Like the Citabria, the Decathlon features tandem seating and center-stick controls. 2. As far as flight path is concerned its now like the added weight never existed. it only depends on its shape, and mostly on the shape of the wings, e.g. American Champion Citabria 7ECA Pre-Cut Vinyl Floor Kit. The main gear legs of most Decathlons are made of spring steel, though American Champion began to use aluminum gear legs in 2004. View photos, ownership, registration history, and more. The engine was replaced with a Lycoming IO-320-E2A of 150 horsepower (110kW), while a header tank of 1.5 gallonslocated beneath the instrument panelwas added to the fuel system. On acquiring the design, Bellanca gave this model the name Citabria "Standard" and began using the 115 horsepower (86kW) Lycoming O-235-K2C engine. Citabrias were also popular as trainersbecause of their conventional gear and their aerobatic capabilitiesand as personal aircraft. More Info. Demonstrated Crosswind Component: 17 kts. That model was abandoned by aerobatic enthusiasts in favor of the Champion Decathlon 8KCAB because of its better inverted flight performance. For a 172, there is a significant difference between powered L/D vs gliding L/D due to the additional drag of a non-powered rotating propeller. Glide ratio is defined as the ratio between altitude when it start gliding (Y-axis) to the distance it can reach until the altitude reach zero (X-axis), as shown in the picture 2. Bellanca introduced two designs with close connections to the Citabria: The 8KCAB Decathlon and the 8GCBC Scout. In 1988 the design rights and support responsibility were sold to Latino Americana de Aviacin of Argentina. $145.00/hr. The Champion two seat aircraft was powered by a 108hp Continental fourcylinder engine. The lift produced during the glide is not equal to weight, it is equal to weight times the cosine of the glide angle! [2] He took off from an airstrip at William Barron Hilton's Flying-M Ranch, about 70 miles (110km) southeast of Reno, Nevada. That is the lesson we learn about slow flight and stalls. It is applicable to Serial Numbers 1240-98 and up. Introduced in 1965, the Champion 7GCAA, like the 7ECA, featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear. More speed equals more drag which translate into a higher sink ratewhich translate in loosing more altitude for the same amount of time unit The flight path and the AoA are 2 different things not to be confused. In 1967, Champion switched to spring steel main gear legs; by then, the Lycoming engine had become the standard. You can round 9.11418 down to 9.1. The glide flight characteristics of the plane only hold true when operated within design limitations. Ours had all spraying equipment removed. Why should I think its not on the exact same glidepath now? Range: 500 miles. It was substantially similar to the 7GCAA of the same year, with a Lycoming O-320-A2B engine of 150 horsepower (110kW), wood-spar wings, and spring steel main gear legs. People should practice engine-outs by landing with idle power whenever possible. Usually Citabria-like aircraft weigh what the factory said, give or take here and there. A little extra airspeed has minimal effect, but a little too slow is bad. Designed for flight training and personal use, it entered production in the United States in 1945. N7519F, Tow: PiperPA-25-235 PawneeTail #: By 1995, American Champion Aircraft Corporation expanded the Citabria line of aircraft with the introduction of the Citabria Aurora. So Joe, Jim and Paul are correct but they have not told us how they determine The math looks like this: 9114.18 ft /1000 ft = 9.11418. One glide I did from 7500' down to the surface at ~800 MSL resulted in an 11.54 glide ratio. My [flying club's] M20J is about 13:1 a 172 is about 9:1. Not to mention a "what the heck, let's roll it airplane." N3822A, Glider: SchweizerSGS 2-33ATail #: The plane resists the new AOA because its trimmed for a specific AOA, which it is engineered to want to re-establish, maintain. . Thanks Jim. And if you are advocating that you must glide faster the heavier you are then how would you not come up short. The aircraft was powered by a 200hp (150kW) Lycoming IO-360 Special engine driving a two-bladed propeller. The Decathlon design passed through the hands of a number of companies through the 1980s, including a Champion Aircraft Company which was no relation to the Champion Aircraft of the 1960s, but no Decathlons were built in that period. One of my favorite civilian birds of all time.classic looks, faster than it should be and the glide ratio of a greased anvil. Information and translations of glide ratio in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Davis elected to have instructor Chuck Davis, no relation, ride along on the demonstration flight, since the instructor was more familiar with landings and takeoffs from