The threshold of instability for a rigid rotor supported in externally pressurized airlubricated circular or non-circular journal bearings of finite length is theoretically analyzed. The analysis is performed for a bearing having one feeding plane, no recess volume, which is assumed to be a line source, and is based on a first order perturbation of journal center motion about steady state position. And then linearized system dynamic analysis is carried out. Numerical results are given, showing the threshold of instability as a function of supply pressure ratio, feeding parameter and load. It is shown that the region that 2-lobe bearing is more stable than circular bearing exists and whirl ratio of 2-lobe bearing is less than that of the other types of bearing.