Two-seat aerobatic training aircraft · Single-engine piston aircraft · production 1976–present · See its reach on the 3D globe
An American Champion Super Decathlon costs approximately $328k (€304k) to $392k (€363k) to buy at 2025 market values, and about $33k (€31k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $419 (€388) per flight hour all-in. It seats 2, cruises at 128 kt (147 mph) and has a published range of 470 nm (870 km), needing about 1,181 ft (360 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
The Super Decathlon carries inverted fuel and oil systems, which is the difference between it and a Citabria and the reason clubs teach spins and upset recovery in one. It is still in production, which is unusual for a fabric taildragger. The buying question is the wing. American Champion moved the type to metal spars, and airframes still on original wooden spars carry an inspection burden and an insurance conversation the later ones do not. Aerobatic hours count against the airframe too. Buy the spar type and the g-history, not the paint.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 885 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 293 kg |
| Usable fuel | 151 L |
| Landing distance | 343 m |
| Service ceiling | 16,000 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 1,130 ft/min |
| Baggage weight | 45 kg |
| Engine | Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B, 180 hp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 2 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 408 lb (185 kg) |
| Published planning range | 470 nm (870 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 315 nm (583 km) |
| Cruise speed | 128 kt (147 mph) |
| Runway need | ~1,181 ft (360 m) |
| Landing gear | Fixed tailwheel (conventional) |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | $18k (€17k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $189 (€175) |
A capable and durable aerobatic trainer, but baggage, range and everyday travel comfort are limited.
Indicative cash costs at 2025 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $26k (€24k) | $648 (€600) | $486k (€450k) |
| 80 h / year | $33k (€31k) | $419 (€388) | $524k (€485k) |
| 120 h / year | $41k (€38k) | $342 (€317) | $562k (€520k) |
| 180 h / year | $52k (€49k) | $291 (€269) | $618k (€573k) |
Every figure above is built from a $18k (€17k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $189 (€175) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $39k (€37k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
American Champion Super Decathlon cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 2025 market price for an American Champion Super Decathlon is $328k (€304k) to $392k (€363k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, an American Champion Super Decathlon works out at roughly $33k (€31k) annually, which is about $419 (€388) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $189 (€175).
Published range is 470 nm (870 km). With 2 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 338 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Beyond a pilot certificate, an American Champion Super Decathlon requires tailwheel endorsement. 14 CFR 61.31(i) requires an instructor endorsement covering normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings and go-around procedure, unless you logged tailwheel pilot-in-command time before 15 April 1991. Ground handling, not flying, is what the training is for, and it is where the claims are. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.
Plan on approximately 1,181 ft (360 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.