While the Scout shares many similarities with the Citabria, including tandem seating and joystick controls, the high-wing, single-engine Scout was designed with utility in mind rather than aerobatic flying. was recovered and repainted in . We operate a low serial number 74 Scout at Owl Canyon Gliderport, north of Fort Collins, at 5,500 msl. Welcome Aboard new Aeronca, American Champion owners and all other of the like.!! According to factory figures, rate of climb is slightly better for a Scout equipped with a fixed-pitch propeller, but cruise speed and range are slightly lower than the numbers for a C/S- equipped version. Compared to the Citabrias gear, the Scouts gear legs are considerably taller and the tires larger, again contributing to its capabilities as a utility aircraft. Compared to the Citabria's wingspan of 33.5 feet (10.2m), the Scout's wingspan is significantly wider, at over 36 feet (11m). Options were few. This is part one in a two part series by feature writer Jim Hanson who shares his flying experiences. Always try American Champion is located in Rochester, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee). Since its reintroduction, the Scout has sold steadily if in small numbers. For additional information about Smart Rudder Bias visit: www.Garmin.com/SmartRudderBias. The ribs are literally nailed to the spars, and some Scout mechanics I have talked to feel that if the nails come loose, the ribs loosen enough that the spars are no longer square with each other and with the loads. Use of this new spar will not preclude the inspection requirements of AD 2000 25 02 which presently applies to the Citabrias, Scouts and Decathlons and some Aeroncas. Amphibious or Straight models are available for the 8GCBC. The number of aircraft receiving FAA approval for a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Garmin GFC 500 autopilot continues to grow. 32K views 4 years ago Bob Hannah and Kasey Lindsay discuss The American Champion Scout. The model 7ECA Citabria entered production at Champion in 1964. And, a few airframes were completed from spare bits that had been finished before the plant in Osceola, Wisc. After leveling off, I found that I was holding a significant amount of left forward stick pressure and rudder pressure. Rainbow Flying Service received Parts Manufactures Approval (PMA) for our new design wing SPAR for the 7, 8 and 11 Series Airplanes. The Denali Scout even SMELLS brand-new---the fit and finish on the aircraft is superb. Only about 30 have been completed since. 2020 Denali Scout GARMIN G3X IS NOW STANDARD ON ALL NEW AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT Any tire option you want, 8:50's to 35" AK Bushwheels Engine/Prop Monster Lycoming fuel injected IO-390 "angle valve" 210 HP (minimum) Most power in a tandem 2 seater! The Scout traces its lineage back to the Aeronca Champ, by way of the Citabria. Typically, investigations found that these failures during normal operation had been preceded by undetected overstressing conditions from flight outside the aircrafts limitations (such as aerobatics) or accidents where the wings contacted the ground (including ground loops and nose-overs in which the airplane ended up on its back). 8-GCBC DENALI SCOUT. 210HP Denali Scout. Here in Denver, Univair has developed quite a bit of expertise on the Scout, and offers a fairly large line of PMAd parts of very good quality. Decathlons are noted for their heavy aileron forces. Announcements: Crosswind component is somewhat limited by rudder and aileron effectiveness, but is still more than most people will want to try. All specifications are based on manufacturer's calculations. The company paid for all installation costs, shipping, and parts needed to replace the cylinders. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. The Scout design passed through the hands of a number of companies through the 1980s, including a Champion Aircraft Company, which was unrelated to the Champion Aircraft of the 1960s. Landing Distance, Ground Roll: 222to 423ft. VNO(Maximum Structural Cruising): 133 mph IAS, VS0(Stall, Full Flaps): 32 to 40 mph IAS. Takeoff Distance, Ground Roll: 210 to 417ft. Takeoff Distance Over 50-ft Obstacle: 384to 697ft. Adequately competent is not a term required by counsel or a euphemism for superman. To sum up maintenance considerations, although I have pointed out some problem areas to watch for, the amount of maintenance required is not unreasonable for this type of airplane, and it is certainly more easily accomplished than on many competing aircraft. Two inspection holes are created in the top of each wing with caps that are flush secure and sealable. It shares with its more widely-known