Photograph:
Jora Jora ZU-CWE (c/n C-131) (Jora SRO)
Country of origin:
Czech Republic
Description:
Two-seat light touring aircraft
Power Plant:
One 39 kw (52 hp) Rotax 503 two-cylinder, two-stroke, fan-cooled, dual-ignition engine
Specifications:
Length: 6 m (19 ft 7 in)
Height: 1.95 m (6 ft in)
Wing area: 11.5 m² (123.78 sq ft)
Max speed: 162 km/h (101 mph)
Max cruising speed: 140 km/h (87 mph)
Economical cruising speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)
Stalling speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
Rate of climb: 152 m/min (500 ft/min)
Service ceiling: 3,658 m (12,000 ft)
Max range: 563 km (350 miles)
Empty weight: 225 kg (496 lb)
Loaded weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
History:
The Jora was a light aircraft produced in the Czech Republic by Jora SRO in Vraclav. Looking very similar to the Fantasy Air Cora, which made its public debut at the Friedrichshafen Air Show in Germany in May 1997, it became popular due to its low cost and good performance. It was powered by the Rotax 503 engine driving a V 230C two-blade wooden propeller.
The Jora was a braced high-wing monoplane with a UA-2 aerofoil, having a T-tail. The wings were of wooden construction with fabric covering, and had full-span metal elevons. It had a composite fuselage with an integral fin, with an all-metal rudder, tailplane, and one piece elevator. The undercarriage was of the fixed tricycle type with steel-tube legs, and wheel spats could be fitted.
The type proved very popular in Europe, with more than 100 examples delivered to France, Germany, and Denmark. In the Czech Republic it was described as the best microlight and the one most used in flying schools. Because of its low drag and the consequent low power settings commonly used, some owners achieved over 800 hours on their engines. The Rotax 503 was fitted with an electric start, dual ignition, ‘B’ type gearbox (2.58:1) and usually a Junkers three-blade propeller 160 cm (63 in) in diameter.
The type was imported to Australia by Eyer Trading Pty Ltd of Joondalup, WA and the first example of the type became VH-EYN (c/n 104/99) registered to the importer on 22 March 2000. It remained on the register until cancelled in 2010 due to non compliance with regulations and is believed to be the only example imported.