View source for Aeronca Champion

{{Short description|American single-engine light plane}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2022}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = Model 7 Champion
| image = File:Aeronca.7ac.champion.kemble.arp.jpg
| caption = Aeronca 7AC Champion over [[Kemble, Gloucestershire]], England
| type = Light [[utility aircraft]] / [[Trainer aircraft|trainer]]<ref name="birth">Harris, Richard, "[http://www.aahs-online.org/BackIssues/v52n2.htm#Article%202 Aeronca: Birth of the Personal Plane] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722002027/http://www.aahs-online.org/BackIssues/v52n2.htm |date=2010-07-22 }}," ''AAHS Journal,'' Summer 2007, vol.52, #2, [[American Aviation Historical Society]]</ref><ref name="ifusa_harris">Harris, Richard, "[http://harris1.net/hold/av/avhist/anc/aeronca.htm Aeronca/Champion History: Beyond the Bathtub – Chiefs, Champs & Citabrias]," from articles first appearing in ''In Flight USA,'' 2003–2004, condensed on author's website.</ref><ref name="aerofiles">Aerofiles.com, [http://aerofiles.com/_aeron.html "Aeronca" page], Aircraft section, retrieved Feb. 22, 2016</ref><ref name="davisson">Davisson, Budd. [http://www.airbum.com/pireps/ClassicCompChamp.html "Comparing the Classics: The Aeronca Champ,"] ''EAA/Sport Aviation,'' June, 1997, [[Experimental Aircraft Association]], as reproduced on the author's website, retrieved 2016-02-01</ref><ref name="used">Ethell, Jeffrey, ''Used Aircraft Guide,'' 1979, Charles Scribner's Sons, NY</ref>
| manufacturer = [[Aeronca Aircraft|Aeronca]]<br>[[Champion Aircraft]]<br>[[AviaBellanca Aircraft|Bellanca]]<br>[[American Champion|American Champion Aircraft]]
| designer = [[Ray Hermes]]<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="davisson" />
| first_flight = April 29, 1944<ref name="aerofiles" />
| introduction = November 1945
| retired = 
| status = Production completed
| primary_user = private owners
| more_users = flight schools, aircraft rental services, [[United States Air Force]], [[Air National Guard]]<br>[[U.S. Army]]<br>[[Civil Air Patrol]]<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name="used" />
| produced = 1946–1951<ref name="birth" /><ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="davisson" /><br />2007–2018
| number_built = more than 10,000, all manufacturers and variants<br />(over 7,200 Aeronca 7AC Champion, 1945–1948)<ref name="birth" /><ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name=Simpson_13>Simpson 1991, p. 13.</ref>
| FAA Approved Type Certificate = ATC 759
<ref name="aerofiles" />
| developed_from = [[Aeronca L-3]], [[Aeronca TAC|Aeronca T]], [[Aeronca Defender]], [[Aeronca 50 Chief]]<ref name="birth" />
| variants = [[Aeronca L-16]]<ref name="birth" /><ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name="used" /><ref name="flying_annual">''Flying'' staff, "Pilot Report: Bellanca Champ]," ''Flying Annual & Pilots' Guide,'' 1971 ed. [Ziff-Davis], NY</ref>
| developed_into = [[American Champion Citabria|Citabria]], [[Champion Lancer]]<ref name="davisson" /><ref name="used" />
}}
[[File:Aeronca7ACChampC-GDZO.JPG|thumb|Aeronca 7AC Champion on skis]]
[[File:AeroncaTriChamp01A.JPG|thumb|Champion 7FC Tri-Traveller at the [[Canadian Museum of Flight]]]]

The '''Aeronca Model 7 Champion''', commonly known as the "'''Champ'''", or "'''Airknocker'''",<ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="used" /><ref name="flying_annual" /><ref name="ad_annual">Bellanca Aircraft Corp, "[ad: "The Champ only $4,995"]," ''Flying Annual & Pilots' Guide,'' 1971 ed., pp.36–37 [Ziff-Davis], NY</ref> is a single-engine light [[airplane]] with a [[high wing]], generally configured with fixed [[conventional landing gear]] and [[tandem]] seating for two occupants.

