I am in the market for a citabria or a decathlon, I currently have a cherokee 180 and a cessna 140 and will trade or sell to buy my next plane, I have 300 plus hours in a tailwheel a/c but have not flown in a year. I will be using the plane to fly short hops and some cross country. My daughter will be taking her pilot training in this plane also, I have no aerobatic training but would like something that would work for both average fun flying and some aerobatics, could someone with experience please advise me as to which plane would best suit my and my daughters needs? Thank you
Citabria vs Decathlon
- Thread starter MARKS
- Start date
So why not just use the 140? Once she gets her ticket you both may want something entirely different. She may want dad to buy a 210 or she may quit after her 5th lesson and your stuck with something you really didn't want any way. I learned a long time ago buying an airplane on what your kids, friends, or relatives may or may not do is a waste of time and money.
Shush!!
He needs a brand new Decathlon!!
mr scout = worst ACA salesman ever. Don't Apply!!
:lol:
Ok, seriously.
You do have trade-ins; so thats an advantage. However, you should be buying something for you and let the kid come along for the ride. When i was 16 ad learning to fly, I really didn't care what it was. For a choice between the models, its up to you. There are lots of choices to consider. First question is what level of acrobatics do you want to do? That question can set them apart alone.
He needs a brand new Decathlon!!
mr scout = worst ACA salesman ever. Don't Apply!!
:lol:
Ok, seriously.
You do have trade-ins; so thats an advantage. However, you should be buying something for you and let the kid come along for the ride. When i was 16 ad learning to fly, I really didn't care what it was. For a choice between the models, its up to you. There are lots of choices to consider. First question is what level of acrobatics do you want to do? That question can set them apart alone.
I agree with Jerry and scout. Get what you want. Kids have a way of changing their minds and desires every day. She will be happy flying anything. With that said...I have a 172 and a Champ, my son would much rather fly the Champ. But then you know how boys are......Thrill seakers and no fear of death. The first day out the instructor had to show him how he gets out of a box canyon and did something similar to a hammerhead. My son was hooked!!! The bad part is.....we don't have canyons in Minnesota....just simulated ones! LOL
Ok, so apparently My message was misconstrued to sound like I would be selling my two planes just because my daughter would be taking lessons, Does everyone out there still have the same planes they started out with? Or am I the only one who decided I would like a change after 8 years? I think Mr (Glass half empty) Scout got everyone off to the wrong conclusions.
The jist of my question was Which plane would best suite my needs and would a citabria be more stable, have better stall characteristics, more docile than a decathalon, or is one just newer with a few more bells and wistles, As far as airobatics are concerned Im not looking to be the next Sean Tucker, just a little fun, hope this clears up my question.
The jist of my question was Which plane would best suite my needs and would a citabria be more stable, have better stall characteristics, more docile than a decathalon, or is one just newer with a few more bells and wistles, As far as airobatics are concerned Im not looking to be the next Sean Tucker, just a little fun, hope this clears up my question.
Hehe, I was just picking on mr scout.
The Decathlon has docile characteristics as much as (or more) than a Citabria. Main difference is in conditions involving less than 1g. This is the primary cost differential (and the constant speed prop).
A citabria can quite easily do all your basic positive manuvers for less money. A decathlon can quite easily operate as a basic airplane and cruises faster. So, you have to consider that they overlap eachother quite a bit. So, you really have to get picky about what you are planning to pick. And if you are not picky...well...either one will do nicely.
I might suggest going to your nearest dealer and see what he has in stock (of course he will push that), but at least maybe try each one. What part of the country are you from?
The Decathlon has docile characteristics as much as (or more) than a Citabria. Main difference is in conditions involving less than 1g. This is the primary cost differential (and the constant speed prop).
A citabria can quite easily do all your basic positive manuvers for less money. A decathlon can quite easily operate as a basic airplane and cruises faster. So, you have to consider that they overlap eachother quite a bit. So, you really have to get picky about what you are planning to pick. And if you are not picky...well...either one will do nicely.
I might suggest going to your nearest dealer and see what he has in stock (of course he will push that), but at least maybe try each one. What part of the country are you from?
Thats the problem I have been getting, whoever has the plane I am looking at says that it is the best for my needs, so I was hoping to get an unbiassed opinion from someone who didnt have a financial stake in the matter.
I am leaning towards the decathalon, but didnt want to make that decission without some input from actual owners with experience and wasnt sure if the lack of dehedral would make it more challenging to fly as a general pupose airplane
I am leaning towards the decathalon, but didnt want to make that decission without some input from actual owners with experience and wasnt sure if the lack of dehedral would make it more challenging to fly as a general pupose airplane
Yeah the airplanes are just to similar to really see huge differences. No matter what spin you put on it.
