It used the Continental A-65-8 engine of 65 horsepower (48kW). Introduced in 1945, the 7AC Champion ("Champ") was the first (and, by far, the most popular) version of the design. Continental C85 engine. range at 1500 lb. I've owned two full-scale Champs - a 7AC and currently a 7EC, and have always wanted to build a large RC version. American Champion has been using aluminum spars in the aircraft it has produced and has, as well, made the aluminum-spar wings available for retrofit installation on older aircraft. ): 18.5-24. Stall speed (mph): 40. 1941 Aeronca 65 CA Aeronca 65CA Super Chief The 65C with an optional 8 US gal (30 L) auxiliary fuel tank, and other deluxe appointments. The year 1947 saw the introduction of Champs with more authority: the 7CCM that had a 90-HP Continental and the model 7DC that sported 85-HP. All floatplane versions have increased gross weights over the corresponding landplanes. Whats Going On with Cessna Denali Turboprop. Florida dealer Larry Tague even paints boxing gloves on the tail. The airplane has been completely trouble free, except for the pesky starboard exhaust pipe, which has broken twice. [38] The optional S7EC floatplane configuration has a gross weight of 1,474lb (669kg). It seems there aren't many Champ kits available, which is a shame. New posts. The side windows slide open for some fresh air and to lessen the stench of fuel. Thats a total of $1484 a year fixed expenses, or about $500 for each partner. The Hanlon mufflers do improve the heating, however. The original model 7AC Champion initially sold by the thousands, peaking in 1946, as Aeronca developed the highest-volume production line in general aviation. The other four Champ models show only 150 to 200 aircraft still on the registry for each model, so chances are good that you will end up with a 7AC. All rights reserved. The Pilot's Operating Handbooklists the following as weight and balance limitations: CG Range 10.9 - 21.5 inches Maximum Gross Weight 1320 pounds STEPS Determine the weight and balance for this flight using the steps below. A C-85-8 is likewise hampered. https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/one-person-confirmed-dead-in-north-texas-plane-crash/2723972/, https://www.facebook.com/DFWScanner/posts/4467548856599275, https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=1472e, near Flying Oaks Airport (2TE2), Azle, TX -, Updated [Registration, Cn, Operator, Source, Narrative], Updated [Total fatalities, Other fatalities, Narrative], Updated [Time, Phase, Nature, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Damage, Narrative], Updated [Source, Damage, Narrative, Category], Updated [Time, Other fatalities, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative, Accident report, Photo]. [6], Agricultural variant of the 7GC with identical gross weight but with a 150hp (112kW) Lycoming O-320-A2B engine. [43] 171 were produced. Ive have owned a 1946 Champ 7AC in partnership with two other people for about eight years and have accumulated about 450 hours in it. [4][16][18][19] Additionally, an uncommon[6] Champ variantthe 7HCwas produced with an enlarged rear seat allowing two passengers to be carried. Back in the day, a new model 7AC Champ cost $2395, which was $200 more than a Piper J-3 Cub. Number of transactions last month: . Re-covering led to the discovery of mouse nests in the leading edge, and mouse urine had done its damage. I believe Scout gear weigh #66. The brake pads are made of the same material. While a test version was flown, this combination was not put into production. Climb is anemic, cruise is at 83 MPH (faster than a Cub, slower than a Luscombe), ventilation and view are tremendous (both windows open on ours), cabin heat is nonexistent, the noise is incredible and the brakes are not to be trusted. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. You will find the fuel load in the first chapter of the POH. There are options for avionics (some custom panels are available), electronic engine gauges, rear toe brakes, tinted windows and greenhouse roof, to name a few. [6], 7GCA with smaller wings, redesigned empennage, other aerodynamic refinements, deletion of rear-seat flight controls, and minor detail changes. These were all Champs," Szego said. PERFORMANCE: Top speed (mph): 135. Click "Accept" to allow us to use cookies. The second redesign seems to be holding. [5][7][23], The original model 7AC Champion initially sold by the thousands, peaking in 1946, as Aeronca developed the highest-volume production line in general aviation. It has a 90 HP with full electrics. Designed for flight training[5][9] Aeronca Champion Seaplane The Aeronca Champion was an immediate success as a seaplane training airplane. Get extra lift from AOPA. A 65 doesn't have any provision for driving an alternator. Alton K. Marsh, AOPA Pilot, Sept. 2007. Engine: 90 hp Continental. That equates to a total fabric weight of about 9 pounds on a J-3 Cub size . But with a good eye, its possible to find a bargain. Gross weight (lbs. [20], The landing gear of most Champs is in a conventional arrangement, though two variants with tricycle gear were produced, and a model with reversed tricycle gear was tried. Champion Aircraft was acquired in 1970 by Bellanca Aircraft which continued production of their Champ-derived Citabria and Decathlon designs. Not many FBOs make this information available. It pays to find one and team up with that person before shopping for an elderly airplane. [32] 509 were built. Forums. The National Aeronca Association (www.aeroncapilots.com) and the Aeronca Aviators. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought travel restrictions and slow down in air transport, the industryhas established an innovative means to reconfigure grounded passenger aircraft into temporary freighter using not only the bellies, but also passenger cabins for bulk transport. Some were acquired by the U.S. military and designated L-16not to be confused with the L-16A and L-16B derived from later Champ variants. [12][13] Although the fuselage and cowling contours are similar to the original-production models, the new aircraft used the windows, interior, door, and windscreen of the modern Citabria. Step 2: Find Weights of Everything Loaded. We hangar ours (required for any fabric airplane that you care about) and our fixed expenses are $984/year for the hangar, about $360 for insurance and $140 for an annual. Replacements are expensive. [45] 25 were built. Only a few hundred feet of ground run is needed. This manual is provided to the 7EC "Champ" Owner for Flight and Operating procedures. Conventional-gear Champs feature a steerable tailwheel and most have steel tube main gear which use an oleo strut for shock absorption; one variant utilized spring steel main gear, and American Champion is using aluminum gear legs in its production model of the Champ. The Aeronca Champ military variants were labeled L-16, L-16A and L-16B. Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, pp. On page 13, he writes: "There were two Aeronca Chief planes, one with 50 hp and one with 65. You can get metal replacement spars and whole-wing replacements for the basket-case Champ. Theres a certain romance tagging along with a rag-and-tube two-seater thats left over from the post-World War II heyday. Mehlhaff could use lighter tires, a lighter tailwheel, and a lighter interior he hopes the result will be a Champ of less than 900 pounds empty weight a 50- to 70-pound improvement over the present one. S/N's 7FC-347 thru 7FC-405 eligible for 1500 lb. The cross-section of the metal fuselage truss is triangular, a design feature which can be traced all the way back to the earliest Aeronca C-2 design of the late 1920s. The Aeronca Model 7 Champion, more commonly known as the Champ, is a single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane. CHAMP has expanded its feature set in Weight & Balance for fast and simple to use planning on the modified main decks of these aircraft reducing the load planning fromover 90 Minutes to mere seconds. Floatplane variants are designated by an "S" prefix and are discussed together with the standard respective land variant. New tires and brakes. [3][4][25], By the time production ended in 1951, the company had sold more than 8,000 Champions, mostly 7AC Champs (approx. Piper Cub weight & balance calculation If you should take your check flight in a Piper Cub, you may get thrown a curve IF the check pilot asks for a weight & balance calculation. Champion Aircraft was acquired in 1970 by Bellanca Aircraft which continued production of their Champ-derived Citabria and Decathlon designs. Check the TCDS - A-761. In 1956, many L-16s were transferred to the United States' Civil Air Patrol. That's a nice looking Champ for a Bipe Guy! The 7DC (Continental C85 engine) and, yes, the 7EC with the Continental C90 engine were the last