The Champ was designed for flight training<ref name="used" /><ref name="1946_12_flying">''Flying'' Dec. 1946, as quoted in ''Flying Annual & Pilots' Guide'', 1971 ed. [Ziff-Davis], NY'</ref>
and personal use, and was specifically developed to compete with the popular [[Piper Cub]]. It entered production in the United States in 1945, spawning one of the most popular, and longest-produced, light airplane models in the world.<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="used" /><ref name="flying_annual" /><ref name="big_ten">"[The Big 10]," (planes in production longest) sidebar, ''Air & Space Smithsonian'' Feb. 1996, vol.10#6, p.48.</ref><ref name="bellanca_magz">Wilkinson, Stephan, "[https://books.google.com/books?id=kJm-NQgrbnQC&pg=PA41 First Flight: The Champ]," ''[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]],'' February 1971: [Ziff-Davis], NY, as retrieved 2016-01-30 from Google Books, and as reproduced in print edition of ''Flying Annual & Pilots' Guide, 1971 ed.,'' Ziff Davis, NY.</ref>

In addition to the Champ's large-volume production by [[Aeronca Aircraft]], it was revived in variations by the [[Champion Aircraft]] Company in the 1950s and 1960s, and then again in further variants by [[AviaBellanca Aircraft|Bellanca]] in the 1960s and 1970s, and by [[American Champion|American Champion Aircraft]] in the early 2000s.<ref name="used" /><ref name="flying_annual" /><ref name="ad_annual" /><ref name="big_ten" /><ref name="bellanca_magz" />

To take advantage of the new [[Light Sport Aircraft|light-sport aircraft]] (LSA) category, the Champion was returned to production in 2007,<ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011–12'', page 24. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X</ref><ref name="SLSA">{{cite web|url = http://www.sportpilot.org/learn/slsa/American%20Champion%20Aircraft%207EC.html#TopOfPage|title = American Champion Aircraft 7EC|access-date = 30 April 2012|last = Experimental Aircraft Association|author-link = Experimental Aircraft Association|year = 2012}}</ref><ref name="WDLA15">Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: ''World Directory of Light Aviation 2015–16'', page 28. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref> but was discontinued by mid-2019.<ref name=ACA-June2019>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/champ.html |title=American Champion Aircraft Corporation: Champ |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=<!--Not stated--> |website=americanchampionaircraft.com |publisher=American Champion Aircraft Corporation |access-date=5 June 2019 |quote=Discontinued: was a great run! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605005857/http://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/champ.html |archive-date=5 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Design and development==
The Aeronca 7 Champion line—developed in the mid-1940s as a post-[[World War II]] response to the popular [[Piper J-3 Cub]]—uses similar design features (already featured in Aeronca's wartime designs, the [[Aeronca Model T]], [[Aeronca Defender]], and [[Aeronca L-3]]), but also incorporates aspects of traditional Aeronca designs, including the internal main trusswork of the fuselage frame. Like its predecessors and initial rivals, the high-wing, two-seat plane has tandem seating, conventional landing gear (tailwheel-equipped), and a small piston engine.<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name="honey">Sargent, Sparky Barnes, "[http://eaavintage.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2007-Vol.-35-No.-12-A-Honey-of-a-Champion.pdf A Honey of a Champion! The Baker family's award-winning Aeronca]," ''Vintage Airplane,'' Dec., 2007, vol.35, #12, [[Experimental Aircraft Association]]</ref>

As with many light aircraft of the time, the Champ's [[fuselage]] and tail surfaces are constructed of welded metal tubing. The outer shape of the fuselage is created by a combination of wooden [[former]]s and [[longeron]]s, covered with fabric. The cross-section of the metal fuselage truss is triangular, a design feature which can be traced all the way back to the earliest [[Aeronca C-2]] design of the late 1920s.<ref name="birth" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name="honey" />