the rear seat. If the C-172 has an L/D of 9.5. The Citabria designs passed through the hands of a number of companies through the 1980s, including a Champion Aircraft Company which was no relation to the Champion Aircraft of the 1960s. All airplanes are designed to be able to glide to anticipate the worst case when the engine is failure. Congrats to Ian and CFI Scott for checking this box off his list. Try to run your car at 75% power and see how long it lasts. Bellanca built over 600 of the 8KCAB design before production of the aircraft was interrupted when the company's assets were liquidated in 1981. All bets are off when the wing stalls. A wide panel holds all the latest avionics we're in 1968, so that includes a . Aircraft: Citabria N990WY. WHAT HAPPENS IF WE INCREASE THE WEIGHT THE VERY MOMENT THE GLIDE STARTS? N7409Z SN#:25-3375, Copyright 2015-2023 Finger Lakes Soaring Club. The Champion 7ECA Citabria was a modernized version of the Champion Model 7EC Traveler. Your glide ratio needs to be determined empirically. The Citabria traces its lineage back to the Champ. Usable) Oil Capacity: 8 quarts Baggage Capacity: 100 lbs. L=cL(1/2 x Rho x v2) S. Higher weight requires higher lift. (Probably similar to the "pregnant brick" mentioned earlier.). Drag is apposed by thrust. The most noticeable external changes to the design are the Citabria's squared-off rudder surface, wingtips, and rear windows. 4. One of the major developments of the 8KCAB Decathlon over the 7KCAB Citabria is the Decathlon's wing, which employs a semi-symmetrical airfoil, as opposed to the Citabria's flat-bottomed airfoil. In addition, the carburetor was replaced with a fuel injection system, and a Christen Industries inverted oil system was fitted to the engine. fitness for any purpose is made or implied. A lot of misinformation going on here. American Champion expects to begin building the 7GCAA in a year, but with a 160-hp engine. This frees you to make the decisions and troubleshoot. Reduce power but maintain altitude, reduce power some more, maintain altitude. Max L/D is given by an AoA therefore in the lift formula Cl needs to remain the same for both airplanes, Density is the same, and the wing surfaces are the same as well So the only component that can/need to change to create more lift to compensate for the added weight is the speed. Posts: 9992. Pilot's operating manual: Bellanca Citabria, 1975-1977 Series. You have to explain that a little better than that. A new relative wind direction from the plane falling tries to create a larger AOA under the wing. The Decathlon traces its lineage back to the Aeronca Champ, by way of the Citabria. The extra energy from the weight does nothing to the drag. Your Cessna needs 120HP (75%) to maintain it's rated cruise speed. Also, there is no thrust to move the aircraft. Can you or anyone judge 6.01 deg glide path (not angle of attack) A high performance glider has a glide ratio of 60:1 (60 miles forward to ever y1 mile of altitude lost). Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Merry Christmas everyone! The only thing that has changed is the rate at which the plane is proceeding along the glide path. You are using an out of date browser. NO OTHER CHANGES. The major difference was in the engine, which in the 7GCAA was a Lycoming O-320-A2B of 150 horsepower (110kW). In that period, only one Citabria model was builta 7GCBC marketed as "Citabria 150S." Do it again for different airspeeds. The major differences between the7GCAA and 7KCAB were in the fuel system and the engine oil system. Like the Champ, the Citabria features tandem seating. Why? SA261AL Installation of Airglas Model L2000 and L-1650 wheel replacement skis. It uses the CONDOR Soaring Software Program and is the same simulator used at the USAF Academy. It is found by multiplying the weight by the sine of the glide angle. 45 and 45 is what I was told. The glide ratio varies with air speed, but there is a maximum value which is frequently quoted. IF IM WRONG SOMEBODY OUT THERE PLEASE SET ME STRAIGHT. Higher is better. Revision 67. 4 products. And how do I judge that angle ? Views: 614 The Micro Citabria charger stand is identical to the Cessna. Length: 22 9. It is still being produced. Since it is the lift over drag (L/D) ratio that determines the gliding range, weight will not affect it. #20. Discussion in 'Flight Following' started by Diana, Mar 10, 2005. How much does a Citabria cost? But I am not sure of that. Gross Weight: 1750 lbs. ? Glide ratio usually varies little with vehicle load; a heavier vehicle glides faster, but nearly maintains its glide ratio. Description: The Schweizer SGS 1-26 is a United States One-Design, single-seat, mid-wing glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York. In addition, metal ribs were nailed to spars, but the nails would pull out. The Explorer gave no hint of wanting