Champs produced by Aeronca before it ended production in 1951. But theres not much to the basic aircraft. Jump forward to the new millennium, and it is now American Champion Aircraft (ACA) carrying the torch for the Aeronca/Champion line, having taking over from Bellanca in 1988. Current weight and balance report, together with list of equipment included in certificated empty weight must be provided for each aircraft at time of original certification. [1][23], Engine upgrades in 1947, 1948 and 1949 resulted in the Models 7BCM, 7DC and the electric-system-equipped 7EC, all distinguished from the 7AC by a larger vertical tail than predecessors, to compensate for the greater torque and p-factor of the larger engines. Cruise speed (mph): 100. 3. Stall warning indicator Champion Drawing 4-1401. Holding altitude was not difficult during steep turns, and, partly because of the excellent visibility, the flare during three-point landings was easily gauged. To take the title of best-selling light sport aircraft, it must compete with 40 light sport aircraft including two Cubs that, like the Champ, appeal to the same tailwheel nostalgia market. Contact Tyson Lee, - located Lander, WY 82520 United States Telephone: 307 . [35] Gross weight increases to 1,400lb (640kg) when configured as an S7CCM floatplane. [20] 39 were produced. A more rational 13 gallons for 2.5 hours leaves about 360 pounds for people. "[The Big 10]," (planes in production longest) sidebar. It includes a copy of the aircraft Type Certificate as well as specifications and performance data. Marginally is the key, Chief-Champ are 80-85mph cruise planes. A Luscombe and speeding freeway traffic down below will outrun you. One 65-hp Lycoming four-cylinder horizontally opposed air-cooled engine driving a Sensenich two-blade fixed-pitch wooden airscrew. The gauge is set forward of the instrument panel which leads directly to a mechanical movement in the tank. Yes, it isnt pure with the electrical system, but I live near Washington, D.C. and cannot get along without a radio and transponder (which are optional from the factory). Advanced, intuitive, user-friendly load planning CHAMP's solution is a powerful tool for advanced load planning. AERONCA 7AC Champion (1945 - 1945) Typical Price: Total Cost of Ownership: [1][2][3][5][16][24], Aeronca ceased all production of light aircraft in 1951, and the Champ design was sold in 1954 to Champion Aircraft, who continued production of some of the more advanced variants of the Champ, from the 1950s into the early 1960sgradually modifying them into the aerobatic Champion Citabria.[1][2][5]. View photos, ownership, registration history, and more. For the 7AC its a one-time compliance; with other models its a recurring inspection. A-759, Revision 73, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aeronca_Champion&oldid=1119996823, 1940s United States civil utility aircraft, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2018, Articles with disputed statements from November 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, more than 10,000, all manufacturers and variants, This page was last edited on 4 November 2022, at 14:52. Contrast this to J-3 Cub prices that run $20K-$35K. You can't take out the floor carpet because there isn't any. 0.000 0000 000\ \ If you arent paying attention they can bite without much warning. With the creation of the light-sport aircraft (LSA) category of aircraft in the United States by the FAA, American Champion in late 2007 began producing a revised version of the 7EC powered by the 100hp (75kW) Continental O-200-A. This includes pilot, all passengers, baggage, and the fuel that will be loaded into the aircraft. Empty weight (lbs. The basic airplane has a starting price of $102,900. Aeronca 65TC Tandem In 1971 Bellanca introduced the 7ACA, a modernized version of the design which made it a variant of the Citabria line. 655 built. [15], Standard-production 7AC, 7BCM (L-16A), 7CCM (L-16B), 7DC, and 7ACA models qualify as U.S. Light Sport Aircraft. This Aeronca was one of three airplanes that Etchart used to train a second class of 30 students between June and October 1940. [1][2], American Champion Aircraft Corporation acquired the Champ and related designs in 1989. The tail, nose cowling, and fuselage sides are like the original Champ series, but the windows, interior, door, and windscreen are those of a modern Citabria that first appeared on the scene in 1964. It is distinguishable from nearly all other variants by the absence of a dorsal fin at the leading edge of the vertical tail (most later models had the enlarged tail). The Champ is a single-engine, tandem two-place, strut-braced, high-wing airplane equipped with conventional landing gear. The final bill after the airplane was repaired, covered with new fabric, and painted came to $13,000. [29], Various versions of the Champ have been tested and produced since 1944, including military, aerobatic, cropduster, tricycle-gear and (as the 402 Lancer) a twin-engined variant.