stable mate, the Decathlon, the distinction of being one of the few light airplanes certificated to FAR Part 23. The spring steel main gear is itself quite robust-quite stiff in fact, even at full gross weight. If you know. Come Fly With Us And COMPARE To ANY Tandem 2 Seater!! . In addition, the Scout is subject to AD 98-2-8, which calls for inspection of the hollow crankshafts inner bore for corrosion pits. They build their aircraft to order. Unlike the Cub, the Champ could be soloed from the front seat-giving far better visibility. As I have pointed out, a glider towplane really experiences severe service, and we tend to see things that the normal operator would not. The determinant is the greater wingspan. Replacement metal spar wings run upwards of $20,000. Mehlhaff would like to see all Citabria, Decathlons and Scouts converted to metal spars. These are made with 5 ply Birch plywood and are water jet cut by computer. These values represent standard day conditions - no wind, stock 8.50x6 tires, and average piloting technique. This week, the company received certification for Smart Rudder Bias and VNAV functionality for the Beechcraft Baron B55 and B55A aircraft that are equipped with the GFC 600 autopilot. In 1978, a constant-speed propeller was offered as an option. Engine TBO. Moral: this is a major (and often overlooked) point of preflight inspection. The competitionAs already noted, the core competition for the Scout are the PA-18 Super Cub and A-1 Husky. In addition, the GFC 500 includes altitude preselect, vertical navigation (VNAV), underspeed and overspeed protection, and more. Stalls are straightforward, with a pronounced break and some tendency to fall off on a wing. 180HP Scout. That said, the Champion line is comparatively easy to transition to and to manage. The Scout, with its longer wing, is even more taxing. Many of us appreciate Univairs long-term commitment to older and out-of-production airplanes. Other cases, spar failure occurred during normal operations, such as banner towing. New Hartzell "made in America" carbon fiber prop . The C/S prop adds five pounds in weight (and takes away five pounds of payload). 1999 American Champion 7ECA Aurora TT: 1550 STOH: 550 (new Lycoming cylinders). Additional Equipment:Rear Seat Heat 70 Gallons Long Range Fuel Exterior Notes:Custom painted wing sunrays and fuselage side stripes These can be inhospitable places full of traps for wind spurts or for momentary mental lapses. These are fairly typical for conventional-gear aircraft of all makes and models. Like the Cub, the 7AC didn't have an electrical system or starter, either. This series of failures led the Federal Aviation Administration to issue an Airworthiness Directive (AD 2000-25-02 R1) that affected all wood-spar wing Scouts. One may fly or handle a bit better. However, for off-airport, bush-type operations, tail draggers still are the airplanes of choice (again, including the Cessna 180 and 185 and such relatively esoteric airplanes as the Lockheed/LASA 60 and the Helio Courier). I instructed in Champs and Super Cubs in an Army flying club, and found the Champ to be much roomier and easy to get in and out of than the Cub, which had the wing strut right in front of the door, felt that the Champ had smoother and more responsive controls. Bristol Scout D Of The Royal Flying Corps 6.3 MB 800 2. The ultimate two-place . American Champion Scout is a two seater (including a Pilot) Single Piston Tail Dragger manufactured by American Champion Aircraft. The variable pitch prop is subject to more maintenance, as well as an onerous A.D. Univair has an STCd solution that uses flat bar stock clamping the gear leg to the fuselage with MS bolts, thus eliminating the stress of bent metal. Or is it 15 pounds? This beautiful American Champion 8-GCBC Scout has been well cared for, always hangared, has no damage history, & has complete log books. This beauty has a Lycoming -320-A2B! 37K views 8 years ago Aviation Consumer's Rick Durden teamed with Kasey Lindsay and Bob Hannah of Northwest Backcountry Aircraft to do a flight review of the American Champion 210-hp Denali. The designs and tooling date back to 1946 and they have travelled from the original company, to Bellanca until American Champion Aircraft purchased the type certificate in 1990 and began manufacturing Decathlons, Scouts and Citabrias, They've made a good design better by creating all-metal wings, although they remain fabric-covered. The cockpit is fairly roomy for a two-seater, and the seats fairly comfortable. Hartzell Propeller. Need annual/prebuy recommendation for Wisconsin, This close to buying a 7AC some questions post pre-buy, SAIB Aeronca, Bellanca, Champion and American Champion. On the whole, the record of the Scout is benign. AMERICAN CHAMPION Model 8-GCBC SCOUT Condition Used Description 2006 American Champion Scout Just installed 18 SMOH Western Skyways Gold Seal "premium" new limits overhaul. Lycoming came out with the IO-390 engine, with 210 horsepower-and American Champion made it optional on the Scout. 