Dogs in the Cockpit? A few years ago, various stories began to pop in mainstream media discussing the car industry's newest focus …no, not only on how many cup holders they could install in your new ride — but instead on accommodations for pets, mainly dogs.
Why?
Easy. Some high percentage of all auto trips include bringing the family pet along for the ride. Design to that and you sell more cars.
Does this apply to airplanes?
Think what you will of this, it's a fact of modern life in America. Surveys reveal that 44% of American household have a dog, some 78 million critters. More than half of all dog-owning households take their pets when they travel by car. That's a big market. Cars that can readily allow the family pup to come along — preferably not riding in the driver's lap with its nose out the window — will find many interested buyers.
Should airplanes be different?
Dogs do love to go for a ride. Our last pooch dug it so much she wouldn't leave the car even after we got home. She'd stay inside until you took her out.
So when Scott Severen, now the man behind Jabiru aircraft sales, gave reporters at Sun 'n Fun 2018 a thumb drive with a bunch of photos of dogs inside, I sensed a fun story.
His J-230D LSA sport plane can easily handle the spouse and the family pooch.
No wonder really, as Jabiru sells this same airframe as a four seat kit in Australia, hence a cavernous aft cabin. Three doors is an added bonus.
Jabiru's big third door aft of the pilot's door makes an easy task to load your luggage unlike most low wing airplanes where it can often be challenging. Inside the J-230D you can put several bags of golf clubs or a large amount of luggage or a folding bicycle or two …or a few less bags and the family dog. Even larger dogs won't be cramped.
I used to try this in a Cessna 150/150 (it had a 150-horse Lycoming up front). Our dog at the time weighed more than 100 pounds. Flying with two people and the dog meant a reduced fuel load but for short trips it was fine. Once inside, Sunny had plenty of room in the 150's ample baggage area, but getting the big guy in that space was a challenge.
In flight I used the baggage tie downs and a special dog harness to be sure he didn't get tossed around should we encounter turbulence. The harness also prevented him from distracting or interfering with the pilot. He didn't seem to mind; a few minutes into the flight, he would lay down and sleep.
Jabiru J-230D is way better, easier on you, the dog, and the airplane than my venerable Cessna 150.
I can think of quite a few other reasons you might want to have a closer look at 
Dogs in the Cockpit? A few years ago, various stories began to pop in mainstream media discussing the car industry’s newest focus …no, not only on how many cup holders they could install in your new ride — but instead on accommodations for pets, mainly dogs. Why? Easy. Some high percentage of all auto trips include bringing the family pet along for the ride. Design to that and you sell more cars. Does this apply to airplanes? Think what you will of this, it’s a fact of modern life in America. Surveys reveal that 44% of American household have a dog, some 78 million critters. More than half of all dog-owning households take their pets when they travel by car. That’s a big market. Cars that can readily allow the family pup to come along — preferably not riding in the driver’s lap with its nose out the window — will find many interested buyers.
Scott Severen is an old friend and a longtime veteran of the light aircraft business. In addition to a long career with wide experience, Scott is a board member of the 
For others, the ability to acquire an aerial perspective is the objective …flying 1,500 feet over fields and rivers, catching the smell of a planted crop in the air, or freshly plowed ground, the salt air near the ocean…
As the owner of an LSA MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operation, I interact with many Light-Sport users. One of my customers was eloquent, saying, “There is a profound simplicity to Sport Plane ownership. There is really no need for often complex and expensive maintenance programs as maintenance is straight-forward due to fewer and less complex systems — and I can do much of the maintenance myself, if I choose! Insurance policies are simple and [can be] inexpensive. The planes don’t take up much room in a hangar, and many don’t need a tug to move them around on the ground as they are easily maneuvered by hand. Recurrent simulator training that can take a week of your time each year? Not applicable to LSA. With 2,000 hour TBOs — the standard for LSA — there is a lot of enjoyment to be had before thinking of serious maintenance.”
Is it smart to keep current, always learning about your craft and honing flying knowledge and skills? Of course it is! This is just like on the golf course or in any sport. Is maintenance really required? Of course, and the engine and airframe manufacturers have specific maintenance schedules you should follow. A fascinating provision here is that many repair and maintenance items can be performed on their Special LSA by the owner. These vary by manufacturer and are specifically authorized in the aircraft manufacturers’ maintenance manuals. The better — safer — we do something, the more we enjoy it.
