The Champ is faster, more comfortable for some people, and the pilot's field of view is larger. The heater even works a little bit unlike that of the Cub. But it is by no stretch of the imagination, "better" than the Cub. Someone seeking speed, comfort and good visibility would do well to get a Cherokee, for substantially less cost. But most people seeking a classic post WWII aircraft will go for a Cub. It is for this reason that a Cub costs FAR more than a Champ of the same condition.
I have one that was built in '58 by Champion Aircraft who bought the type certificate from Aeronca in 1954 and who developed both the Citabria and Decathlon from the design before being acquired by Bellanca in 1970. Mine was originally a 7FC which was the tricycle geared version but it was converted back to a 7EC tailwheel version in the early 60's (as most of them have been) The trike was not well received so only a handful of them still exist in that configuration. The original 7EC has two 13 gallon wing tanks with no header tank and only the single fuel cutoff valve. Everyone loves Cubs but you're right, the Champ is better.
This video brought back memories ! In 1957 I soloed in a Champ, small airport in Alabama. Also flew a nose wheel, they called ii a Tri Traveler and it was new and very nice.
I have the exact same door on my 7 DC. I’m not sure who made them, but mine is all aluminum frame very well made. So much nicer than the stock door. Where are you located?
Thanks Mark / brings back memories of my Father's first plane , early 60s - I was about 7 / also remember winter flying on snow ski's / he's passed now but have all the photo's of his 9 different airplane's / Love your show and tell channel 👍✔
I haven't flown either plane in the "full size" category, but when it comes to R/C planes, a Champ is always a better flyer than a Cub. Everybody thinks they want a cub, but if they want a nice lightplane in the scale category, champs are great.
I got my tailwheel endorsement in a champ, def not as nice an example as this. Great flying airplane, really teaches you about adverse yaw compared to the cub
I bought a share in a 1946 Champ in the UK in 1973, because it was the cheapest way to learn to fly. G-ATHK. 65HP, no electrics, hand swing, RAT to recharge the radio battery. Loved that plane.
What a cool little airplane! Having been introduced to a Champ in the mid 70's by a friend who owned one, and was trying to sell it to me, I passed. Seeing this one with its upgrades was nice. The Champ back then was very basic. I was a partner in a 150 at the time and liked it better. Enjoy your videos, keep them coming.
We have a very original ex-military C-85 Champ (1947 L-16A) that is a real hoot. Basically a Korean War baby bird dog. Would be fun to fly down to Placerville from Oregon and toss Mark the key for a video sometime.
Thanks. I try to chat about what you would chat about in a show or meeting in a hangar. No-one wants to be bored by the irrelevant details and nuances. But sometimes I go there too.
Nice aeroplane Mark.. when i was training at Angwin, they had an owner leased Citabria on the line. I wanted to fly it bad. But, being 6'4", 240 lbs at the time, and my instructor 6'1", 230lbs.. well, you see the dilemma. 😂.. I loved flying back then, and the videos You and Don the camera guy put up, are a satisfying way of keeping the dream alive for me. Thanks very much to you both! And Don, great prelude tunes again.
Wow that brings back memories flying with my dad in his champ also 90 horse continental set up very similar We took it to the second biannual fly in at the old factory in Middleton Ohio I think that was 1983
Little taildraggers are awesome! I had a few hours in a Citabria 7CGA (no flaps, 150 hp) and a J5-A (75 HP) but never quite got my endorsement. They are a hoot. I researched the American Champion (make the newer versions with metal spars, etc.) models quite a bit. From what I recall, the new "Champ" has an O-200 in it but useful load is barely over 400 lbs. the 7ECA 'Aurora' has the 115 HP O-235 in it, but that has the best UL (~ 600 lbs) and range, then the Citabrias, Scouts, Decathlons...Years ago I was trying to buy a fully restored 7ECA (metal wings) that was gorgeous and a great price, but it was winter time and the plane was in VT and I couldn't get there to see it around work schedules and arctic blasts...LOL
Ill look out for the Chief video (sorry can't recall if I've watched it - senior moment - although I do recall your Hemingway quip🤔🤔😄😄), my dad owned a Chief for several years and we had some good stories and fun with/in it. Iirc it was also a hand swing, then so was his immaculate Luscombe, that became a chore with age. Not fun with slippery verniers on throttle etc either. Thanks for sharing always interesting 😲💜😊✌️
As you approached the runway to land that perspective reminded me of my first airline ride. 727, we're flying into Great Falls Montana and I spy the Air Force/Air Guard base with F-106's on the line well below; yet the plane acted like it was landing - odd. To my surprise the land suddenly rose up to meet us and I found out there was a SECOND airport! (you see, Duluth shared its' airport with the Air Guard and civilians).
