Tiger in the air

ACA 8KCAB Super Decathlon

Would you believe it? Here, now, in the 21st Century, there is only one true multi-purpose trainer that can be used for basic flying instruction, tailwheel conversions, formation flying and aerobatics. The latest iteration of a long line of trainers, tourers and load-haulers, this Super Decathlon traces its roots back sixty years to Aeronca’s minimalist Champ, although these days there is little commonality between that original low-powered lightweight and this muscular monoplane.

The all-metal Super Decathlon is very strong (stressed to plus 6 and minus 5g) and uses a semi-symmetrical NACA 1412 aerofoil on short-span wings with strong, thick-walled struts and aileron spades for decreased control forces. Gap seals, mass balances and generous control surfaces with large deflections give superb manoeuvrability.