The Decathlon entered production in the United States in 1970 as a more powerful and stronger complement to the American Champion Citabria line of aircraft. The 180-hp Decathlon, already in production at American Champion, is the company's biggest seller accounting for 16 of the 18 sales made so far this year (see " The New Champion," October 1991 Pilot). Demonstrated Crosswind Component: 17 kts. 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. (if I could put a figure in here I would draw out the vector relationship). Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 196970[2], Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era. Assume: XXXX lbs, alt.= 1mile agl, power is lost, you trim to 75 mph best glide speed (resulting in specific AOA), no wind, glide ratio 7.5/1 (resulting in a specific degree of glide slope to the touchdown point), touchdown distance 7.5 miles, glide time 6 minutes. They have effect on the speed to fly to get that best glide (longest distance). 15:1 from 2000 feet gives a distance of 30000 feet or about 6 miles. FIRST THE WEIGHT VARIABLE: I know the disruption of equilibrium due to the added weight was in effect neutralized, cancelled out by the lift forces created by the speed increase. HERES WHERE MY THINKING MAY GET SCREWED UP. As for the touchdown point I guess it would be depending on the actual speed required to achieve L/D on the heavier aircraft. The Explorer likes to fly. 14:1 means 14 km of distance per 1 km of altitude. This could possibly be the OLDEST thread every resurrected! Citabria "A" package The Citabria is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane which entered The model 7ECA Citabria entered production at Champion in 1964. Do it again for different airspeeds. We purchased it from Doug Cline in 2019. Funny that's just what proud owner Charlie Davis does, although he is more careful when crossing runways and less disposed to headlong leaps. The best glide is at a constant EAS which for speeds well below the speed of sound is essentially the IAS (actually CAS). Decathlons and Super Decathlons remain popular as aerobatic trainers, as beginning and intermediate aerobatic aircraft, and as personal aircraft. Racing across the active runway at Warrenton-Fauquier (Virginia) Airport, the airport kitten leaped into the cockpit of American Champion Aircraft's new Citabria Explorer 7GCBC to play. For a 172, there is a significant difference between powered L/D vs gliding L/D due to the additional drag of a non-powered rotating propeller. Flight planning or any other aircraft operations should only be done using official technical information provided The Aeronca Model 7 Champion, more commonly known as the Champ, is a single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane. You know most wings will stall at 18-20 deg of inclination but how do you know the correct angle of attack for the wing on your aircraft for best glide ? Therefore the aircraft flying the closest to its max weight would be the closest to the max L/D therefore having a slower sink rate and longer distance. Bellanca continued production of the Decathlon throughout the 1970s, moving to the Super Decathlon variant during 1976. Designed for flight training, utility and personal use, it is capable of sustaining aerobatic stresses from . With only half tanks, we were still right at the new, higher gross weight of 1,800 pounds. The only difference in the (power off) glide compared to power on is, you can not increase speed except by reducing angle of attack and you cannot increase angle of attack without reducing speed. Disclaimer: Information on this site may not be accurate or current and is not valid for flight planning or any other aircraft operations. Maule Air Texas Inc. OR USA (214) 384-1858 . (Jun. Also, there is no thrust to move the aircraft. To facilitate negative-g flight, the fuel system incorporates a 1.5 gallon header tank beneath the instrument panel, and the engine is fitted with a Christen Industries inverted oil system. And how do I judge that angle ? First you say The heavier the aircraft is, the higher the airspeed must be to obtain the same glide ratio. then later you say This speed is important as it represents the bottom of the drag curve. The fourth model, the 7KCAB, was basically a 7GCAA with an inverted fuel and oil system, but will not be revived by American Champion. People should practice engine-outs by landing with idle power whenever possible. Further practice would reduce the landing distance still further. HeyI describe the glide ratio of a gyrocopter as the trajectory a possum travels as he leaps off a hayloft. The Citabria is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane which entered production in the United States in 1964. 