to town on the surface preparation and finish." says Alan.  That probably comes from the company background in selling and supporting gliders and motorgliders which are always finished to a high standard.

It also did not help that Alan wanted to have a few extras - adding to the time taken. "I had a new panel designed and cut locally. That added a bit of effort. But I think that it is worthwhile. We can now do this for customers who, in my experience, never want the layout that the factory has designed."

The engines are also proving to be popular. Jabiru is shipping a ratio of 5 engines for every aircraft that leaves the factory.

"They have overcome the reliability problems that arose with the earlier engines. For 4 or 5 years now, the design has stabilised and no new modifications have been needed." This has contributed to TBOs of 2000 hours on new engines that comply with a top overhaul requirement at half life.

"Of course, getting the installation right is a major factor in reliability. These are air cooled engines. If the cooling is not designed properly to reach all the cylinders, then problems will quickly follow." With so many of these engines going into experimentals, it is important that builders follow factory guidelines and pay attention to the cooling.

"Get that right and you will be rewarded with a lightweight, powerful and quiet engine. And you won't believe how smooth it is until you have flown with one." says Alan.

HPCA has been importing Jabiru kits and engines for the last 8 months. With much of the range fitting into the microlight category, they are able to offer a "build to order" facility also. They are based in Masterton and also sell gliders, motorgliders, avionics, flight computers and accessories. They have a small workshop facility there too and regularly maintain, overhaul and repair almost anything made from composite materials.

Alan adds "If you are travelling in New Zealand then you are certain to pass by us at some time. Be sure to call in and have a look around."