American Champion Aircraft 8kcab

Single Piston

The American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon is a two-seat aerobatic taildragger that has defined sport aerobatics and upset recovery training since the 1970s. Built in Wisconsin by American Champion Aircraft (successor to Bellanca and Champion), the Super Decathlon evolved from the original Aeronca Champ lineage into a purpose-built aerobatic platform stressed to +6/-5 G, capable of sustained inverted flight and the full catalog of competition maneuvers. Its 180-horsepower Lycoming AEIO-360 engine, constant-speed propeller, and symmetrical airfoil wings make it equally at home performing hammerhead turns at airshows or teaching spin recovery to professional pilots. The type remains in production today and is a fixture at aerobatic competitions worldwide, prized for its honest handling, robust steel-tube fuselage, and forgiving stall characteristics that make it an ideal transition aircraft for pilots moving from tricycle-gear trainers to tailwheel operations. With a service ceiling around 16,000 feet and a cruise speed near 120 knots, the Super Decathlon sacrifices cross-country speed for agility and strength — its roll rate and pitch authority far exceed anything in the Cessna or Piper training fleet. SkyMeter has tracked 7 flights across 3 airframes and 3 operators, with EDGELL ANDREW L C, JANJUA JAMEEL J the largest observed operator.