Added to the simpler maintenance, Light-Sport Aircraft require a Condition Inspection every year instead of an Annual Inspection so that an A&P can perform this task rather than requiring someone with IA, or Inspection Authorization. If you want to be hands-on, you can take a 120-hour course that allows you to perform all of the maintenance and inspections on your LSA, along with other privileges as well.
What is one of the simplest things about LSA? If you have a private pilot certificate, you can simply exercise Sport Pilot privileges without doing anything else! What a simple option: just fly!
Some may not realize how advanced are the instrument panels on LSA. Full glass panels seamlessly integrate moving maps, GPS, communication, transponder with 2020 compliance and EFB transfer. Everything you can get in a Citation? Practically, yes. How about IFR capability? Yes, the technology allows it, though flying into IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) is not part of the LSA parameters. However, LSA can be an excellent IFR training platform. Is it all needed for this kind of flying? No, but it sure can add to the fun, and, for those complex, twin and/or turbine operators, having a similar environment can make the transition to flying for fun quicker, easier, and safer.
From tail dragging cub clones to Italian styling to German engineering …from sleek, racy, arobatic-looking to having enough cargo space for your wife and to bring your pet along, there is truly the ability to achieve whatever kind of recreational flying mission you have.
The FAA has taken LSA seriously, auditing the aircraft manufacturers to ensure they correctly implement quality assurance systems through production, and that they utilize continued operational safety programs to ensure reliability and safety in the field.
LSA is still the only place to get brand new, factory built aircraft with the most advanced avionics and technology integration for under $200,000. Some are much less, even below $100,000.
To reach 120 knots of cruise speed burning only five gallons an hour is marvelous You can do much for so little!
Are LSA practical for flying from coast to coast? In terms of reliability, absolutely! Enjoing fun and adventure, of seeing the United Sates from 1,500 or 4,500 feet, or FL10, well… it doesn’t get any better! You can use small municipal airports, or go to big FBOs you may used to, getting the same service and amenities. You may have some landing fees at places like major airline, Class B airports — and you may need additional training to enter Class B airspace — but that is available and only takes a logbook entry, Many pilots prefer to stay clear of Class Bravo airspace, but qualified pilots can use the system just like a Jet A turbine-powered aircraft.
If your thoughts include how to enjoy flying even more, expanding your knowledge of flying, and increasing your adventure… Light-Sport may be a great prescription!
“[Selling new Jabiru aircraft] complements our brokerage, acquisition, and pre-owned sales business," explained Scott. However, this does not mean US Sport Planes will stop working with other brands.
Scott clarified, "We will continue repair and maintenance services for Jabiru aircraft and engines as well as Rotax engines plus factory-authorized service for Flight Design, Tecnam, and most major LSA aircraft. The expansion will increase Jabiru customer support overall."
Unusual to Light Sport Aircraft is the three-door entry ease and interior roominess of the J230-D Jabiru aircraft. The model started out as a four seater kit aircraft in Australia and was repositioned as a two-seat model to fit American FAA regulations for Special Light-Sport Aircraft. "With the new, improved J230-D model and Jabiru’s new Gen IV engine," Scott added, "I’m pleased to help more pilots get into these 'Cabin Class' Light-Sport Aircraft.”
Pete Krotje and Jabiru North America has been the Jabiru importer for North America for 18 years. His business will continue its current activity of engine and firewall forward sales as well as providing parts, service and technical support for all Jabiru products from its current location in Shelbyville, TN. For more information, Contact Pete Krotje at 
The son of a career Air Force fighter pilot, Scott learned early about aviation as a lifestyle. He began building and flying hang gliders in 1973 and joined USHGA, United States Hang Gliding Association. In the early 1980s, he founded and operated Lone Star Airpark to provide facilities, services and flight instruction for ultralights, and eventually became a USUA, United States Ultralight Association AFI, Advanced Flight Instructor, AFI Examiner, and AFI Seminar Presenter. Scott also volunteered as a director and interim president of USUA, United States Ultralight Association.
In the early 1990s, he and his family moved to Tennessee where he served as president of TEAM Aircraft.
Always willing to help the industry Scott assisted the AOOA, Airpark Owners and Operators Association as its first president. In the mid-nineties he served as president of LAMA, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association and in 2017 he rejoined LAMA to serve on the board of directors.
Scott also participated as a charter member of the Part 103 FAA ARAC, Aviation Rule-making Advisory Committee that eventually created the Light-Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot regulations.
