Spent most of my time-building between Private Pilot and Instrument ratings in Citabrias (7ECA, 7GCBC) and a Decathlon (7KCAB) back in the mid/late '70s. The Decathlon I flew had an 180hp engine, constant speed prop, and an inverted fuel/oil system. After all these years of flying, still ranking high as the most fun I've had. I took a 10-hour acro course in it, and a 10-hour acro course in a Great Lakes afterwards. If you're a low-time pilot, 10-hours training in a Citabria/Decathlon is worth 50-hours in any light 4-seater. BTW, 'Citabria' is 'Airbatic' spelled backwards. This plane is designed for acro, and acro is a huge confidence/skill builder.
One remark, in aerobatics a CS prop is more easy to manage than a fixed prop. You set your RPM and Manifold for example to 25/25 and except figures which needs low speed you dont need to worry to much your RPM exceding the red line
Made a lot of aerobatic hours in a super decathlon , an amazing plane . It has also a symetric profile , no matter if you fly istraight or upside down it has the same flight character. Well coordinated rudder and stick which listen to you in all attitudes . For a two persons taildragger she is heavy compared to a PiperCub and due her symetric profile when landed the wing looses all lift (3 point landing) and sticks to the runway not jumping like a PiperCub . The new versions have an aluminium spar and wing making her even more solide .An ideal plane also for x country but when you love aerobatics she wont let you fly x-country without demanding at least some rolls .LOL
I got my TW endorsement in the 7KCAB Citabria. Even with "just" an 0-320, it wanted to fly. The first time I flew it by myself after getting my endorsement, I was at pattern altitude before turning crosswind (my 150 does NOT do this). It was such a fun airplane.
Had a 1980 Super D. By far my favorite all around airplane. My #1 plane to teach acro/spins in. They are approved for snap rolls, however if you do snap them, consider doing so with 1/2 tanks, so as to not stress the baffles inside the fuel tanks. With more fuel, the weight of the fuel sloshing into the baffles can cause a crack and leak in the fuel tanks. 😎
the super decathlon with christian inverted oilsystem , injection and CS prop is delicious. More than basic aerobatics , in competition no problems to do the advance category with its inverted capability and symetric profile . Inverted loops, loops with rolls in the loop, inverted spins making turns while rolling etc etc .
Decathlon's aren't always cheap, but they are easy to buy and easy to sell, so they make a good investment if you want to move up to other aerobatic planes. If you take care of them you usually get back what you pay for them.
Spent most of my time-building between Private Pilot and Instrument ratings in Citabrias (7ECA, 7GCBC) and a Decathlon (7KCAB) back in the mid/late '70s. The Decathlon I flew had an 180hp engine, constant speed prop, and an inverted fuel/oil system. After all these years of flying, still ranking high as the most fun I've had. I took a 10-hour acro course in it, and a 10-hour acro course in a Great Lakes afterwards. If you're a low-time pilot, 10-hours training in a Citabria/Decathlon is worth 50-hours in any light 4-seater. BTW, 'Citabria' is 'Airbatic' spelled backwards. This plane is designed for acro, and acro is a huge confidence/skill builder.
Its amazing that you remember that you still remember the n numbers for all three of the planes.
@@Jojo-bd7wd The numbers are the model numbers of the Citabria. The super decathlon is 8KCAB
So weird you posted this today as I flew a Super Decathlon today haha
2:38 Glass cockpits are sweet.
But Glass ceilings are sweeter !
One remark, in aerobatics a CS prop is more easy to manage than a fixed prop. You set your RPM and Manifold for example to 25/25 and except figures which needs low speed you dont need to worry to much your RPM exceding the red line
Made a lot of aerobatic hours in a super decathlon , an amazing plane . It has also a symetric profile , no matter if you fly istraight or upside down it has the same flight character. Well coordinated rudder and stick which listen to you in all attitudes . For a two persons taildragger she is heavy compared to a PiperCub and due her symetric profile when landed the wing looses all lift (3 point landing) and sticks to the runway not jumping like a PiperCub . The new versions have an aluminium spar and wing making her even more solide .An ideal plane also for x country but when you love aerobatics she wont let you fly x-country without demanding at least some rolls .LOL
That’s a beauty. I fly a Citabria and just have a blast in it.
I own a 1946 precursor of this airplane. 65 HP and absolutely no switches or circuit breakers...
Thats super rad dude
I got my TW endorsement in the 7KCAB Citabria. Even with "just" an 0-320, it wanted to fly. The first time I flew it by myself after getting my endorsement, I was at pattern altitude before turning crosswind (my 150 does NOT do this). It was such a fun airplane.
Had a 1980 Super D. By far my favorite all around airplane. My #1 plane to teach acro/spins in. They are approved for snap rolls, however if you do snap them, consider doing so with 1/2 tanks, so as to not stress the baffles inside the fuel tanks. With more fuel, the weight of the fuel sloshing into the baffles can cause a crack and leak in the fuel tanks. 😎
Anyone notice the plane in the background at 2:34?
An OV-1 Mohawk!! That’s RARE.
I got my spin endorsement in a Super Decathlon, in the front and rear seat.
I learned to fly in the citabria; the baby brother of the decathlon. Great plane to learn to fly in.
You're in a rare fraternity these days. Not many pilots learn in taildraggers.
0:51 WINNER! Best internet video of the week !
inverted fuel system option makes it great for basic aerobatic training.
the super decathlon with christian inverted oilsystem , injection and CS prop is delicious. More than basic aerobatics , in competition no problems to do the advance category with its inverted capability and symetric profile . Inverted loops, loops with rolls in the loop, inverted spins making turns while rolling etc etc .
love me some super decathlon 😜
im getting my TW endorsement now just so I can one day own a champion or decathlon.
Nice video mojo 🇩🇿🇩🇿👌👌
Awesome aircraft!
I used the EA300L
Decathlon's aren't always cheap, but they are easy to buy and easy to sell, so they make a good investment if you want to move up to other aerobatic planes. If you take care of them you usually get back what you pay for them.
Good to know! Get one for a year or two and sell it
I sat in one, and watched one fly. *Im converted*
Get checked out in one. But, be prepared to spend the next several hours hooked on it.
When did the decathlon switch from what do you call like front to rear to side by side
Hey MOJO, are you near Winter Springs Florida?
They let them fly planes now?
Hi Mojo, is it still available for sale? thank you
Citabrias & Decathlons are beefed-up Aeronca Champs.
True.
Nice to hear the familiar turbine starting. 1978? She's so pristine? Was excited about about it till you mentioned the price!
Mike
Awesome 🔥🔥🔥🔥
im only here for dope air planes and the dislike button... lol