Metal Bellies

[Norm]

I would very much appreciate anyone with metal belly Citabria posting a few pics and sharing their thoughts (pros vs cons). Thanks

 

[Goodyear]

You have to get one. Mine is pretty dirty right now, I’ll try to get a picture. All a & ps love them. It will save you money at annual. Also easy to check corrosion. Can also repair formers

 

[Tangogawd]

My current 7GCBC does not have a metal belly. My old Scout and 7ECA had metal bellies I miss them. It does add weight but to me, its worth the penalty.

 

[Bob Turner]

I doubt there is a non-field approved way to do that on the Decathlon - but it would certainly cure a couple fabric problems under the cockpit. On the Dec, that area takes a serious beating. I have done multiple fabric repairs in that area, and find stitching necessary.

 

[Norm]

Information on them is pretty much nil. A google search doesn't offer much of anything. I searched the forum and came up empty handed, seems like a practical idea for a little weight trade off.

 

[Bob Turner]

I think that welding tabs on the longerons is what makes it a major alteration. Pretty expensive, unless you are doing lots of bush flying and need to get in there often.

 

[b727plumber]

Our 7GCBC is coming out of the factory with the aluminum belly.

 

[Norm]

Ooh that is slick for maintenance access.