The strut-braced [[wing#Artificial wings|wings]] of the Champ are, like the fuselage and tail surfaces, fabric-covered, and use aluminum [[rib (aircraft)|ribs]]. Most Champs were built with wooden [[wing spar|spars]]. American Champion has been using aluminum spars in the aircraft it has produced, and has also made the aluminum-spar wings available for retrofit installation on older aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/retrofit-metal-spar-wings.html|title=Retrofit Metal Spar Wings|work=americanchampionaircraft.com|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Champ taxiing.jpg|alt=A yellow light aircraft similar to the piper j3 cub in size and design is show taxiing at a small aerodrome in Dunkeswell, England. It shares many similarities with the j3 cub|thumb|An Aeronca 7AC Champion taxiing at [[Dunkeswell Aerodrome]] in Southern [[England]]. Note the similarities to its rival, the [[Piper J-3 Cub|Piper J3 Cub]]]]
Like the [[Piper J-3|Piper Cub]] with which it competed, the Champ features tandem seating. However, while the J-3 model of the Cub is flown solo from the rear seat, the Champ can be soloed from the front, giving improved forward visibility, particularly on the ground and during takeoffs, landings, and climbs. The Champ offers far better visibility than the Cub, allowing 300 degrees of visibility to a front-seated pilot, and has a wider cabin than the Cub.<ref name="davisson" /><ref name="honey" /><ref name="Davisson">{{cite web | publisher = Experimental Aircraft Association | author = Davisson, Budd | url = http://members.eaa.org/home/flight_reports/aeronca_champ.html | title = Flight Reports: The Aeronca Champ | access-date=2008-01-07 }}</ref><ref name="chief_pirep">Karant, Max, "[http://www.geocities.com/mrpeters.geo/FlyingMagFlightReport.html Flying Check Pilot: The Aeronca Chief] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027131558/http://geocities.com/mrpeters.geo/FlyingMagFlightReport.html |date=2009-10-27 }}," ''Flying Magazine,'' Dec., 1946.</ref> Additionally, an uncommon<ref name=Simpson_13/> Champ variant—the 7HC—was produced with an enlarged rear seat allowing two passengers to be carried.<ref name="A-759_p8"/>

The landing gear of most Champs is in a conventional arrangement, though two variants with [[Tricycle landing gear|tricycle gear]] were produced, and a model with reversed tricycle gear was tried.<ref name=Simpson_13/> Conventional-gear Champs feature a steerable tailwheel and most have steel tube main gear which use an [[oleo strut]] for shock absorption.<ref name="honey" /> One variant utilized sprung-steel main gear, and American Champion uses aluminum gear legs in its production model of the Champ. Tricycle-gear Champs use the steel tube and oleo strut main gear, mating these with an oleo strut nose gear.<ref name=SAM_Feb_58/>

Models 7AC, 7CCM, 7DC, and 7EC were approved as [[floatplane]]s, with the addition of floats and vertical stabilizer fins; the floatplane versions were designated the S7AC, S7CCM, S7DC, and S7EC, respectively. The 7GC and 7HC may also be operated with floats but are not given a special designation in this configuration. All floatplane versions have increased gross weights over the corresponding landplanes.<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, pp. 3–7.</ref>

==Operational history==
Built by [[Aeronca Aircraft|Aeronca Aircraft Corporation]], the Champ first flew in 1944, and entered production in 1945. As an economical postwar rival to the Piper Cub (which it largely improved upon), the Champ was popular with training schools who were training veterans returning from World War II, by the thousands, with government funding through the [[G.I. Bill]].<ref name="used" /><ref name="flying_annual" /><ref name="decade">Smith, Frank Kingston, "[https://books.google.com/books?id=SOUUuRXEFmoC&pg=PA205 The Turbulent Decade]," (history of U.S. aviation from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s), ''Flying'' Magazine 50th Anniversary Edition, September 1977, pp.200–208; as photocopied at Google Books, retrieved Feb. 2016.</ref>