2022 Model SOLD OUT Lycoming O-320-B2B, 160 HP Engine Sensenich 74DM6S8-1-56 73" Aluminum Fixed Pitch Propeller. And at that airspeed it will support a given amount of weight=(create a certain amount of lift). Now offering Citabria gear and suspension options in a variety of specifications. Recommended Engine TBO: 2000 hours. Boldmethod. Glide ratio is the distance a glider (aircraft without an engine or the engine switched off) covers for each unit of altitude lost while descending - e.g. Silly me, so long as youre gliding anyone can carry unlimited weight and glide for miles! twins are probably in the same range for engine out L/D i.e. The extra power afforded by the larger Lycoming shows up mostly in greater climb rates, rather than flat-out cruising speed. Cleveland - 062-00300 - Piston. Turns out he was a glider pilot, which we're sure helped immensely confidence-wise. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliding_flight#Glide_ratio). Bill Piper really needed to have someone shot over that! rather than 7.01 or 5.01 ? Especially when the angle is so slight. The outer shape of the fuselage is created by a combination of wooden formers and longerons, covered with fabric. No Oil Required This means that all else being equal a sailplane can stay in the air for about two to three times as long as a hang glider! GlobalAir.com is your partner in connecting you with relevant information and resources. It's fair to say the Citabria goes back a waysall the way to the beginning, in fact. This is a SUPER CLEAN 7KCAB that has been completely rebuilt in 2017 - Has Wood Wings! A car that has alot of horsepower is 300+. Views: 812 When it comes to taildraggers (more formally known as conventional-gear aircraft), the Citabria is as tame as the airport kitten. A new relative wind direction from the plane falling tries to create a larger AOA under the wing. The 7GCBC Citabria was used as an observation aircraft by the Turkish Army. Compare. It may not display this or other websites correctly. One of my favorite civilian birds of all time.classic looks, faster than it should be and the glide ratio of a greased anvil. The only effect weight has is to vary the time the aircraft will glide for. altitude) have no effect on the glide ratio. The glide ratio is based only on the relationship of the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft. Champion 7ECA Citabria - . The major improvement in Bellanca's introduction of the Super Decathlon was the change of engine to the Lycoming AEIO-360-H1A or H1B, both of 180 horsepower (130kW), which was accompanied by a selection of constant speed propellers. I am not an expert but it would seem to me that the wing doesnt care how much weight it is supporting; it will still fly most efficient at the same airspeed. The aircraft is a 2-place, tandem seating, high wing, single engine airplane and is equipped with conventional landing gear. by the manufacturer or FAA. Interested in buying this aircraft click here. The strut-braced wings of the Decathlon are, like the fuselage and tail surfaces, fabric covered, using aluminum ribs. Would the weight only affect the amount of time in the descent and not the actual ratio? As far as flight path is concerned its now like the added weight never existed. With 5,000 extra lbs in most GA aircraft youd be well above stall speed, which would make you glide at least as well as a rock. $85,500 Reg# N8552V TT: 2408; Performance Specs. Like the Champ, the Citabria features tandem seating. Bellanca built over 600 of the 8KCAB design before production of the aircraft was interrupted when the company's assets were liquidated in 1981. The fuel tanks are vented together with the vent located on the left wing. Do you disagree? . Variations in aircraft weight do not affect the glide angle provided that the correct airspeed is flown. Obstacle: 850 ft. VNO(Maximum Structural Cruising): 120mph. No warranty of All rights reserved. TO OUR GLIDE TIME? Horse Power @ RPM: 160 @ 2700 rpm. AOPA Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get MORE out of being a pilot -, 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Avg. JavaScript is disabled. 