[2][4][5]. Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 16. AERONCA CHAMP $32,000 SOLD !! I look forward to teaching my kids to fly in it when they get a little older. [12][13] The aircraft was discontinued by mid-2019. 2023 FLYING Media. American Champion Aircraft Corporation acquired the Champ and related designs in 1989. A 7EC with a 140 hp Lycoming O-290-D2B engine and three seats, 171 built. Bellanca ceased all production in the early 1980s. 100 lbs. eg, pilot seat at 11.5 (mine 17), passenger at 42(mine at 44) Fuel tank at -15 (mine at-12) oil at -33 (mine at -31), baggage at 64 (mine at 66) My weight and Balance is from the A&P IA who signed off on the plane at completion of it's restoration. Reaching the carb heat knob from the front seat can be awkward and easily overlooked since its out of sight. The Citabria-like aluminum landing gear which Szego says is easier to maintain did not need to be as heavy and robust as the gear used on the Citabria. Power loading (fully loaded): 18.73 lbs/hp (8.49 kg/hp), Power loading (fully loaded): 20.3 lbs/hp (9.7 kg/hp), Range at cruising speed: 270 miles (434 km), Shupek, John. Thats not to say the airplane doesnt command respect when it comes to managing stick and rudder skills. The airframe and A-65 engine are stone simple to work on. Aeronca Champ, Adding a Battery, Starter, and Radio. Start your free trial today! The 7FC is 3mph (4.8km/h) slower and 90lb (41kg) heavier than an equivalent 7EC,[21] with a standard useful load of 540lb (245kg), compared with 630lb (286kg) for the 7EC; both use the 90hp (67kW) Continental C90-12F engine. [43][44] Gross weight is 1,650lb (750kg) in standard configuration, 1,732lb (786kg) in seaplane configuration. Speaking of which, the stall warning system was still a dream when these airplanes were built so youll need to fly the wings and remain mindful of keeping the skid ball centered. This is good because clearing tall trees with 65 HP yielding 400 FPM of climb could induce some pucker factor. 67. AERONCA 7AC SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE AIRSPEEDS WEIGHT AND BALANCE Normal Takeoff 45 mph Datum Line: Leading Edge of Wing Normal Climb 55 mph Forward Limit 14.10 inches Best Angle of Climb 48 mph Aft Limit 15.00 inches Best Rate of Climb 60 mph Empty Weight 710 lbs Max Maneuvering 74 mph Max Takeoff Weight 1,220 lbs Float and supplemental fin installations are also approved for models 7ECA, 7GC, 7GCB, 7GCBC, and properly modified 7HCs. Empty Weight: 820 LBS. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In 1957, Champion brought out the 7FC, a design sharing many parts, including the engine, with their version of the 7EC. [6], Similar to 7EC but with reverse tricycle undercarriage; however, the aircraft may be converted to a standard tailwheel undercarriage and operated at a 1,500lb (680kg) gross weight. Like its predecessors and initial rivals, the high-wing, two-seat plane has tandem seating, conventional landing gear (tailwheel-equipped), and a small piston engine. and personal useand specifically developed to compete with the popular Piper Cub. A couple of NTSB reports enforce this advice. 85 hp (63 kW) similar to the 7AC except the vertical stabilizer is extended forward to accommodate the increase torque from the more powerful engine, and the aircraft was now fitted with a basic electrical system including starter, generator, battery, and radio. Most advanced, intuitive and user friendly application, Message processing vastly reduces data entry, Optimized autoload positions full load in seconds, Loadmaster retains full control of the loadplan, Significant fuel savings by consistent achievement of target MAC, Intelligent multi-sector flight loading facilitates efficient unloading, Web application runs on standard browsers, Enhanced accuracy using formulae instead of tables, Optimized autoload including