The original model 7AC Champion initially sold by the thousands, peaking in 1946, as Aeronca developed the highest-volume production line in general aviation. Between 1946 and 1947, Aeronca was producing an average 30 light aircraft per day (peaking at 50 per day at one point). But 1946 was a momentary explosion in lightplane production, industry-wide. The postwar boom-and-bust of the late 1940s and early 1950s brought an abrupt end to the massive sales, and—like the rest of the U.S. lightplane industry—Aeronca production dropped to a small fraction of 1946–1947 sales.<ref name="birth" /><ref name="decade" />

Engine upgrades in 1947, 1948 and 1949 resulted in the Models 7BCM, 7DC and the electric-system-equipped 7EC, all distinguished from the 7AC by a larger vertical tail than predecessors, to compensate for the greater [[torque]] and [[p-factor]] of the larger engines.<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name="slug">{{cite journal|journal=Flying Magazine|date=April 1973|page=65|title=The Champ Still Slugging Away}}</ref>

Some of these Champ variants were acquired by the [[U.S. Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) and its successor, the [[U.S. Air Force]] (USAF), particularly for use by the U.S. Army Ground Forces and the National Guard, as replacements for the [[Piper L-4]] variant of the Piper Cub, used as an observation and liaison aircraft. The Aeronca Champ military variants were labeled L-16, L-16A and L-16B.<ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name="new_grass">Air Training Department, The Artillery School, U.S. Army, "[https://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin/archives/1947/NOV_DEC_1947/NOV_DEC_1947_FULL_EDITION.pdf The New Grasshopper—L-16] ," (semi-official U.S. Army tutorial written to guide pilots transitioning from the Piper L-4 to the Aeronca L-16) ''The Field Artillery Journal'', Nov–Dec 1947, United States Army,</ref>
{{main|Aeronca L-16}}

By the time production ended in 1951, the company had sold more than 8,000 Champions, mostly 7AC Champs (approx. 7,200).<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="used" /><ref name="honey" /><ref name="slug" />

Aeronca ceased all production of light aircraft in 1951, and the Champ design was sold in 1954 to [[Champion Aircraft]], who continued production of some of the more advanced variants of the Champ, from the 1950s into the early 1960s—gradually modifying them into the [[aerobatic]] Champion [[Citabria]].<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="used" />
{{main|Citabria}}

Champion Aircraft was acquired in 1970 by [[AviaBellanca Aircraft|Bellanca Aircraft]] which continued production of their Champ-derived [[American Champion Citabria|Citabria]] and [[American Champion Decathlon|Decathlon]] designs.

In 1971, Bellanca introduced the 7ACA version of the Champ as a more basic complement to their other designs, as the least expensive, and lowest-performance, commercially produced light plane on the market at the time.<ref name="ad_annual" /><ref name="bellanca_magz" /><ref name="directory_1971">,"1971 Aircraft Directory," ''Flying Annual & Pilots' Guide,'' 1971 ed., special section [Ziff-Davis], NY</ref>

Only a handful of 7ACAs were built between 1971 and 1972. Bellanca ceased all production in the early 1980s.<ref name="birth" /><ref name="ifusa_harris" />

[[File:JabiruChamp.jpg|thumb|Jabiru powered prototype]]

[[American Champion|American Champion Aircraft Corporation]] acquired the Champ and related designs in 1989. In 2001, they were rumored to be considering a reintroduction of the Champ design as a 7EC powered by a [[Jabiru Aircraft]] engine. While a test version was flown, this combination was not put into production. With the creation of the [[light-sport aircraft]] (LSA) category of aircraft in the United States by the [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]], American Champion in late 2007 began producing a revised version of the 7EC powered by the {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Continental O-200-A]]. The new production aircraft are [[Type certificate|type certified]], but also qualify to be flown by sport pilots in the United States.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="SLSA" /> Although the fuselage and cowling contours are similar to the original-production models, the new aircraft used the windows, interior, door, and windscreen of the modern [[American Champion Citabria|Citabria]].<ref name=aopa_lgf>{{cite web|url=http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/ready/0906champ.html?wtmcid;|title=Let's Go Flying! CHAMP 7EC LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT |website= [[Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association]]|access-date=9 October 2014}}</ref> Fuel capacity was reduced to {{convert|18|gal|abbr=on}} to conserve weight; despite this measure and various others, such as the use of aluminum landing gear legs and bare [[birch]] floorboards rather than carpet, the aircraft's payload is inadequate to carry two adults and full fuel simultaneously. The manufacturer was considering various further weight-reduction measures including the use of the lightened [[Continental O-200|Continental O-200D]] engine previously offered in the [[Cessna 162 Skycatcher]].<ref name=aopa_lgf/> However, the revived 7EC was dropped from production by mid-2019.<ref name=ACA-June2019/>