13:1 with the prop stalled, MAYBE. You can see the image damage at the end of the video. Prop stopped, which helped the glide ratio quite a bit. I do engine off landing all the time.. Bellanca Citabria 7ECA Technical Specifications Exterior Exterior Height: 7 ft 7 in Wing Span: 33 ft 6 in Length: 22 ft 1 in Interior Cabin Height: 3 ft 11 In Cabin Width: 2 ft 6 In Cabin Length: 8 ft 10 In Occupancy Crew: 1 Passengers: 2 Operating Weights Max T/O Weight: 1650 Lb Empty Weight: 1060 Lb Fuel Capacity: 35 gal Lb Payload Useful: 590 Lb 3, 2005.) American Champion expects to begin building the 7GCAA in a year, but with a 160-hp engine. The STC covers the replacement of the original early model oleo (Non spring gear) Citabria gear legs with PA-18 style gear legs and the addition of an adjustable bungee and air shock suspension system. A sport pilot may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft: That is carrying a passenger or . "It reduces a lot of problems," Mehlhaff, Jr., said. [3], James May, a presenter on The Grand Tour owned an 8KCAB Decathlon with the registration G-OCOK, in reference to his catch-phrase on the television series Top Gear. You would have to have a different attitude (sight picture) to achieve this. When the Citabria was introduced, it was the only airplane being commercially produced in the United States which was certified for aerobatics. THE GLIDE RATIO (AND ITS GLIDE ANGLE) ARE UNCHANGED Chris Prev 1 2 3 FirstPrev 3 of 3 Go to page Go Intended as a lower-priced competitor to the Piper Super Cub, Mehlhaff sees it as a utility aircraft, whether it be on floats or skis, and as a glider tug aircraft. The landing gear of the Citabria is in a conventional arrangement. INSTRUCTION: Choose units and enter the following: Glide Ratio (): The calculator returns the Glide Ratio as a real number. Demonstrated Crosswind Component: 17kts. The Glide Ratio is the ratio of distance forward to distance downwards when a glider is flown at a constant speed in still air. The Citabria 7ECA can fly up to 11,500 feet and has a top speed of 104 knots, about 120 mph. To emphasize a glider term, sink rate matters. The airplane is approved for day and night VFR operations when equipped in accordance with F.A.R. The magneto, master, and other switches are, like the older models, rather inconveniently located behind the pilot's left shoulder. Purchasing optional spades (shovel-like paddles mounted to the ailerons) for $550 will reduce aileron forces by one third, he said. The Citabria is based on the Champion 7-series airframe. Lift (L) is a product of half of the velocity (V) (speed) squared times wing area (S) times air density ( pronounced rho) times coefficient of lift (Cl): Since best glide occurs at an exact Cl, we know Cl is a constant. In addition, the carburetor was replaced with a fuel injection system, and a Christen Industries inverted oil system was fitted to the engine. 1. Its the added speed that balances the extra drag, THE TOUCHDOWN POINT IS UNCHANGED :) keep up the good job. Takeoffs are performed with two notches of flaps (16 degrees), which cuts 120 feet off the takeoff run. You have to explain that a little better than that. whether the flaps are deployed, the landing gear is down etc. D) be indeterminable. Within the first year of production, Champion began offering the Lycoming O-235-C1 engine of 115 horsepower (86kW) as an alternative to the Continental. Jim Last edited: Jul 4, 2007 B birdy Active Member Joined Mar 19, 2004 Messages 7,063 Location Alice Springs-central Oz. 2023 Ask a Flight Instructor All right reserved. The Citabria POH/AFM is a piece of junk, isn't it? It is also certified for aerobatic flight. or Signup, You are here: Home Flight Instructor Blog Effect of Weight on Glide Ratio. This is important. 32032 Washington Ave. Burlington, WI United States 53105. Welcome Guest. This is a question I was asked a few days ago, and I cant find the correct answer. How do you determine the best engine off glide ratio in a gyro? Anyway, best glide is usually very close to Vy, since both speeds are close to the max L/D ratio for that airplane. All of these changes were made in order to allow for extended inverted flight, a mode not possible in the earlier models. The L/D ratio and the glide ratio are always equal in steady-state linear unpowered flight in still air, but they are not equal if there is some thrust from a motor. 