intelligent planning of multi-leg flights, Full management and control of complex loads, Stand-alone mode gives full functionality without an internet connection, Comprehensive security and audit trail including access to all loadsheets. To save weight, the aircraft carries only 18 gallons of fuel 17 usable. Ownership Costs 1948 . Many L-16As ultimately made their way back into civilian use as 7BCMs. Aircraft Weight and Balance Make: AERONCA Model: 7DC-CONV Serial 7AC-6374 Tail N2791E Datum is Wing Leading Edge; Main Wheel Weighing point is located O" forward, 0" aft of datum . Unlike the L-16A not all production went to the USAF. [15], The Aeronca 7 Champion linedeveloped in the mid-1940s as a post-World War II response to the popular Piper J-3 Cubuses similar design features (already featured in Aeronca's wartime designs, the Aeronca Model T, Aeronca Defender, and Aeronca L-3), but also incorporates aspects of traditional Aeronca designs, including the internal main trusswork of the fuselage frame. This video was meant for. A C-85-12 does have the capability of both a starter and an alternator. With full fuel this is an adult-plus-child aircraft, and with half-full tanks both occupants must watch their diets. Though similar to the prewar L-3, the Champion is in reality a tandem version of the Chief series. The 7EC Champ is designed and assembled so that proper care and maintenance will assure long life to the aircraft. Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 9 and p. 35. The mag switch and carb heat knob are also located there. The A-65 in my Jodel burns 3.5 GPH with it. The Aeronca Model 7 Champion, commonly known as the "Champ", or "Airknocker",[3][5][7][8] is a single-engine light airplane with a high wing, generally configured with fixed conventional landing gear and tandem seating for two occupants. You're not really looking for performance if you are a Champ owner you are looking for fun. In 2001, they were rumored to be considering a reintroduction of the Champ design as a 7EC powered by a Jabiru Aircraft engine. Ercoupe, Forney, Alon, M-10 Cadet. Fuel Burn at 75% power in standard conditions per hour. Theres a tachometer, airspeed indicator, altimeter, compass and a stark engine gauge or two. Club (www.aeronca.org) both have many excellent resources to help with maintenance and to answer questions about the airplanes. The derivative Citabria designs models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, and 7KCAB are discussed in a separate article, as is the twin-engined 402 Lancer. CHAMPs solution is a powerful tool for advanced load planning. The Aeronca Chief is a single-engine, two-seat, light aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear, which entered production in the United States in 1945. Home. I live on a grass strip, and only have about 1000 feet available in the winter due to mud. [6], Similar to 7GC with identical gross weights for landplane and floatplane versions, but with a front seat control yoke instead of a control stick, modified fuselage structure, tricycle landing gear, and an enlarged rear seat for two occupants. Aeronca Champ 7EC Technical Specifications Exterior Exterior Height: 7 ft 8 in Wing Span: 33 ft 6 in Length: 22 ft 1 in Interior Cabin Height: 3 ft 11 In Cabin Width: 2 ft 6 In Cabin Length: 8 ft 10 In Internal Baggage: 10 cu ft Occupancy Crew: 1 Passengers: 2 Operating Weights Max T/O Weight: 1320 Lb Empty Weight: 950 Lb Fuel Capacity: 18 gal Lb See the airplanes P.O.H. It featured a conventional landing gear configuration, with shock absorption in the main gear provided by oleo struts, 7200 built. Agricultural variant of the 7GC with a 150 hp Lycoming O-320-A2B engine, 396 built. 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Avg. The only big expense weve had in the eight years was a top end on all four cylinders last summer for $600. 34. It entered production in the United States in 1945, spawning one of the most popular, and longest-produced, light airplane models in the world. The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by: On August 21, 2021, about 0853 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC airplane, N1472E, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Fort Worth, Texas. Youll need to be careful to always tie the airplane down or the wind will send it flying, or at least rock it hard enough to crack a wooden spar.
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