If you don't mind the little extra investment, I would recommend a Decathlon. Basically, its going to do most anything the Citabria can do and more (save for large things like, floats). There is more than one reason the Decathlon comprises more than half of the total airplanes we produced. To look at the others is simply splitting hairs to buy a less expensive airplane that still fulfills your needs. We have these options because its what a lot of our customers want.
I am only bias towards the entire product line...we'll build anything you want! Just pick your color!
If you don't mind the little extra investment, I would recommend a Decathlon. Basically, its going to do most anything the Citabria can do and more (save for large things like, floats). There is more than one reason the Decathlon comprises more than half of the total airplanes we produced. To look at the others is simply splitting hairs to buy a less expensive airplane that still fulfills your needs. We have these options because its what a lot of our customers want.
I am only bias towards the entire product line...we'll build anything you want! Just pick your color!
Over the years I have flown most every model from the 7AC through the 8KCABs and after a few flights in various airplanes I settled on a newer (1997) Super Decathlon (its not for sale). As Jerry said all of them are very honest flying airplanes and make good trainers. The main reason I went with the 8KCAB over a 7 series was the stronger airframe/wings of the Decathlon. I felt the extra safety margin while doing aerobatics was worth the extra cost.
All models are comfortable on cross country flights and I’ve flown multiple 3+ hr legs in the Decathlon without any issues. In smooth air and trimmed out, it flies hands off very nicely. On a recent cross county flight to Texas, occasional light pressures on the rudder was plenty to keep it pointed where I wanted to go (in truth, I was too busy playing with my new Garmin 396 to spend much time with my hand on the stick
). I actually prefer to fly my Super D cross country over the local club’s Cherokee 180 and Cessna when the weather is VFR. I have more room to move around, can see so much better, and it’s a bit faster than both. One potential draw back of the 8KCAB is most/all are not IFR certified, where as I think most Citabrias can be setup for IFR flight.
Operating expenses are probably a bit lower with the Citabria since your fuel burn would be less (unless you get a new one with the 180hp), but I have no idea if there are any differences in the insurance costs. The other area the Citabrias generally have the advantage is useful load, but the longer steel or aluminum gear for the Decathlons help with this in Normal category operations if you have the metal spar wings.
All of the models handle crosswinds very well, IF you use the proper techniques. Landing distances are similar for all of them and can get you into virtually any strip with ease. Pilot technique and airspeed control is the key if you need short takeoff and landing distances (a bigger factor than flaps/no-flaps for the average pilot IMHO).
All models are comfortable on cross country flights and I’ve flown multiple 3+ hr legs in the Decathlon without any issues. In smooth air and trimmed out, it flies hands off very nicely. On a recent cross county flight to Texas, occasional light pressures on the rudder was plenty to keep it pointed where I wanted to go (in truth, I was too busy playing with my new Garmin 396 to spend much time with my hand on the stick
). I actually prefer to fly my Super D cross country over the local club’s Cherokee 180 and Cessna when the weather is VFR. I have more room to move around, can see so much better, and it’s a bit faster than both. One potential draw back of the 8KCAB is most/all are not IFR certified, where as I think most Citabrias can be setup for IFR flight. Operating expenses are probably a bit lower with the Citabria since your fuel burn would be less (unless you get a new one with the 180hp), but I have no idea if there are any differences in the insurance costs. The other area the Citabrias generally have the advantage is useful load, but the longer steel or aluminum gear for the Decathlons help with this in Normal category operations if you have the metal spar wings.
All of the models handle crosswinds very well, IF you use the proper techniques. Landing distances are similar for all of them and can get you into virtually any strip with ease. Pilot technique and airspeed control is the key if you need short takeoff and landing distances (a bigger factor than flaps/no-flaps for the average pilot IMHO).
Jerry, I thought you passed at my last reverse psychology seminar. I guess I will have do a better job next time.
Marks I don't think I got any one misconstrued, your thread said you wanted to sell or trade etc etc. We all have fun on this forum with the occasional jab Jerry gets his share.
On a serious note with time in both I would go with the Citabria. Less maintenance issues, and no 1400 TBO as with the Decathlon. There are lots of low time Decathlons out there. I would suggest you go rent both. I have met several people that have wished they hadn't bought a Decathlon after a couple years. Many others love them. If your not on a budget buy the Decathlon.
Marks I don't think I got any one misconstrued, your thread said you wanted to sell or trade etc etc.