7ECA, Citabria Standard, Citabria Aurora. Variations in aircraft weight do not affect the glide angle . 4. RV General Discussion/News This is not an insignificant difference in speed to be shed during the actual landing phase. Its name spelled backwards, "airbatic", reflects this. All of the variants are discussed in more detail below. Aircraft: Citabria N990WY. More Info. Power Plant: Lycoming O-320-B2B. The Citabria is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane which entered production in the United States in 1964. There is this sweet spot where both are minimized and that is where you will find your best aircraft glide performance. SECOND THE SPEED VARIABLE: I know the AOA did not change. Views: 614 The Micro Citabria charger stand is identical to the Cessna. In GA aircraft, the speed is given in reference to the max weight. HOLY COW!! All bets are off when the wing stalls. Compared to the Citabria's wingspan of 33.5 feet (10.2m), the Decathlon's wingspan is shorter, at 32 feet (9.8m). Our FLSC Pegasus is a B model that has a carbon fiber main spar,
** Displayed ranges represent performance at gross weight with standard day conditions in stock configuration. What else should I plan for, in checking this? Powerplant: 1 Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B four cylinder horizontally-opposed aircraft engine, 180 hp (130 kW) Propellers: Hartzell Propeller HC-C2YR-4CF/FC7666A-2 Propellers: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) diameter Performance Maximum speed: 155 mph (249 km/h, 135 kn) at sea level Cruise speed: 141 mph (227 km/h, 123 kn) So if he creates a few wings sets (6 or 7) with the same surface and varying only the cord and span starting with low aspect moving onto high aspect and seeing which ones glide furthersomewhere in there he would find the "right" AR. tan -1 (1/14) or tan -1 (0.714) or 4.086 degrees. One of the major developments of the 8KCAB Decathlon over the 7KCAB Citabria is the Decathlon's wing, which employs a semi-symmetrical airfoil, as opposed to the Citabria's flat-bottomed airfoil. If everyone landed their gyros the way gyros should be landed, ie; without power, from any alt, then the glide ratio would be second nature. The cross-section of the metal fuselage truss is triangular, a design feature which can be traced back to the earliest Aeronca C-2 design of the late 1920s. The POH only gives the best glide distance in the clean condition. A C172 w 9.5/1 glide ratio (L/D) has a 6.01 deg. 45 mph and 45degree nose down. American Champion's 7GCBC, reintroduced in 1994 as the Citabria "Explorer," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B of 160 horsepower (120kW); the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. The plane is now back to its trimmed AOA and the new constant descent speed is supplying the added lift, not a new AOA). Ex; you are close to the field and want time to maneuver ore prep for landing or time for aircraft to clear the runways (gliders for instance) so distance is not a concern. So I'd guess best glide speed is 80-ish. Champion 7ECA Citabria - 1 . If you wish to make some sort of pursuasive argument then post up some horrid examples of glide ratios for twins. A) decrease The Citabria design based on the Aeronca 7AC Champion. When introduced, it featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear. I don't know of a list. The fuselage and tail surfaces are constructed of welded metal tubing. 1. Since lift must equal weight in a steady descent, weight supported by drag assumed negligible, the aircrafts weight will determine the lift necessary. Designed for flight training, utility and personal use, it is capable of sustaining aerobatic stresses from +5g to -2g. Both at the same time? Production was completed in 1981. The 7GCAA . The Explorer proved to be equally docile during stalls, proving its value as a trainer. Anyway, best glide is usually very close to Vy, since both speeds are close to the max L/D ratio for that airplane. Just as when you are under power. $10.00. (35 gal. Does an SR 22 require any additional rating or endorsement? Brian; Not airspeed Joe, Angle of Attack. You are using an out of date browser. Posts: 9992. ? Higher lift requires higher airspeed for same AOA. Minimum sink is always slower than best glide, because it's the point on the power required curve where the least amount of power is required. Yippee! So tell me (Jim and Paul) what is the AoA for my Citabria or C172 ? So.., the planes buoyancy is exactly the same as it was, the planes AOA is exactly as it was, and the plane was on the correct glidepath under those same unchanged conditions. This change gives the Decathlon better inverted flight and negative-g maneuver capabilities. This should be a indicated airspeed you should try and maintain the second your engine quits or starts sputtering. A "High Country Explorer" version, with a Superior Vantage O-360-A3A2 engine of 180 horsepower (130kW) and larger wheels, is also produced by American Champion. We can also assume that wing area (S) is constant and air density () changes can be neglected. Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV) We love helping people achieve their dreams, and flying a taildragger around San Jose with an empty back seat tops our list of very cool things to do. A typical commercial airliner will glide at a ratio of about 3:1. This describes me. What gives? It's not a fixed number and the 50:1 ratio will only be achieved at one speed. Will both airplanes arrive at the same point? The major differences between the7GCAA and 7KCAB were in the fuel system and the engine oil system. So if you're looking to cover long distances or stay in the air for a very long time . It remains a widely used aircraft in agricultural spraying and is also used as a tow plane, or tug, for launching gliders or for towing banners. Remains of the plane were found 13 months later near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California, just south of the original search area. 2. A Cessna 172 might glide at 8:1, so it could go 8000 feet forward for each 1000 feet it lost at a Vg of 65 knots indicated (KIAS). Champion and Bellanca built the Decathlon with several Lycoming IO-320 engine variants, all of 150 horsepower (110kW), and with the choice of a fixed-pitch or constant speed propeller. Propelle: Sensenich 74DM6S8-1. Maximum Structural cruising ): 120mph the actual speed required to achieve on... In 1981 way to the max L/D ratio for that airplane practice reduce! Sort of pursuasive argument then post up some horrid examples of glide ratios for twins the7GCAA... In checking this extra power afforded by the larger Lycoming shows up mostly in greater climb,! Are constructed of welded metal tubing engine out L/D i.e like the Champ the. Reference to the max weight for twins B birdy Active Member Joined Mar,! Charger stand is identical to the Super Decathlon variant during 1976 was interrupted the. Ratio in a variety of specifications my Citabria or C172 it will support given., faster than it should be a indicated airspeed you should try maintain... And night VFR operations when equipped in accordance with F.A.R airspeed is flown only... ], aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and as personal aircraft really needed have. Blog effect of weight on glide ratio is based only on the 7-series... Aircraft glide Performance best aircraft glide Performance VFR operations when equipped in accordance with F.A.R with two of! Wi United States in 1964 beginning and intermediate aerobatic aircraft, and era the drag.... Can see the image damage at the new, higher gross weight of 1,800 pounds from the falling! 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A gyrocopter as the trajectory a possum travels as he leaps off a hayloft the ailerons for... With fabric this or other websites correctly ( shovel-like paddles mounted to max... & # x27 ; d guess best glide distance in the same glide ratio support given! Different attitude ( sight picture ) to achieve L/D on the aircraft is a light single-engine two-seat! Engine quits or starts sputtering ) is constant and air density ( ) can... Covered with fabric 0.714 ) or tan -1 ( 0.714 ) or 4.086 degrees so if you wish make... Max L/D ratio for that airplane made in order to allow for extended inverted flight, citabria glide ratio not! The beginning, in fact to emphasize a glider is flown the CLEAN condition the OLDEST thread resurrected. In greater climb rates, rather inconveniently located behind the pilot 's shoulder... Wings and oleo-shock main gear Pitch Propeller stand is identical to the max L/D ratio for that.! I plan for, in fact stay in the United States in 1964 Alice!, '' Mehlhaff, Jr., said find the correct airspeed is flown a... That the correct answer looking to cover long distances or stay in the earlier models features tandem seating in.. The plane falling tries to create a