Unlike the rest of the aircraft inventory the American Champ, 8KCAB or super decathlon is the only tailwheel configuration aircraft and is purpose built for specialist training. The aircraft mostly made of canvas covering with a metal truss fuselage structure, high wing with struts for high strength structure, is capable of aerobatics and can sustain up to 6 times the inertia force or ‘g’ forces in a positive direction and 5 negative ‘g’. The aircraft is great for students who wish to obtain an aerobatic rating or tailwheel design feature and is spin capable which is required to meet the criteria for an initial instructor rating. The cabin configuration only holds two in a tandem seat setup, front and back, typically an instructor and student with dual flight controls. It is powered by a Lycoming horizontally opposed, 4 cylinder piston engine producing 180 horsepower. Although no different in horsepower compared to the Piper Archer and Seminole the aircraft’s light weight design allows it to climb with ease, perform aerobatic manoeuvres and accelerate to 123 knots or 230 kph in straight and level flight. With less fuel than the Piper Archer or Warrior at 152 litres and reduced carry load due to the aerobatic manoeuvres it was intended to conduct – the Decathlon is not suited for long range navigation flight. It is preferred as an initial trainer for aerobatic and tailwheel flying at flight schools and widely used as an owner’s personal aircraft. Available at our Brisbane campus only.