You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Decathlon / Citabria
- Thread starter jy757
- Start date
John,
I've got a 8KCAB. For me it depends on the type of landing I'm doing. I'll go a little faster when wheel landing than a 3 point. I'm usually around 70-75 on final for a 3 pointer and probably 75-80 for a wheel. On short final I'd let the speed bleed off to about 65 for a 3 pointer and around 70 for a wheel, but would also choose to keep more speed on if necessary. Those should be somewhat in the ballpark.
Check this out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLhW6xsaPno
I was flying in that range for the wheel landing in the video. Sorry about the quality, I'm new to youtube. Haven't really figured out how to get a better quality picture.
Jon
I've got a 8KCAB. For me it depends on the type of landing I'm doing. I'll go a little faster when wheel landing than a 3 point. I'm usually around 70-75 on final for a 3 pointer and probably 75-80 for a wheel. On short final I'd let the speed bleed off to about 65 for a 3 pointer and around 70 for a wheel, but would also choose to keep more speed on if necessary. Those should be somewhat in the ballpark.
Check this out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLhW6xsaPno
I was flying in that range for the wheel landing in the video. Sorry about the quality, I'm new to youtube. Haven't really figured out how to get a better quality picture.
Jon
John,
I don't have any experience in a citabria. We'll have to hear from some owners. I've heard they slow down rather quickly (compared to the decathlon) when pulling the power. I would guess the approach speeds are similar. Of course the citabria has a longer wing, more dihedral and a different airfoil so the handling characteristics should be somewhat different. Hopefully we'll get some input from members that have both citabria and decathlon experience.
This discussion might force me to get checked out in the citabria at my local airport. I told myself I would in case my plane is down for annual or maintenance, etc. Now I may get checked out just to see how it flies...
Jon
I don't have any experience in a citabria. We'll have to hear from some owners. I've heard they slow down rather quickly (compared to the decathlon) when pulling the power. I would guess the approach speeds are similar. Of course the citabria has a longer wing, more dihedral and a different airfoil so the handling characteristics should be somewhat different. Hopefully we'll get some input from members that have both citabria and decathlon experience.
This discussion might force me to get checked out in the citabria at my local airport. I told myself I would in case my plane is down for annual or maintenance, etc. Now I may get checked out just to see how it flies...
Jon
John:
For 3 point landings I use 60-70 mph on final in my GCAA which has the flat bottom wing and no flaps just like a 7KCAB. The landing speed depends mostly on weight. If go to the American Champion Aircraft website (http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/) you can find the stall speed for the 8Kcab (Super D), 7GCBC (Explorer) , 7GCAA (Adventure) for comparison. I think they all stall around 52 mph with no flaps. The GCBC stalls at 46 with flaps down. the 7KCAB is not in production but has the same stall speed as the GCAA.
Mark
For 3 point landings I use 60-70 mph on final in my GCAA which has the flat bottom wing and no flaps just like a 7KCAB. The landing speed depends mostly on weight. If go to the American Champion Aircraft website (http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/) you can find the stall speed for the 8Kcab (Super D), 7GCBC (Explorer) , 7GCAA (Adventure) for comparison. I think they all stall around 52 mph with no flaps. The GCBC stalls at 46 with flaps down. the 7KCAB is not in production but has the same stall speed as the GCAA.
Mark
Jon and Mark,
Thanks again for the reply. I'm trying to make a decision between the Citabria and the Decathlon. There is an 8KCAB for sale here locally which would make purchasing very simple, but I'm not sure I would be happy with it. Some people tell me to get a Decathlon and others a Citabria. I plan on keeping it on a grass strip, which is approximately 2600 feet, which I don't think either airplane would have a problem with. I do not plan on doing any heavy aerobatics, just maybe learn to do a loop and a roll. So I'm wondering if I should spend a little more money on a Citabria with metal wing spars versus the same money for a Decathlon with wood spars in which I would always be wondering about. But any input or advice on this subject would be a great help.