Mark, thanks for making these videos. I appreciate your understanding of the big picture of these types, as shown by how you describe the changes are they were made. A thought: when in flight could you talk a little more about the experience and "feel"? Maybe waggle the controls and show how the various control mechanisms and their effectiveness translate to the experience? I suspect it would link in well with your descriptions of the changes in fuselage length, number of bays etc. I suspect there are some fun little demonstrations to be had. Thanks again, John
I can, but these are other people's planes and I fly them with permission, so I stay in the pattern and minimize the high jinx that I get up to in them.
I'm always impressed with the drone piloting in these presentations. Tracking along with a full size plane on take off, with the camera at 90 degrees to the trajectory. What could possibly go wrong? Beautiful plane too, that's for sure😊
Thank you! This was also the only aircraft where the drone was actually flying faster, which threw me off my game for a moment. Keeping an eye on the drone, the aircraft, and lining up the shot, while watching for aircraft on the taxiway is a bit daunting and I appreciate you noticing! - Don the Camera Guy
Great content, thank you. It would be nice to have some useful load info, especially on aircraft with more horsepower than stock. Thanks again, I really enjoy your vids.
In 1946 Aeronca (Aeronautical Corporation of America) built this aircraft as the 7AC Champ. From your description, this aircraft has had several modifications over its lifespan. The 90hp Continental helps a lot over the original 65hp. The 7ECA was not FAA type-certified and produced until 1964 (see FAA Type Certificate A-759). The 7ECA started with a 100hp Continental O-200 in 1964 and switched to a 115hp Lycoming O-235 in about 1967 or 1968. American Champion Aircraft Corporation in Rochester, Wisconsin, currently holds the Type Certificate and Production Certificate for these and several other models in the Champ/Citabria line. Many of the original production fixtures are still in use today for Citabrias and Decathlons.
Hi Mark, for what its worth, could you please add to review all the lights from original to modern its very interesting to see what lights was original and which was added later. Thank you !
I rented a '47 Champ from an infamous Math Prof @ TX A&I University.....he was famous for designing and building a Circular Pool Table....the plane was sitting out there at Mesquite Grove AP, an Aerodrome actually cut out of a Mesquite Grove. Nobody but me was flying it...Doc Perry let me have it for $6 / Hr, wet. I got in a lot of cheap X-Country Hours.....the Champ was comfortable, fly from front seat, great visibility, and it flew an honest 90MPH. I flew plenty of PA-11s, and an old J-5, but never would crawl into a miserable J-3....backseat driver, SLOW POS.
If a person fears he's placing his arms in jeopardy by the simple act of hand propping an aircraft, his ability to fly that aircraft safely might be in question.
Someone not feeling safe by propping a plane themselves has nothing to do with their ability to fly. If anything it would show they are safer than sorry. I do agree that it is simple and if you know what you are doing it is safe. But it’s nothing to be taken lightly and could potentially be very dangerous. Never make someone feel inferior because they don’t feel safe hand propping an airplane.
Totally disagree. It takes one mistake for a life altering injury or worse. I’d rather not risk that over a “simple act of hand propping”. Instead I’d rather play it safe and use a starter. Question my flying ability if you’d like, I really do not care.
No champ ever came with a gull-wing door (not even the L-16), never seen an STC for either, was it converted to Experimental? Nice plane though.. the tricycle geared version was called the "Tri-Traveler" (1957, about 400 of them were built)
That was fun. Thanks! Do you recall what your DA was on this flight? I've thought one of these or a Chief would be a good putt-around for southeastern Arizona here.
Aeronca did not make 1946 ECA. They made the 7 AC CHAMP. The nose gear champ was the 7FC TANDEM seating. Not the CHIEF11AC WHICH WAS SIDE BY SIDE TAILWHEEL👍👀
What is the name of the manufacturer of that door? I’ve seen the STC for converting the original door to the flip up style but I can’t find anything on the clear door. Any ideas?
7:06 "This is better than the J3, J3 guys are going to say no it isn't, but it is." Had me laughing 😂😂😂
The Champ is faster, more comfortable for some people, and the pilot's field of view is larger. The heater even works a little bit unlike that of the Cub.