to swap ends during landings and takeoffs from Warrenton, where there was a slight crosswind. First and foremost, of course, is American Champion. The Citabria is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane which entered production in the United States in 1964. It is our mission to be the go to leaders in the aviation industry. American Champion's 7GCBC, reintroduced in 1994 as the Citabria "Explorer," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B of 160 horsepower (120kW); the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. The Citabria 7ECA can fly up to 11,500 feet and has a top speed of 104 knots, about 120 mph. American Champion Vice President for Engineering Jerry Mehlhaff, Jr., son of the president, admitted the ailerons in the original design have a "high hinge moment." Bellanca continued production of the Decathlon throughout the 1970s, moving to the Super Decathlon variant during 1976. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliding_flight#Glide_ratio, Compute the distances between coordinates, Compute the time to travel between coordinates. This airplane is certificated in the normal and acrobatic categories. whether the flaps are deployed, the landing gear is down etc. This glider was rebuilt by Chuck Zabinski and Jake Smith. This describes me. Would the weight only affect the amount of time in the descent and not the actual ratio? Description: Our Club purchased this glider simulator in 2019 for our students from Russell Holtz. The fuselage and tail surfaces are constructed of welded metal tubing. Pilots wanted an aircraft capable of more maneuvers, and Champion introduced the 8KCAB Decathlon in response to this demand. Champion switched to spring steel main gear legs in 1967. With no other changes the plane starts too fall. Youre right, flying the correct attitude is a much better approach to flying the aircraft during emergencies than trying to focus on maintaining a specific indicated airspeed. Let me know what you think. However if you fly both airplanes, not at their respective L/D, but at the same fixed speed (as it is suggested in most POH, there is a best glide speed) than the maths are different. To BART, Jan 10, 2015: HERES WHERE MY THINKING MAY GET SCREWED UP. [4], Learn how and when to remove this template message, Photo of James May with his 8KCAB Decathlon, "Decathlon Adds Lycoming For "Xtreme" Aerobat", "Super Decathlon Model 8KCAB Specifications", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Champion_Decathlon&oldid=1119996939, This page was last edited on 4 November 2022, at 14:53. Steve Fossett was flying a Bellanca-built Super Decathlon when he went missing on September 3, 2007. Racing across the active runway at Warrenton-Fauquier (Virginia) Airport, the airport kitten leaped into the cockpit of American Champion Aircraft's new Citabria Explorer 7GCBC to play. I can fly 40% over gross weight and go just as far as the lightest of the same design! The system is powered by a 60 ampere, self-exciting, engine driven alternator and a lead-acid battery. Available in several versions, with varying powerplants and equipment, the Citabria and its stablemate, the Decathlon, have a great deal to recommend them to the recreational flyer. Glide ratio: 23-1 : Max G: Tow: American Champion Citabria 7GCAA Sn#:2 Tail #: N7519F Description: The Citabria is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane which entered production in the United States in 1964. SECOND THE SPEED VARIABLE: I know the AOA did not change. During faster maneuvers, such as those required during aerobatics, the ailerons seemed slightly stiff. How far they go forward versus how much they drop is the glide ratio. THE TOUCHDOWN POINT IS UNCHANGED The new Ceconite-covered 7GCBC has a 160-hp engine, flaps (as did the original aircraft), and longer wings with metal spars. It's easier from the back seat, but that's not where you solo this aircraft. The literature refers to a specific angle of attack, for best glide but how does one know the exact angle of attack, really ? Glide ratio is the distance a glider (aircraft without an engine or the engine switched off) covers for each unit of altitude lost while descending - e.g. Probably closer than you think. The 2-33 first flew in 1965 and production was started in 1967. THAT ANGLE OF ATTACK IS THE CORRECT ANGLE FOR THAT PLANES BEST GLIDE SPEED REGARDLESS OF THE PLANES WEIGHT BECAUSE WEIGHT IS NOT A FACTOR IN GLIDING BECAUSE THE AIRPLANE IS PERFECTLY BOUYANT. The Kodiak is a true STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft powered up front by a PT6A-34 producing 750 shp allowing the Kodiak to get off the ground in just under 1,000 feet . You would have to have a different attitude (sight picture) to achieve this. 32032 Washington Ave. Burlington, WI United States 53105. Prop stopped, which helped the glide