We all have fun on this forum with the occasional jab Jerry gets his share.On a serious note with time in both I would go with the Citabria. Less maintenance issues, and no 1400 TBO as with the Decathlon. There are lots of low time Decathlons out there. I would suggest you go rent both. I have met several people that have wished they hadn't bought a Decathlon after a couple years. Many others love them. If your not on a budget buy the Decathlon.
mike newall
New member
England Calling !
I have now owned 2 Champs and 2 Citabrias - I want a Decathlon so much it aches !
Whatever you do, you want more.
The Decathlon offers a good touring aeroplane, an excellent aerobatic mount and all the other benefits that the Aetonca/Bellanca/ACA line have to offer.
Once you get into aeros, the Citabria will frustrate because of it's inverted failings - you need muscles like Garth to hold it inverted, that is if you have inverted fuel and oil - I don't so I am used to cleaning aeroplanes !
If you are serious, move the Cherokee and the Cessna on and go for the Decathlon, I promise you, you will not regret it - ever.
(right Jerry, that's 10% off at Sun n Fun OK ) :wink:
I have now owned 2 Champs and 2 Citabrias - I want a Decathlon so much it aches !
Whatever you do, you want more.
The Decathlon offers a good touring aeroplane, an excellent aerobatic mount and all the other benefits that the Aetonca/Bellanca/ACA line have to offer.
Once you get into aeros, the Citabria will frustrate because of it's inverted failings - you need muscles like Garth to hold it inverted, that is if you have inverted fuel and oil - I don't so I am used to cleaning aeroplanes !
If you are serious, move the Cherokee and the Cessna on and go for the Decathlon, I promise you, you will not regret it - ever.
(right Jerry, that's 10% off at Sun n Fun OK ) :wink:
mike newall
New member
Spar - condition, condition of the rib nails,last inspection ?
Check for any history of groundloop with tip contact or nose over with any wing contact - if it's original fabic it is unlikely.
Front rear stick for/aft play - if excessive may need new bolts in the castings.
Brake cylinders - if there is evidence of fluid in the cup at the top they will need replacing as usually the stem wears and new seals don't always cure it. Jerry is coming up with a Grove STC I believe which will help in this area.
Any electrics problems - the wiring behind the switch panel was never clever - can be a problem.
Rudder and Elevator hinge slop - the bearings have little rollers in them and aren't cheap - there are lots of them.
Tailwheel and particularly spring integrity - check the mount and the leaves.
Battery - make sure there is no evidence of leakage and that the terminals aren't blackened at all.
Check the freeedom of the trim system, they seize if not lubed regularly.
Engine mounts - check for slop or cracking of the rubber.
All engine compartment checks are standard stuff but make sure the inverted system is OK.
Undercarriage - have the bolts been replaced - is there any evidence of fretting around the tops of the legs?
Prop - leaks, dents etc. Make sure the Hub AD isn't pending.
Cowl fasteners - they fret and wear check them.
Seat bases check for cracks.
Check the tanks for any evidence of leaking.
Check the belly for damage, oil contamination or brake fluid contamination.
That should keep you busy - in fact after reading it through again, why do we love these old crates so much - they're potential wrecks 8)
Check for any history of groundloop with tip contact or nose over with any wing contact - if it's original fabic it is unlikely.
Front rear stick for/aft play - if excessive may need new bolts in the castings.
Brake cylinders - if there is evidence of fluid in the cup at the top they will need replacing as usually the stem wears and new seals don't always cure it. Jerry is coming up with a Grove STC I believe which will help in this area.
Any electrics problems - the wiring behind the switch panel was never clever - can be a problem.
Rudder and Elevator hinge slop - the bearings have little rollers in them and aren't cheap - there are lots of them.
Tailwheel and particularly spring integrity - check the mount and the leaves.
Battery - make sure there is no evidence of leakage and that the terminals aren't blackened at all.
Check the freeedom of the trim system, they seize if not lubed regularly.
Engine mounts - check for slop or cracking of the rubber.
All engine compartment checks are standard stuff but make sure the inverted system is OK.
Undercarriage - have the bolts been replaced - is there any evidence of fretting around the tops of the legs?
Prop - leaks, dents etc. Make sure the Hub AD isn't pending.
Cowl fasteners - they fret and wear check them.
Seat bases check for cracks.
Check the tanks for any evidence of leaking.
Check the belly for damage, oil contamination or brake fluid contamination.
That should keep you busy - in fact after reading it through again, why do we love these old crates so much - they're potential wrecks 8)
mike newall
New member
Jerry,
The 'sunny's' said it all - I have had others and yes, they are - that's why I keep coming back to Aeronca/Bellanca/ACA
The 'sunny's' said it all - I have had others and yes, they are - that's why I keep coming back to Aeronca/Bellanca/ACA