Maintenance
ENGINE OVERHAULED: 2008
PROP OVERHAULED: 2008
ANNUAL VALID UNTIL: 19/01/2025
ARC VALID UNTIL: 06/12/2024
Avionics
8.33 spaced
Additional remarks
Fully restored in 2008, this aircraft has plenty of life left in its covering, engine, and interior. The diamond-stitched seats and elegant interior perfectly complement its classic aerobatic category.
The Citabria, originally designed and produced by Champion Aircraft Corporation, evolved from designs that the company had been manufacturing since it acquired the 7-series Champ from Aeronca in 1954. Production of the model 7ECA Citabria began at Champion in 1964. In 1965, the 7GCAA and 7GCBC variants were introduced, followed by the 7KCAB in 1968.
Champion was acquired by Bellanca Aircraft Corporation in 1970, which continued producing all the Champion-designed variants. Bellanca also introduced two new designs closely related to the Citabria: the 8KCAB Decathlon and the 8GCBC Scout. However, production at Bellanca ceased in 1980, and the company’s assets were liquidated in 1982.
Throughout the 1980s, the Citabria designs changed ownership several times, including to a Champion Aircraft Company that was unrelated to the original Champion Aircraft of the 1960s. During this period, only one Citabria model, the 7GCBC, was built and marketed as the “Citabria 150S.” In 1989, American Champion Aircraft Corporation acquired the Citabria, Decathlon, and Scout designs, gradually returning the 7ECA, 7GCAA, and 7GCBC models to production.
G-BGGB has a few additional upgrades with the most noticeable being the installation of the aileron spades and aerobatic sight device as well as an LED landing light.
When the Citabria was introduced, it stood out as the only commercially produced airplane in the United States certified for aerobatics. Its conventional gear and aerobatic capabilities made it a popular choice for trainers and personal aircraft. Additionally, Citabrias were utilised in various utility roles, such as bush planes due to their short takeoff and landing (STOL) ability, agricultural work, pipeline patrol, and glider towing. Although other designs have largely taken over these utility roles, Citabrias continue to be favored for training, glider towing, and personal use.
Champion introduced the 7GCBC in 1965, which closely resembled the 7GCAA of the same year. Both models were equipped with a Lycoming O-320-A2B engine producing 150 horsepower (110 kW), wood-spar wings, and spring steel main gear legs. The 7GCBC stood out with a 34.5-foot (10.5 m) wingspan—1 foot (0.30 m) longer than the 7ECA and 7GCAA—and featured wing flaps. Bellanca continued the 7GCBC production under the name Citabria “C” Package, a designation likely started by Champion.
American Champion reintroduced the 7GCBC in 1994 as the Citabria “Explorer.” This updated model retained much of the original design but included metal-spar wings and a more powerful Lycoming O-320-B2B engine with 160 horsepower (120 kW). The most significant recent design change came in 2004, with the switch to aluminium main gear legs. Additionally, American Champion offers a “High Country Explorer” version, which boasts a Superior Vantage O-360-A3A2 engine with 180 horsepower (130 kW) and larger wheels.
All ADs and SBs have been complied with. Viewing can be undertaken through Wilco Aviation at Compton Abbas airfield by appointment.
