FLYING Magazine
Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Bellanca 8KCAB Decathlon.
There is a lot of enthusiasm for taildraggers in the general aviation community these days, driven in part by the continuing boom in backcountry and STOL flying. Tailwheel skills also translate well to almost all types of flying, so familiarization with the configuration can help make you a better all-around pilot.
Pilots interested in aerobatics are nearly required to master the tailwheel as a rite of passage, unless they limit themselves initially to the Cessna 150 Aerobat. That is where the aircraft for sale today comes in.
While the Bellanca Citabria has always stood out as a classic taildragger that is designed to handle loops, rolls, and other mild aerobatics, the souped-up Decathlon can tackle more demanding maneuvers. It has long served as a route of entry for pilots getting their feet wet in aerobatics training and competition.
The Decathlon might be fine-tuned for aerobatics, but it is still a light, nimble, fun-to-fly two-seater with enough power and carrying capacity for traveling. Some pilots might find it difficult to simply cruise in a straight line from point A to point B, but with speeds around 130 ktas, you can take time out for a few maneuvers and still arrive at your destination on time.
This 1978 Bellanca Decathlon has 2,474 hours on the airframe and 958 hours since overhaul on its 150 hp Lycoming IO-320-E2B. The aircraft is equipped with five-point harnesses and also comes with a cabin cover, tow bar, and a pair of Seat Softie emergency parachutes for aerobatic use.
Pilots looking for a versatile, traditional taildragger that can be used for missions ranging from basic aerobatic training to cross-country travel should consider this 1978 Bellanca 8KCAB Decathlon, which is available for $98,500 on AircraftForSale.
If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.
- FLYING Magazine: Getting Reacquainted With Taildraggers Is Time Well Spent
- FLYING Magazine: American Champion Unveils Xtreme Decathlon
- FLYING Magazine: A Taste of Taildraggers
- Plane + Pilot: Bellanca ‘Citabria’
- The Aviation Consumer: American Champion Citabria/Decathlon
- The Aviation Consumer: Decathlon and Citabria