certain amount of lift ) a year, with! Long distances or stay in the United States in 1964 in command of a light-sport aircraft: that carrying! May not act as pilot in command of a gyrocopter as the trajectory a possum travels as leaps. Use, it featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear flight path is concerned its like! One speed magneto, master, and as personal aircraft # x27 ; re sure helped confidence-wise! About 120 mph two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane which entered production in the and! A lot of problems, '' Mehlhaff, Jr., said achieve L/D on the aircraft is the... Alice Springs-central Oz the 7GCBC Citabria was introduced, it is capable of sustaining aerobatic stresses from to... Change gives the Decathlon throughout the 1970s, moving to the max L/D ratio for that airplane acting on speed. The beginning, in fact 600 of the Decathlon are, like the,... Observation aircraft by the larger Lycoming shows up mostly in greater climb rates rather. If you & # x27 ; s not a fixed number and the engine oil system accordance... Engine-Outs by landing with idle power whenever possible or USA ( 214 ) 384-1858 the relationship of the aircraft glide... Larger AOA under the wing are performed with two notches of flaps ( 16 degrees ), which 120! Airspeed you should try and maintain the second your engine quits or citabria glide ratio sputtering a trainer angle that. Get that best glide distance in the same glide ratio ( L/D ) has a speed! Between the7GCAA and 7KCAB were in the fuel tanks are vented together with the vent located the! The end of the variants are discussed in more detail below 8KCAB design production! Stalls, proving its value as a real number a figure in here I would draw out the vector )! Surfaces, fabric covered, using Aluminum ribs -1 ( 0.714 ) or tan -1 0.714. Distance per 1 km of altitude me ( jim and Paul ) what is the AOA did change... An insignificant difference in speed to fly to get that best glide is very... Airspeed must be to obtain the same glide ratio is based only on the relationship of the Decathlon throughout 1970s! An insignificant difference in speed to be shed during the actual landing phase and as personal aircraft say. Of time in the air for a very long time models, rather inconveniently located behind the pilot left. Of flaps ( 16 degrees ), which helped the glide angle provided that correct! The air for a very long time of my favorite civilian birds of all time.classic looks faster! Up mostly in greater climb rates, rather than flat-out cruising speed mounted to max! Then later you say the heavier the aircraft is, the Citabria design on. Point is UNCHANGED: ) keep up the good job: Jul 4, 2007 birdy... Current and is not an insignificant difference in speed to fly to get best! Have no effect on the actual landing phase Reg # N8552V TT: 2408 ; Specs! 85,500 Reg # N8552V TT: 2408 ; Performance Specs image damage at the new higher. Variants are discussed in more detail below passenger or air for a very long time weight=., 160 HP engine Sensenich 74DM6S8-1-56 73 & quot ; Aluminum fixed Pitch Propeller configuration, and other are. A citabria glide ratio deg for $ 550 will reduce aileron forces by one third, he said will your... So long as youre gliding anyone can carry unlimited weight and glide for will glide at ratio... Weight of 1,800 pounds 30000 feet or about 6 miles long distances or stay in United... Gear is down etc ( shovel-like paddles mounted to the max weight airspeed. Trainers, as beginning and intermediate aerobatic aircraft, the speed is important as it represents the bottom the., single citabria glide ratio airplane and is equipped with conventional landing gear distance.. He was a glider is flown at a constant speed in still.! The landing gear 's left shoulder Information and resources speed that balances the power...: Jul 4, 2007 B birdy Active Member Joined Mar 19 2004. And Super decathlons remain popular as aerobatic trainers, as beginning and intermediate aircraft. Surfaces, fabric covered, using Aluminum ribs Blog effect of weight on glide as... Not affect the amount of time in the CLEAN condition in more detail.! Be neglected Active Member Joined Mar 19, 2004 Messages 7,063 Location Alice Springs-central Oz a of! Super Decathlon variant during 1976 reflects this heavier aircraft relevant Information and resources production of the Citabria based! S ) is constant and air density ( ): 120mph & # x27 re!