Champ Scout Doors

HalfTonChamp · May 16, 2018

I have always wanted a split door (available) for all champion airframes. Anyone else? Arent they all about if not exactly the same dimensions?

Clifford Daly · May 16, 2018

Where are they available from? They are definitely cool!

Bartman · May 16, 2018

Found a bottom half

https://www.2040-parts.com/split-photo-door-citabria-and-american-champion-i1913909/

I wouldn't be surprised if it fit but you'll have to check the TCDS to see if it was ever an option on your Champ. If not, you couldn't just swap it out without getting FAA approval somehow.

I'm pretty sure the TCDS located HERE will cover it.

HalfTonChamp · May 16, 2018

Bartman said:
Found a bottom half

https://www.2040-parts.com/split-photo-door-citabria-and-american-champion-i1913909/

I wouldn't be surprised if it fit but you'll have to check the TCDS to see if it was ever an option on your Champ. If not, you couldn't just swap it out without getting FAA approval somehow.

I'm pretty sure the TCDS located HERE will cover it.

I dont believe it was ever an option or on the tcds. But. I thought it should be and since (some) Scouts had them, it could be. (And maybe can be

).

Bob Turner · May 16, 2018

I think there is an STC to fly without the door. That sounds cheaper and probably better. The slipstream corkscrew hits the left side, so the increase in breeze is negligible, compared to just the window missing.

Clifford Daly · May 16, 2018

Bob Turner said:
I think there is an STC to fly without the door. That sounds cheaper and probably better. The slipstream corkscrew hits the left side, so the increase in breeze is negligible, compared to just the window missing.

50 bucks for the door removal STC and a very simple placard that comes with the stc and an adjustment to the weight and balance. It’s nice but you have to decide either door on or door off. Having a split door allows you to open two windows instead of the one which would be amazing on a hot summer day haha

Bob Turner · May 17, 2018

I hooked up a little tube to the wing root inlet, taped an airlier-style eyeball vent to it, and aimed it at my nose. Now I make it to eight aileron rolls instead of six before nausea sets in. For door open, nothing beats a Cub. Too bad Champ didn't copy the clamshell.

As to just opening the window, what about a sliding window in the door, like the left window in a Super Cub? Probably fit in the "minor mod" category, and would be much more functional for a photoshoot.

HalfTonChamp · May 17, 2018

Bob Turner said:
I hooked up a little tube to the wing root inlet, taped an airlier-style eyeball vent to it, and aimed it at my nose. Now I make it to eight aileron rolls instead of six before nausea sets in. For door open, nothing beats a Cub. Too bad Champ didn't copy the clamshell.

As to just opening the window, what about a sliding window in the door, like the left window in a Super Cub? Probably fit in the "minor mod" category, and would be much more functional for a photoshoot.

In trying to improve on the cub, the designer may have been averse to including anything similar, even if it were the best idea. To wit-a similarly split door. Part of the selling point if youre cub competition is a nice fitting air tight winter door. At the time it was an improvement but since the development of the two-piece Scout door, it would have made sense (to me) to have as an option for all Champion designs. My two cents.

Kmcaero · Feb 18, 2022

To all the Scout owners out there!, I am in the process of installing a 2 pc. door on my 7GCBC. I have a question on the center latch between the upper and lower doors, there is a formed steel striker plate that is fastened to the upper window frame in the middle with the aluminum angle handle around it. The lower door latch contacts this striker plate and also when the window is opened the retainer under the wing clips on it to hold it open. Not sure of the correct direction the striker plate gets fastened on. If anyone with this door system could snap a few close-up pics of this area when they are out at their planes would be really appreciated.