Scope: This is a documented modification of one Jabiru J230-D for independent operation from the left seat by a pilot with quadriplegia. It is not factory-standard equipment, an approved retrofit kit, or evidence of FAA approval. The report describes work undertaken by a Level 2 Maintenance Authority; regulatory applicability depends on the aircraft and jurisdiction.
A 12V DC motor with electromagnetic clutch drives the high-mounted throttle cross shaft. Pneumatic sip-and-puff switches command motor direction: puff increases power, sip decreases power. The report states approximately three seconds from idle to full throttle. Limit switches constrain travel. When the motorized system is off or power fails, the clutch disengages and the existing manual throttle remains operable. The control tube is mounted at the microphone boom.
A compressor, four-litre air receiver, regulator, solenoid valve and pneumatic linear actuator operate the existing brake lever via a rod. The pilot commands the actuator through a panel toggle switch. The report gives 110–150 PSI receiver cycling and approximately 70 PSI regulated working pressure. Brief switch inputs modulate brake application; releasing the switch permits return to neutral, assisted by a spring. Original manual brake operation remains available.
Left-side rudder pedals were removed and a rod links the rudder pedal shaft to a sidewall hand lever. Push commands right rudder/steering; pull commands left. A three-post hand-and-wrist support allows use without functional finger grip and can be exited upward. The original right-side rudder pedals remain operational.
A toggle-operated electric linear actuator drives trim, with a release pin for manual fallback. Carburetor heat was relocated to the left panel. Rudder springs were changed to reduce operating force. Flap pushbuttons were integrated into the rudder hand lever, with additional controls on the copilot side. The PTT switch was relocated and enlarged. A similar three-post wrist support was fitted to the primary control column.
Open David Jacka’s complete 17-page illustrated PDF ↗ (hosted on the author’s own website).
The original report includes labeled installation photographs: throttle motor and clutch (p. 4), sip-and-puff box and microphone tube (p. 5), pneumatic compressor (pp. 6–7), brake actuator and switch (pp. 8–9), rudder linkage and hand lever (pp. 10–12), trim actuator (pp. 13–14), relocated controls (pp. 15–16), and control-column hand support (p. 17). The full-size photographs and annotations are available in the linked original PDF.
David Jacka, Jabiru J230-D Hand Control Modifications, 17 pages, provided directly to the Adaptive Aviation Guide project. This page is a technical summary, not a substitute for the illustrated report, approved engineering drawings, an installation manual, maintenance sign-off, or operating limitations. Attribution: David Jacka. The complete original illustrated report is available directly from the author-hosted PDF linked above; the Guide links to it rather than redistributing a separate copy.