But it is by no stretch of the imagination, "better" than the Cub. Someone seeking speed, comfort and good visibility would do well to get a Cherokee, for substantially less cost.
But most people seeking a classic post WWII aircraft will go for a Cub.
It is for this reason that a Cub costs FAR more than a Champ of the same condition.
That is one hell of a Champ. She's going to make some lucky pilot very happy once you sell her.
I have one that was built in '58 by Champion Aircraft who bought the type certificate from Aeronca in 1954 and who developed both the Citabria and Decathlon from the design before being acquired by Bellanca in 1970. Mine was originally a 7FC which was the tricycle geared version but it was converted back to a 7EC tailwheel version in the early 60's (as most of them have been) The trike was not well received so only a handful of them still exist in that configuration. The original 7EC has two 13 gallon wing tanks with no header tank and only the single fuel cutoff valve. Everyone loves Cubs but you're right, the Champ is better.
Fascinating information and experiences. My dad had a Chief, lovely aeroplane.
I owned a 46 7ac and absolutely loved her! Wish I could afford another!
Those are VERY nice, in large part because of the C90.
This video brought back memories ! In 1957 I soloed in a Champ, small airport in Alabama. Also flew a nose wheel, they called ii a Tri Traveler and it was new and very nice.
Would have LOVED that flip-up door mod on my Champ… what a terrific idea!
Floatplane door.
I have the exact same door on my 7 DC. I’m not sure who made them, but mine is all aluminum frame very well made. So much nicer than the stock door. Where are you located?
Thanks Mark / brings back memories of my Father's first plane , early 60s - I was about 7 / also remember winter flying on snow ski's / he's passed now but have all the photo's of his 9 different airplane's / Love your show and tell channel 👍✔
love the champs and Citabrias. I fly a 1976 7-ECA finished a 5 year rebuild on it last July. Great economical planes to fly!
I haven't flown either plane in the "full size" category, but when it comes to R/C planes, a Champ is always a better flyer than a Cub. Everybody thinks they want a cub, but if they want a nice lightplane in the scale category, champs are great.
Thank you for the walk around! Very informative
I got my tailwheel endorsement in a champ, def not as nice an example as this. Great flying airplane, really teaches you about adverse yaw compared to the cub
Mark you give great reviews! Thanks!
Glad you like them!
Really enjoy your videos, and they inspire me to fly more..
Fly more. Yes.
I bought a share in a 1946 Champ in the UK in 1973, because it was the cheapest way to learn to fly. G-ATHK. 65HP, no electrics, hand swing, RAT to recharge the radio battery. Loved that plane.
Beautiful one! ❤ thanks!
Nice video. Brings back some memories about one I remember in 1976. Aeronca 0. In Carson City.
What a cool little airplane! Having been introduced to a Champ in the mid 70's by a friend who owned one, and was trying to sell it to me, I passed. Seeing this one with its upgrades was nice. The Champ back then was very basic. I was a partner in a 150 at the time and liked it better. Enjoy your videos, keep them coming.
Glad you enjoyed it!
We have a very original ex-military C-85 Champ (1947 L-16A) that is a real hoot. Basically a Korean War baby bird dog. Would be fun to fly down to Placerville from Oregon and toss Mark the key for a video sometime.
Thank you.
Pure joy 👈👶👍
Enjoy your down to earth videos. And good presentation.
Thank You.
Thanks. I try to chat about what you would chat about in a show or meeting in a hangar. No-one wants to be bored by the irrelevant details and nuances. But sometimes I go there too.
Love the Champ!
Started out in a ‘46 champ. Love them!! Didn’t haven’t an electric system so definitely had fun spinning the prop
That is awesome!
My first airplane ride was in one with 90 hp on floats when I was 9 back in 62, it got me hooked right then and there.
This one was on floats. Hence that door.
Simple and beautiful. I am looking forward to buy a A. Champ.
Good choice!
Nice aeroplane Mark.. when i was training at Angwin, they had an owner leased Citabria on the line. I wanted to fly it bad. But, being 6'4", 240 lbs at the time, and my instructor 6'1", 230lbs.. well, you see the dilemma. 😂.. I loved flying back then, and the videos You and Don the camera guy put up, are a satisfying way of keeping the dream alive for me. Thanks very much to you both! And Don, great prelude tunes again.
Yes, that would have been a load.
