Looking for a Decathlon

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Chris Meyer

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May 13, 2023
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Connecticut
Hello Everyone!

I'm looking for Decathlon to teach in; acro, spins, tailwheel, etc. Mid-times and wood spars are fine (maybe even preferred!).

Anything coming on the market?

Thanks,
Chris
 
C

Chris Meyer

Member
Joined
May 13, 2023
Messages
14
Location
Connecticut
Flymiller said:
ok is it hard to inspect the wood spars to make sure they’re good?
Thanks
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I've seen it done once, but I'm far from an expert. I ended up with an ACA Super D with aluminum spars. I'd recommend posting on the main forum to get some knowledgable replies.

Chris
 
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Bob Turner

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Apr 4, 2018
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Decathlon is a great aerobatics trainer, and a lousy taildragger transition trainer.

The Citabria is a nice compromise.

The Decathlon wood spars have never been problematic - it was the Scout that triggered the AD, and you can guess the cracks were from folks playing bush pilot.
 
C

Chris Meyer

Member
Joined
May 13, 2023
Messages
14
Location
Connecticut
Bob Turner said:
Decathlon is a great aerobatics trainer, and a lousy taildragger transition trainer.

The Citabria is a nice compromise.

The Decathlon wood spars have never been problematic - it was the Scout that triggered the AD, and you can guess the cracks were from folks playing bush pilot.
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Bob, why do you say that it's a lousy taildragger transition trainer?
 
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Bob Turner

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The angle of incidence on a Decathlon is lower - a full stall landing in a Dec will be very hard on the main mounts. And I am not at all sure you can develop a good feel for serious crosswind work in it.

We have found that training in a J3 enables rapid transition into almost any taildragger. The other way around doesn't work - it takes some time to train even a fairly good Citabria pilot in the J3. We are even cautious with Super Cub pilots.
 
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