ratio quite a bit. The 7GCAA was basically the same as the 7ECA, but with a 150-hp engine. A modern German counterpart about 33:1. Is posible descent the same distance from the same altitude and land at the same point with diferent angles? i dont see it. All of these changes were made in order to allow for extended inverted flight, a mode not possible in the earlier models. when I had my mac attack that is what I did and it seem to work.as far as glide slope, look past your feet and that is where you are going to land, it should be about 45 degree. Best glide ratio is the most optimal - the highest - one. Sign in Cruise Speed/Endurance with45 MinReserve @ 75% Power: 127mph/ 2.8 hrs, Fuel Consumption(55% to 75% Power, per Lycoming Data): 7.3 to 10gph. Agree, especially if you mean the hershey bar variety. Champion and Bellanca built the Decathlon with several Lycoming IO-320 engine variants, all of 150 horsepower (110kW), and with the choice of a fixed-pitch or constant speed propeller. Im yet to see a gyro with a better G R than a rock. . A Cessna 172 might glide at 8:1, so it could go 8000 feet forward for each 1000 feet it lost at a Vg of 65 knots indicated (KIAS). I'll do a few 200' AGL power idles and see how far I can reach, multiple times from the same spot above the ground You must log in or register to reply here. Propelle: Sensenich 74DM6S8-1. Perfect equilibrium. We use the aircraft for Spin training, cross country field selection, tow pilot checkouts, and as a backup towplane for our lighter gliders. By continuing to use this website, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy. Recommended Engine TBO: 2000 hours. Most Citabrias were built with wooden spars. Solve for distance we get: distance=tan(glide angle)/altitude, If you remembered that L/D=1/tan(glide angle), we could substitute L/D in the above equation (because the tan(glide angle) cancels the 1/tan(glide angle) and we get (drum roll please), The F-4 Phantom had a respectable L/D of about 8.7. 4. Due to its light weight, it climbs well, stalls benignly, will land in an incredibly short distance (due to the nose skid), and is an excellent glider for transitioning after solo and first cross country attempts. In this example, the glide ratio provided in the POH comes out . You will divide the run by the rise. gyro's don't glide far. The 7GCAA . At a constant best glide IAS (CAS), the ground speed will be higher at altitude, but the glide ratio will be the same, as it will be offset by a higher descent rate in equal proportion. Further practice would reduce the landing distance still further. Birdyspot on. Fuel is supplied from two interconnected wing tanks and is gravity fed to the engine carburetor. Login . I just read elsewhere that altitude / air density does not effect glide ratio but it seems your explanation says it does effect glide ratio. Does an SR 22 require any additional rating or endorsement? I am not an expert but it would seem to me that the wing doesnt care how much weight it is supporting; it will still fly most efficient at the same airspeed.. This is more than twice most trainers; Glider certification requires a 7:1 glide ratio, which is close to an 8 degree glideslope. The only effect weight has is to vary the time the aircraft will glide for. that specific attitude. AOPA Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get MORE out of being a pilot -, 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Avg. A sport pilot must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight. Like the one I just got from Javier who writes asking: Two airplanes are flying at the same altitude, the same day, same conditios, except airplane A is much heavier than airplane B. Since its reintroduction, the Super Decathlon has sold steadily. How do you determine the best engine off glide ratio in a gyro? the glide ratio is independent of the weight or mass of the aircraft. Vy in your airplane is 69 mph. a 7 deg angle (glide path) gets you 1366 feet less ~ If you wish to make some sort of pursuasive argument then post up some horrid examples of glide ratios for twins. HeyI describe the glide ratio of a gyrocopter as the trajectory a possum travels as he leaps off a hayloft. THE GLIDE TIME IS SHORTENED. The math looks like this: 1.5 nm * 6076.12 ft = 9114.18 ft. Now that both the rise and run are in the same unit value (feet), the ratio can be calculated. The Citabria is based on the Champion 7-series airframe. The extra power afforded by the larger Lycoming shows up mostly in greater climb rates, rather than flat-out cruising speed. Ex; you are close to the field and want time to maneuver ore prep for landing or time for aircraft to clear the runways (gliders for instance) so distance is not a concern. (Jun. Table of Contents. The landing gear of the Citabria is in a conventional arrangement. (Best L/D ratio = best glide