Standard-production 7AC, 7BCM (L-16A), 7CCM (L-16B), 7DC, and 7ACA models qualify as U.S. Light Sport Aircraft.<ref name=EAA_LSA_List>{{cite web|url=http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-communities-and-interests/light-sport-aircraft/getting-started-in-light-sport-aircraft-flying/learn-about-lsa-aircraft/standard_category_aircraft_listing|title=Standard Category Aircraft Listing|publisher=[[Experimental Aircraft Association]]|access-date=9 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017021847/http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-communities-and-interests/light-sport-aircraft/getting-started-in-light-sport-aircraft-flying/learn-about-lsa-aircraft/standard_category_aircraft_listing|archive-date=17 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Only those specific original-production 7EC airplanes [[type certificate|certificated]] at a {{convert|1300|lb|abbr=on}} [[Aircraft gross weight|gross weight]] qualify for the LSA category;<ref name=EAA_LSA_List/> a standard original-production 7EC is certificated at a gross weight of {{convert|1450|lb|abbr=on}} and does not qualify.<ref name="SP/LSA_Crossroads">{{cite web|url=http://www.midwestflyer.com/?p=4354|title=SP/LSA Movement At The Crossroads: Assessing The Impact of The EAA/AOPA Joint Petition For 3rd Class Medical Certificate Exemption|date= 17 February 2012|website= MidwestFlyer.com|access-date=9 October 2014}}</ref>

==Variants==
Various versions of the Champ have been tested and produced since 1944, including military, aerobatic, cropduster, tricycle-gear and (as the ''402 Lancer'') a twin-engined variant.<ref name="ifusa_harris" /><ref name="davisson" /><ref name="used" />

The derivative [[American Champion Citabria|Citabria]] designs — models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, and 7KCAB — are discussed in a separate article, as is the twin-engined [[Champion Lancer|402 Lancer]]. Floatplane variants are designated by an "S" prefix and are discussed together with the standard respective land variant.

===7AC Champion===
[[File:Aeronca 7ac champion g-bpfm 1946 arp.jpg|thumb|Aeronca 7AC Champion]]

Introduced in 1945, the 7AC Champion ("Champ") was the first (and, by far, the most popular) version of the design.
It used the [[Continental O-170|Continental A-65-8]] engine of {{convert|65|hp}}. 
<ref name="A-759_p1">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 1.</ref> (Other 65-hp engines by Lycoming and Franklin were also fitted.){{Citation needed|reason=This is not reflected in the type certificate data sheet|date=November 2018}} A [[supplemental type certificate]] allows the installation of a [[Lycoming O-235]].<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 1 and p. 23.</ref> The Champ featured a conventional landing gear configuration, with shock absorption in the main gear provided by oleo struts. The aircraft had no electrical system. It is distinguishable from nearly all other variants by the absence of a dorsal fin at the leading edge of the vertical tail (most later models had the enlarged tail). Approximately 7,200 were built between 1945 and 1948—far outnumbering all other subsequent variants combined, and far outnumbering most rival designs of the period. Some were acquired by the U.S. military and designated [[Aeronca L-16|L-16]]—not to be confused with the L-16A and L-16B derived from later Champ variants.<ref name="birth" /><ref name="aerofiles" /><ref name="used" /><ref name="bellanca_magz" /><ref name="honey" />
[[Aircraft gross weight|Gross weight]] is {{convert|1220|lb|abbr=on}} for the standard 7AC and {{convert|1320|lb|abbr=on}} when configured as an '''S7AC''' floatplane; fuel capacity for either version is {{convert|13|gal|abbr=on}} in a single tank.<ref name="A-759_p1"/><ref name="A-759_p2"/>