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. There also are some basic considerations related to mass and inertia. ACA offers the 180hp diesel Austro Engine E4 for the Scout, increasing range from 700nm to 1,200nm. The Scout is one of the more popular taildraggers on the market. Model. Southern Aviation Bunbury Flying School; Airline: Southern Aviation Bunbury Flying School; Reg: VH-DXL photos; Aircraft: American Champion 8GCBC Scout; Serial #: 516-2009; . Further, the AD mandates meticulous yearly inspections for all Scouts with wood-spar wings. However, this wasnt the end for the Scout. Designed for personal and commercial use, it is commonly found in utility roles such as bush flyingthanks to its short takeoff and landing (STOL) abilityas well as agriculture, pipeline patrol, and glider and banner towing. The GFC 500 includes Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP), which works to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition. Note the external baggage door. If you are interested in becoming an air cadet, visit www.cadetscanada.ca if your interested! Champion collapsed in the bankruptcy of its parent, Bellanca, in 1980. It also was offered with a 180-hp powerplant. Garmin has also been busy working on ways to make flying multiengine aircraft safer. American Champion Scout. The Citabria was designed and initially produced by Champion Aircraft Corporation, and was a derivative of designs the company had been building since acquiring the 7-series Champ from Aeronca in 1954. Their phone and counter sales staff are generally knowledgeable on correct parts selection and application. To view the most up-to-date aircraft STC list and certifications that are expected to begin in the next 12-months, or to express interest in a specific aircraft make/model, visit: www.garmin.com/GFC500 or www.garmin.com/GFC600. New Millinium cylinders, new camshaft top notch install. The aft baggage bay-which is not very accessible-has a fairly generous allowance for the type of 100 pounds. The 7GCAA and 7GCBC variants, added in 1965, were joined by the 7KCAB in 1968. All factory baffling and set hoses replaced New Lord mounts. Type: Light Aircraft. The 8GCBC Scout is a two-seat, high-wing, single-engined fixed conventional gear general aviation airplane that entered production in the United States in 1974. 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. 2002 AMERICAN CHAMPION SUPER D $179,900 AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY 2002 AC Super Decathlon 8KAB. The Champ wins hands-down when it comes to visibility-the large windows extend all the way to the tail, giving nearly "Control-tower" visibility. But they also appeal to a number of sporting pilots for use on the back forty or to transport fishing or hunting gear to remote islands in the North. Widely used for flight training, touring and personal use. Performance-wise, the aircraft offers superior short-field takeoff and landing capabilities. The American Champion Scout features generous, adjustable wing flaps and a powerful Lycoming O-360-C1G engine producing 180 horsepower. These individuals have made a major impact in their communities and careers, while supporting the university and embodying Maryland Pride. Aileron spades, which are aerodynamic aids to increase roll control and reduce the level of effort, have been offered for several Champion models in the aftermarket. Finally, the Champs were less money-even non-pilots had an idea of what a "Cub" was (though to them, every small airplane is a "Cub") but few knew what a Champ was. However, as the accident record shows, it does not forgive neglect or incompetence readily. American Champion publishes a 417-foot takeoff roll on pavement for the 180-HP Scout; Aviat's AFM for the 180-HP Husky shows 580 feet (the Husky AFM says no max performance takeoffs in crosswinds) and Peterson says 270 feet for the 300-HP King Katmai. Though the Scout went out of production within less than a decade of its introduction, this was not due to any fault in the design but rather to the slump in general aviation in the United States at the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s. It is 36 feet compared to 32 feet for the Decathlon (the clipped wing version) and 33 feet, five inches for the Citabria. 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