Wow that brings back memories flying with my dad in his champ also 90 horse continental set up very similar
We took it to the second biannual fly in at the old factory in Middleton Ohio I think that was 1983
Little taildraggers are awesome! I had a few hours in a Citabria 7CGA (no flaps, 150 hp) and a J5-A (75 HP) but never quite got my endorsement. They are a hoot. I researched the American Champion (make the newer versions with metal spars, etc.) models quite a bit. From what I recall, the new "Champ" has an O-200 in it but useful load is barely over 400 lbs. the 7ECA 'Aurora' has the 115 HP O-235 in it, but that has the best UL (~ 600 lbs) and range, then the Citabrias, Scouts, Decathlons...Years ago I was trying to buy a fully restored 7ECA (metal wings) that was gorgeous and a great price, but it was winter time and the plane was in VT and I couldn't get there to see it around work schedules and arctic blasts...LOL
Mark I love your content always nicely done.
Glad you like them!
I currently own an all original 1946 Champ 7AC with a 65 continental, absolutely love the airplane!
You can't argue with love.
Absolutely beautiful 😍
Ill look out for the Chief video (sorry can't recall if I've watched it - senior moment - although I do recall your Hemingway quip🤔🤔😄😄), my dad owned a Chief for several years and we had some good stories and fun with/in it. Iirc it was also a hand swing, then so was his immaculate Luscombe, that became a chore with age. Not fun with slippery verniers on throttle etc either.
Thanks for sharing always interesting 😲💜😊✌️
Thank you.
As you approached the runway to land that perspective reminded me of my first airline ride. 727, we're flying into Great Falls Montana and I spy the Air Force/Air Guard base with F-106's on the line well below; yet the plane acted like it was landing - odd. To my surprise the land suddenly rose up to meet us and I found out there was a SECOND airport! (you see, Duluth shared its' airport with the Air Guard and civilians).
Mark, thanks for making these videos. I appreciate your understanding of the big picture of these types, as shown by how you describe the changes are they were made.
A thought: when in flight could you talk a little more about the experience and "feel"? Maybe waggle the controls and show how the various control mechanisms and their effectiveness translate to the experience? I suspect it would link in well with your descriptions of the changes in fuselage length, number of bays etc. I suspect there are some fun little demonstrations to be had. Thanks again, John
I can, but these are other people's planes and I fly them with permission, so I stay in the pattern and minimize the high jinx that I get up to in them.
I'm always impressed with the drone piloting in these presentations. Tracking along with a full size plane on take off, with the camera at 90 degrees to the trajectory. What could possibly go wrong? Beautiful plane too, that's for sure😊
Thank you! This was also the only aircraft where the drone was actually flying faster, which threw me off my game for a moment. Keeping an eye on the drone, the aircraft, and lining up the shot, while watching for aircraft on the taxiway is a bit daunting and I appreciate you noticing! - Don the Camera Guy
Thanks, Mark!
You are welcome!
Great content, thank you. It would be nice to have some useful load info, especially on aircraft with more horsepower than stock. Thanks again, I really enjoy your vids.
Thanks for the idea!
i got my tailwheel in a 1946 as well this one had a 85hp but no electronics and had six instruments, but a great airplane no mater what.
oooOOooo, cool new intro segment!!
You are my new, favorite viewer! Thank you for noticing! - Don the Camera Guy
Next one is even better.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Now that's how to make Champ feel proud
In 1946 Aeronca (Aeronautical Corporation of America) built this aircraft as the 7AC Champ. From your description, this aircraft has had several modifications over its lifespan. The 90hp Continental helps a lot over the original 65hp. The 7ECA was not FAA type-certified and produced until 1964 (see FAA Type Certificate A-759). The 7ECA started with a 100hp Continental O-200 in 1964 and switched to a 115hp Lycoming O-235 in about 1967 or 1968. American Champion Aircraft Corporation in Rochester, Wisconsin, currently holds the Type Certificate and Production Certificate for these and several other models in the Champ/Citabria line. Many of the original production fixtures are still in use today for Citabrias and Decathlons.
You get to do the next walk around on a Champ! Great info! Thanks!
Lovelly plane, I took my PPL on it(1981). Best flyer, better than J3...
Hi Mark,
for what its worth, could you please add to review all the lights from original to modern its very interesting to see what lights was original and which was added later.
Thank you !
Before it had an electrical system, there were no lights at all. What is on it now is the old retro stuff.