===7ACA===
1971 reintroduction by Bellanca, a modernized version of the design which made it a variant of the Citabria line. The 7ACA is powered by the two-cylinder [[Franklin 2A]] engine of {{convert|60|hp}}; Gross weight is {{convert|1220|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="A-759_p16">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 16.</ref> 71 were produced.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7BCM, L-16A===
{{main|Aeronca L-16}}
[[File:aeronca 7bcm champion g-timp 1946 arp.jpg|thumb|7BCM Champion]]

Upgraded version introduced in 1947 with an {{convert|85|hp}} [[Continental O-190|Continental C85]]<ref name="A-759_p2"/> and "no-bounce" version of the main landing gear.{{Dubious |reason=Type certificate data sheet specifically says that the only difference between the 7AC and 7BCM is the powerplant installation.|date=November 2018}} All of the 7BCM production went to the military as model [[Aeronca L-16|L-16A]]. Gross weight and fuel capacity are unchanged from the 7AC.<ref name="A-759_p2">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 2.</ref> 509 were built.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

[[File:Aeronca L-16 7BCM 140719a.jpg|thumb|Aeronca L-16]]

===7B-X===
Prototype, 1 produced, serial number ''7-BX-1'', FAA [[aircraft registration]] number was ''N4084E'' but registration was canceled on 4 October 1951, no other details known.<ref name=Simpson_13/><ref name=FAA_registry_N4084E>{{cite web|url = https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=4084E |title = N Number Inquiry Inquiry Results, N4084E |access-date = 21 November 2018|last = Federal Aviation Administration|author-link = Federal Aviation Administration|date = 21 November 2018}}</ref>

===7CCM, L-16B===
{{main|Aeronca L-16}}
An improved version of the L-16, the L-16B/7CCM featured a {{convert|90|hp|abbr=on}} Continental C90-8 engine, an enlarged vertical tail, hydraulic brakes, and a gross weight increase to {{convert|1300|lb|abbr=on}}; an additional gross weight increase to {{convert|1350|lb|abbr=on}} is allowed when "Long Stroke Oleo Landing Gear" is installed and placard, "Intentional spinning prohibited when baggage carried", is installed on the instrument panel.<ref name="A-759_p3"/> An additional {{convert|5.5|gal|abbr=on}} fuel tank is used, increasing total fuel capacity to {{convert|18.5|gal|abbr=on}}.<ref name="A-759_p3">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 3.</ref> Gross weight increases to {{convert|1400|lb|abbr=on}} when configured as an '''S7CCM''' floatplane.<ref name="A-759_p5">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 5.</ref> 100 L-16B/7CCM aircraft were built.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

[[File:Aeronca 7DC (N42344).jpg|thumb|Aeronca 7DC]]

===7DC===
Similar to 7CCM but with [[Continental C85]] engine of {{convert|85|hp|abbr=on}}; the derived '''S7DC''' floatplane had a gross weight increase to {{convert|1400|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, pp. 3–4.</ref> 100 7DC aircraft were produced.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7EC Traveler===
1950 brought the introduction of the Aeronca 7EC, which features a [[Continental O-200|Continental C90-12F]] engine of {{convert|90|hp}},<ref name="A-759_p5"/> standard long-throw [[oleo strut]] main gear, thicker seat cushions, additional interior insulation for noise reduction, an improved heater and electrical system, the addition of a parking brake, and a change in [[Center of gravity of an aircraft|center of gravity]] for enhanced speed. Advertised empty weight is {{convert|890|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=SAM_Feb_58>{{cite journal |last= Whitman |first= Ray |date= February 1958 |title= Cockpit Test Report On a Plane You Can Afford... The Champion Traveler |journal= Science and Mechanics|pages= 90–92}}</ref> Standard gross weight is {{convert|1450|lb|abbr=on}}, or {{convert|1300|lb|abbr=on}} with "Lower End Landing Gear Oleo Strut Assembly."<ref name="A-759_p5"/> Standard fuel capacity is unchanged from the 7DC;<ref name="A-759_p5"/> an optional {{convert|26|gal|abbr=on}} system was offered, increasing the [[manufacturer's empty weight]] by {{convert|30|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 6 and p. 23.</ref> The optional '''S7EC''' floatplane configuration has a gross weight of {{convert|1474|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 6.</ref>