Thanks,
John
Thanks again for the reply. I'm trying to make a decision between the Citabria and the Decathlon. There is an 8KCAB for sale here locally which would make purchasing very simple, but I'm not sure I would be happy with it. Some people tell me to get a Decathlon and others a Citabria. I plan on keeping it on a grass strip, which is approximately 2600 feet, which I don't think either airplane would have a problem with. I do not plan on doing any heavy aerobatics, just maybe learn to do a loop and a roll. So I'm wondering if I should spend a little more money on a Citabria with metal wing spars versus the same money for a Decathlon with wood spars in which I would always be wondering about. But any input or advice on this subject would be a great help.
Thanks,
John
I should preface these comments by saying I don't have a bunch of time in decathlons. Here are my observations, for what they're worth...
Defining the mission is sometimes difficult. If you think you'd want to do more acrobatics, the decathlon is the plane to have. It's got a semi-symmetrical (NACA-1412 airfoil) wing, inverted oil and inverted fuel for 2 minutes, a shorter wing with less dihedral.
I can't imagine a 2600' grass field would be problematic for any of the citabria or decathlon variations. I routinely visit a 2600' grass field that has 30' trees at one end and after landing still have plenty of runway left. If I remember, the next time I go flying I'll bring along the camcorder and post a youtube video for you.
Metal vs. wood spar is probably a debatable topic. I've heard from certain acrobatic 'purists' that wood is the way to go. Of course, if it's properly cared for, inspected, etc. I'm not sure that you'd go wrong with either one, if the spar (metal or wood) is in good condition. I bought my decathlon with about 200 hours since a major renovation. The multitude of inspection panels on the bottom side of the wing allowed for a complete inspection of the spar. After inspecting the plane I was confident that the spar was in excellent condition. I went into the inspection probably with similar concerns as yours and left wondering how lucky I was to find such a great plane.
If you don't have a real preference, then find the best example of either model that you can, and buy it. I don't know what your budget is, but it would seem to me if you could spend a little extra upfront for a good example, you MAY be money ahead down the road.
Jon
Defining the mission is sometimes difficult. If you think you'd want to do more acrobatics, the decathlon is the plane to have. It's got a semi-symmetrical (NACA-1412 airfoil) wing, inverted oil and inverted fuel for 2 minutes, a shorter wing with less dihedral.
I can't imagine a 2600' grass field would be problematic for any of the citabria or decathlon variations. I routinely visit a 2600' grass field that has 30' trees at one end and after landing still have plenty of runway left. If I remember, the next time I go flying I'll bring along the camcorder and post a youtube video for you.
Metal vs. wood spar is probably a debatable topic. I've heard from certain acrobatic 'purists' that wood is the way to go. Of course, if it's properly cared for, inspected, etc. I'm not sure that you'd go wrong with either one, if the spar (metal or wood) is in good condition. I bought my decathlon with about 200 hours since a major renovation. The multitude of inspection panels on the bottom side of the wing allowed for a complete inspection of the spar. After inspecting the plane I was confident that the spar was in excellent condition. I went into the inspection probably with similar concerns as yours and left wondering how lucky I was to find such a great plane.
If you don't have a real preference, then find the best example of either model that you can, and buy it. I don't know what your budget is, but it would seem to me if you could spend a little extra upfront for a good example, you MAY be money ahead down the road.
Jon
mike newall
New member
Jon,
Nice video - I would check the wheel bearings though from the noise they made :shock:
John,
I operate a 7GCBC from 1200' of grass which varies from short to 5".
Even in summer at 75f with 2 of us, it isn't a problem getting out - landing is usually in about 300' !
I approach at 60 mph and bleed off onto the stall warner just before touchdown.
I would not have any hesitation to operate a Decathlon out of our strip either - just would land with a tailwind !
Mike
UK
Nice video - I would check the wheel bearings though from the noise they made :shock:
John,
I operate a 7GCBC from 1200' of grass which varies from short to 5".
Even in summer at 75f with 2 of us, it isn't a problem getting out - landing is usually in about 300' !
I approach at 60 mph and bleed off onto the stall warner just before touchdown.
I would not have any hesitation to operate a Decathlon out of our strip either - just would land with a tailwind !
Mike
UK