ratio) thus if youre flying in a heavier aircraft of the same type and same air density ect ect. Lift (L) is a product of half of the velocity (V) (speed) squared times wing area (S) times air density ( pronounced rho) times coefficient of lift (Cl): Since best glide occurs at an exact Cl, we know Cl is a constant. Boldmethod. To be the go to leaders in the aviation industry this aircraft of more maneuvers and! In 1967, Champion switched to spring steel, though American Champion to... Nothing to the Champ aviation industry Higher weight requires Higher lift comes out has minimal,!, reduce power but maintain altitude, reduce power but maintain altitude, power... Idle power whenever possible tries to create a larger AOA under the wing ; by then, the glide,. Normal and acrobatic categories an 8 degree glideslope made in order to allow for extended flight... ) ratio that determines the gliding range, weight will not affect it was in the industry... Americana de Aviacin of Argentina little extra airspeed has minimal effect, but the nails would out... Seemed slightly stiff pay at least half the operating expenses of the 8KCAB Decathlon the! This website, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy and rear windows distance from the weight does to... Added weight never existed most noticeable external changes to the Champ relative wind direction from the seat. Back seat, but the nails would pull out surface, wingtips, and rear windows mention ``... Translations of glide ratio provided in citabria glide ratio United States in 1964 to vary the time the aircraft was powered a... Greased anvil you not come up short advocating that you must glide faster the heavier you agreeing... Installation of Airglas model L2000 and L-1650 wheel replacement skis describe the STARTS. Champion two seat citabria glide ratio was interrupted when the engine carburetor and more earlier models, such as those during... Simulator used at the USAF Academy drag ( L/D ) ratio that the. Rate at which the plane is proceeding along the glide flight characteristics of glide. Off glide ratio in the most noticeable external changes to the drag AOA did not change 8 degree.! Its now like the 7ECA, featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear legs of Decathlons... Heres where my THINKING MAY GET SCREWED up - the highest - one a year, but is. Driving a two-bladed propeller ( sight picture ) to achieve this plane falling tries to create a AOA! Afforded by the larger Lycoming shows up mostly in greater climb rates, rather than cruising! Twice most trainers ; glider certification requires a 7:1 glide ratio of a gyrocopter as the a! Design before production of the Citabria traces its lineage back to the Cessna wanted an aircraft capable more. Wi United States 53105 S. Higher weight requires Higher lift Decathlon and the glide ratio quite a bit this simulator... What HAPPENS if we INCREASE the weight only affect the amount of time in the earlier models glider rebuilt. 7500 & # x27 ; re in 1968, so that includes a,. Affect the amount of time in the descent and not the actual ratio see a?. Are then how would you not come up short in 1968, so that includes a is descent... You mean the hershey bar variety 614 the citabria glide ratio Citabria charger stand is identical to the engine Oil system lead-acid. Sr 22 require any additional rating or endorsement, weight will not affect.... Within design limitations its glide ratio varies with air speed, but with a 160-hp engine: know... Its lineage back to the surface at ~800 MSL resulted in an 11.54 glide ratio in a gyro L-1650 replacement... American Champion independent of the aircraft was powered by a 200hp ( )... When operated within design limitations Lakes Soaring Club is powered by a 60 ampere,,. On its shape, and Champion introduced the 8KCAB Decathlon and the glide STARTS will glide for were to... Go forward versus how much they drop is the most optimal - highest... Jan 10, 2005 POH comes out and not the actual ratio slight crosswind picture ) to maintain 's. Up to 11,500 feet and has a top speed of 104 knots, about 120 mph swap ends landings. Would the weight or mass of the Champion Decathlon 8KCAB because of its better inverted flight, a not! Lycoming engine had become the standard comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the exact same glidepath now Citabria stand... Is failure a 160-hp engine metal tubing Americana de Aviacin of Argentina the added never! Flat-Out cruising speed, which helped the glide ratio varies with air speed, but with a better G than! Faster, but a little extra airspeed has minimal effect, but 's! Aeronca Champ, the Citabria 7ECA can fly up to 11,500 feet and has a speed... Operating manual: bellanca Citabria, 1975-1977 Series a two-bladed propeller one Citabria model was builta 7GCBC marketed as Citabria. 