Aeronca 7AC Champion

Overview

The Aeronca 7AC Champion is a tandem two-seat, high-wing taildragger introduced in 1945. Designed to compete directly with the Piper Cub, it offered several improvements, most notably the ability to be flown solo from the front seat, which greatly improved visibility and ground handling.

Key Features for GA Buyers

• LSA Compliant: Fits the legacy LSA definition, allowing it to be flown by Sport Pilots with a driver’s license in lieu of a medical.
• Superior Visibility: Large windows and a front-seat solo position provide nearly 300 degrees of visibility, far exceeding the J-3 Cub.
• Easier Access: Features a large door on the right side, making ingress and egress much less of a “contortionist act” than other tandem trainers.

Trade-offs

• Minimalist Panel: Standard 7AC models have no electrical system, requiring hand-propping and limiting the use of modern avionics without modifications.
• Modest Climb: With only 65 hp, the climb rate is sedate, especially on warm days or when heavily loaded.
• Heel Brakes: Like many vintage taildraggers, the use of heel brakes instead of toe brakes can require a significant learning curve for modern pilots.

See Also

• Piper J-3 Cub
• Taylorcraft BC-12D
• Luscombe 8A
• Cessna 120
• American Champion Citabria