I thought the 7EC was late 50s, 90hp. I got my private in PA-18s and 7ECs in '59. Bought a 7AC after college and put 1,200 hours on it.
Def the Citabria's older sister. Nice plane.
I rented a '47 Champ from an infamous Math Prof @ TX A&I University.....he was famous for designing and building a Circular Pool Table....the plane was sitting out there at Mesquite Grove AP, an Aerodrome actually cut out of a Mesquite Grove. Nobody but me was flying it...Doc Perry let me have it for $6 / Hr, wet. I got in a lot of cheap X-Country Hours.....the Champ was comfortable, fly from front seat, great visibility, and it flew an honest 90MPH. I flew plenty of PA-11s, and an old J-5, but never would crawl into a miserable J-3....backseat driver, SLOW POS.
Airplanes, like family meals, often invoke great memories. Thanks for sharing your story.
Had you crawled into that miserable backseat, perhaps your perceptions would have had greater validity.
Great airplane! No phone call in the middle of the video, is everything alright? 😂
It happened between takes. Timing was off. We ran out of time or we would have gone back and done the whole thing over. Thanks for checking on us!
If a person fears he's placing his arms in jeopardy by the simple act of hand propping an aircraft, his ability to fly that aircraft safely might be in question.
That is very true.
Someone not feeling safe by propping a plane themselves has nothing to do with their ability to fly. If anything it would show they are safer than sorry. I do agree that it is simple and if you know what you are doing it is safe. But it’s nothing to be taken lightly and could potentially be very dangerous. Never make someone feel inferior because they don’t feel safe hand propping an airplane.
Totally disagree. It takes one mistake for a life altering injury or worse. I’d rather not risk that over a “simple act of hand propping”. Instead I’d rather play it safe and use a starter. Question my flying ability if you’d like, I really do not care.
@@blainepetsupplies5354 Indeed, nothing with regard to aviation safety is to be taken lightly. I hope that wasn't your perception.
@@hammerofdavey Uh, if you really do not care, to what do I owe the pleasure of your reply?
No champ ever came with a gull-wing door (not even the L-16), never seen an STC for either, was it converted to Experimental? Nice plane though.. the tricycle geared version was called the "Tri-Traveler" (1957, about 400 of them were built)
Thanks!
That is a seaplane door.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 ah - that makes sense, thanks..
at 11:06 in the sky, was your dron? beautiful plane and all the explain,thanks would like to haved
For the owner or anyone who knows: How did you get that wing landing light? Is there an STC for it or was it just a field approval? Nice plane BTW!
I think it was just added like on a later plane when it was restored.
That was fun. Thanks!
Do you recall what your DA was on this flight? I've thought one of these or a Chief would be a good putt-around for southeastern Arizona here.
It was 95 degrees at 2500 feet. DA was about 6500.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Wow. Quite respectable takeoff performance I would say.
Is there any other tandem, high wing, tail dragger?
Aeronca did not make 1946 ECA. They made the 7 AC CHAMP. The nose gear champ was the 7FC TANDEM seating. Not the CHIEF11AC WHICH WAS SIDE BY SIDE TAILWHEEL👍👀
👍
👊👋. But, surely we deserved at least 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 for the intro alone.
Beautiful little Champ. The owner clearly loves this bird. Does it qualify as an LSA?
I believe so
7FC has a nose wheel. That’s a sea plane door. I have the same door on my 7DC
It's a great door. Better than original.
What is the name of the manufacturer of that door? I’ve seen the STC for converting the original door to the flip up style but I can’t find anything on the clear door. Any ideas?
An A65 champ will cruise 80-85 mph.
Did you leave the mags on...?
Nope, but thanks for watching. On for that clip.
Have you ever reviewed a skymaster?
No but we might, I know someone that has one.
That was not the artificial horizon...
Turn and bank.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Minor issue -- love your videos!
I own a 7aca. Hand propping is much safer than portrayed by this gentleman. You just need to know what you’re doing.
Plus I was joking a bit about the Hemingway.
Looks like a 7DC.
That is a Seaplane door.
yes it is.
You left the Mags on "Both" during the show around. Shame!
On for that shot so I would not have to reach in the window. Well spotted.
Flaps?
No flaps. Slip it if you are high.
You won’t “cut your arms off” with just a little bit of care and respect for how things work. FFS
I know that. It is my joke.
Beautiful airplane! Have to admit though the electric starter is cheating!! 😂
A little bit, yes.