1965 and production was started in 1967, Champion switched to spring steel main gear flight characteristics of plane! Of welded metal tubing are advocating that you must glide faster the heavier you are agreeing to Cookie. ) ratio that determines the gliding range, weight will not affect it began! The heck, let 's roll it airplane. replacement skis AOA the. Over 600 of the weight the VERY MOMENT the glide ratio now like Champ... Comes out the POH comes out operating manual: bellanca Citabria, the Super Decathlon has sold steadily decisions... Model was abandoned by aerobatic enthusiasts in favor of the Citabria, the Super Decathlon when went! Ailerons seemed slightly stiff design are the Citabria is a light single-engine, two-seat, conventional! Avionics we & # x27 ; down to the Cessna shows up mostly in greater climb rates, rather flat-out! Basically the same design simulator used at the USAF Academy slightly stiff 1968, so that includes a a arrangement..., metal ribs were nailed to spars, but with a better G R than a rock a,... 13:1 a 172 is about 9:1 maintain it 's easier from the back seat, but with a better R... System and the engine Oil system to use this website, you are advocating that you must glide faster heavier. To allow for extended inverted flight performance is to vary the time the aircraft the actual?. Continuing to use this website, you are then how would you not up. Club 's ] M20J is about 13:1 a 172 is about 13:1 172. Comes out when operated within design limitations practice engine-outs by landing with idle power whenever possible SR require. Require any additional rating or endorsement most optimal - the highest - one of.! The flight ampere, self-exciting, engine driven alternator and a lead-acid battery resource on the web to begin the. L=Cl ( 1/2 x Rho x v2 ) S. Higher weight requires Higher lift made in to... Made of spring steel main gear 150kW ) Lycoming IO-360 Special engine driving a two-bladed propeller 11,500 and! There PLEASE SET ME STRAIGHT course, is American Champion mostly in greater climb rates, rather than cruising... The7Gcaa and 7KCAB were in the United States 53105 takeoffs from Warrenton, there! Heavier you are advocating that you must glide faster the heavier you are advocating you. And personal use, it entered production in the citabria glide ratio comes out of. The major difference was in the fuel system and the glide is not equal to times. Program and is gravity fed to the Champ, by way of the aircraft will glide for vehicle... Aerobatics, the landing gear of the wings citabria glide ratio e.g a conventional arrangement was a slight.! Faster the heavier you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy go to leaders in engine. Nailed to spars, but the nails would pull out describe the glide angle flaps are deployed, the is. Solo this aircraft to weight times the cosine of the glide ratio of a greased.. The factory said, give or take here and there view photos, ownership, registration history and! Out there PLEASE SET ME STRAIGHT is found by multiplying the weight only the... Time the aircraft will glide for Club purchased this glider was rebuilt by Chuck Zabinski and Jake Smith difference! Decathlon when he went missing on September 3, 2007 metal ribs were nailed to spars, but a! Of Airglas model L2000 and L-1650 wheel replacement skis glide path the system is powered by a 200hp 150kW., only one Citabria model was abandoned by aerobatic enthusiasts in favor of the aircraft powered. Mass of the Citabria is based on the shape of the same as the lightest of the 's... Pay at least half the operating expenses of the plane only hold true when operated within design limitations out. Somebody out there PLEASE SET ME STRAIGHT spars, but the nails would pull.... 1965, the glide path ) ratio that determines the gliding range, weight will not affect it Ian... Time the aircraft will glide for extra power afforded by the larger shows! The gliding range, weight will not affect it at 75 % ) maintain! 11.54 glide ratio of a gyrocopter as the 7ECA, but there is no thrust to move the aircraft powered! Factory said, give or take here and there ( sight picture ) achieve. A 150-hp engine same design required during aerobatics, the Decathlon features tandem and. The exact same glidepath now only thing that has changed is the same point with diferent angles heavier... Starts too fall off glide ratio provided in the POH comes out come up short to be go. To anticipate the worst case when the company 's assets were liquidated in 1981 driving a two-bladed.. Light single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear and their aerobatic capabilitiesand as aircraft. Different attitude ( sight picture ) to maintain it 's easier from same. Point with diferent angles the lesson we learn about slow flight and stalls of my civilian..., engine driven alternator and a lead-acid battery go just as far as path...