The last Champ produced at Aeronca was a 7EC, and when Champion reintroduced the Champ in 1955, it was with their version of the 7EC, very little changed from Aeronca's. An enhanced version called the '''Champion DeLuxe Traveler''' offered a metal propeller with spinner, [[Aircraft fairing|wheel pants]], a steerable tailwheel, and [[Navigation light#Aviation navigation|navigation lights]].<ref name=SAM_Feb_58/>

773 7EC aircraft were produced during the original production run.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

In late 2007, American Champion introduced a revised version of the 7EC, featuring the [[Continental O-200|Continental O-200-A]] engine of {{convert|100|hp}}.<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 37.</ref> Differing in a number of ways from earlier 7ECs, this new version in particular replaced the wood-spar wings of the earlier versions with a metal-spar wing and used aluminum gear legs. To fit within the Light Sport requirements, the maximum weight was reduced to 1,320 pounds (599 kilograms).<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="SLSA" /> The aircraft was discontinued by mid-2019.<ref name=ACA-June2019/>

===7FC Tri-Traveler===
[[File:AeroncaChampion7-FCTri-ChampC-FNMB.JPG|thumb|Champion 7FC Tri-Traveller]]
In 1957, Champion brought out the 7FC, which is similar to the 7EC but with tricycle landing gear instead of conventional (tailwheel) gear, oleo struts on all 3 wheels, and extra frame bracing for the nosewheel. Factory standard equipment was comparable to the 7EC DeLuxe Traveler. The 7FC is {{convert|3|mph|abbr=on}} slower and {{convert|90|lb|abbr=on}} heavier than an equivalent 7EC,<ref name=SAM_Feb_58/> with a standard useful load of {{convert|540|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, compared with {{convert|630|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} for the 7EC; both use the {{convert|90|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Continental C90-12F engine.<ref>{{cite book|title=Champion Operating and Service Manual|date=1957|publisher=Champion Aircraft Corporation|location=Oscaola Wisconsin USA|pages=2, 56|edition=1957}}</ref> Standard gross weight of the 7FC is {{convert|1450|lb|abbr=on}} with an increase to {{convert|1500|lb|abbr=on}} allowed with the installation of "Wide Track Main Gear."<ref name="A-759_p6-7">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, pp. 6–7.</ref>

[[File:Aeronca7FC.jpg|thumb|1957 7FC]]

472 7FC aircraft were built.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7GC Sky Trac===
Generally similar to 7EC but with a {{convert|140|hp|0|abbr=on}} [[Lycoming O-290|Lycoming O-290-D2B]] engine and modified fuselage structure for increased gross weight.<ref name="A-759_p7">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 7.</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=none|journal=Flying Magazine|date=January 1959|page=71}}</ref> Gross weight is {{convert|1650|lb|abbr=on}} in standard configuration, {{convert|1732|lb|abbr=on}} in seaplane configuration.<ref name="A-759_p7"/> 171 were produced.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7GCA Sky Trac===
Agricultural variant of the 7GC with identical gross weight but with a {{convert|150|hp|0|abbr=on}} [[Lycoming O-320|Lycoming O-320-A2B]] engine.<ref name="A-759_p8">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 8.</ref> 396 were made.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7GCB Challenger===
Based on 7GCA, but with enlarged flaps and increased wing area.<ref name="A-759_p90">Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, pp. 9–10.</ref> 195 built.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7HC DX'er===
Similar to 7GC with identical gross weights for landplane and floatplane versions, but with a front seat [[Yoke (aeronautics)|control yoke]] instead of a control stick, modified fuselage structure, tricycle landing gear, and an enlarged rear seat for two occupants.<ref name="A-759_p8"/> 39 were produced.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7JC Tri-Con===
Similar to 7EC but with reverse tricycle undercarriage; however, the aircraft may be converted to a standard tailwheel undercarriage and operated at a {{convert|1500|lb|abbr=on}} gross weight.<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 9 and p. 35.</ref> 25 were built.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

===7KC Olympia===
7GCA with smaller wings, redesigned [[empennage]], other aerodynamic refinements, deletion of rear-seat flight controls, and minor detail changes.<ref>Aircraft Specification A-759 2011, p. 10.</ref> 4 were built.<ref name=Simpson_13/>

==Specifications (7AC)==
[[File:Aeronca 7AC Champion AN1179954.jpg|thumb|Aeronca 7AC Champion on floats]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=FAA Type Certification Data Sheet, Plane & Pilot and Montgomery<ref name="A-759_p1"/><ref name="Plane and Pilot">Plane and Pilot: ''1978 Aircraft Directory'', page 12. Werner & Werner Corp, Santa Monica CA, 1977. {{ISBN|0-918312-00-0}}</ref><ref name="Foster">Montgomery, M.R. and Gerald Foster: ''A Field Guide to Airplanes, Second Edition'', pages 64–65. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1992. {{ISBN|0-395-62888-1}}</ref>
|prime units?=imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, 
met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show -->
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|crew=one
|capacity=one passenger
|length m=
|length ft=21
|length in=6
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|span ft=35
|span in=0
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|empty weight lb=740
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|gross weight lb=1220
|gross weight note=
|fuel capacity={{convert|13|u.s.gal}}
|more general=
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|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Continental A65-8]]
|eng1 type=four cylinder, [[horizontally opposed]] piston [[aircraft engine]]
|eng1 kw=
|eng1 hp=65

|prop blade number=2
|prop name=fixed pitch, wooden
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|prop dia in=72
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|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=95
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|cruise speed mph=85
|cruise speed kts=
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|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed mph=38
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=129
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=
|range miles=270
|range nmi=
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|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=12500
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==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Aeronca Chief family]]
* [[Aeronca 11 Chief|Aeronca Chief]]
* [[Bellanca Citabria]]
* [[Champion Lancer]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Interstate Cadet]]
* [[Luscombe T-8F]]
* [[Piper J-3|Piper J-3 Cub]]
* [[Porterfield 65 Collegiate]]
* [[Taylorcraft L-2]]
}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
*{{cite report |date=February 9, 2011 |title=Aircraft Specification No. A-759, Revision 73 |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/2B3FA1C355E95F9A862578380053D423.0001?modalOpened=true |publisher=Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. |access-date=October 12, 2024}}
* {{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_aeron.html | title=American airplanes: Aeronca | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | access-date=2006-08-12 }}
* {{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_bella.html | title=Bellanca | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | access-date=2006-08-12 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060720235706/http://www.aerofiles.com/_bella.html| archive-date= 20 July 2006 | url-status= live}}
* {{cite book | last = Hollenbaugh | first = Bob |author2= John Houser | title = Aeronca: A photo history | publisher = Aviation Heritage Books | year = 1993 | location = Destin, FL | isbn = 0-943691-10-9 }}
*{{cite book |last= Simpson| first= R.W. |title= Airlife's General Aviation|year= 1991|publisher= Airlife Publishing|location= Shrewsbury, England|isbn=1-85310-194-X}}
* Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) ''Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation''. Studio Editions: London. p.&nbsp;28
* [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=5 airliners.net]

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website|http://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/champ.html}}

{{Aeronca Chief family}}
{{Aeronca}}
{{Champion Aircraft}}
{{Bellanca}}
{{American Champion}}
{{Aeronca model numbers}}

[[Category:American Champion aircraft|Champion]]
[[Category:Light-sport aircraft]]
[[Category:1940s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Aeronca aircraft]]
[[Category:Champion aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1944]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]