AMEFIICANCHAMPIONAIFICFAFT

COFFOF./\-nON
to prcs,culng
'D€.cilcg,led o Cfossld

PILOT'SOPERATNG
MANUAL

SUPERDECATT{LON(8KCAB)

AMERICAN CHAMPIONAiRCRAFT CORPORATION

P.O.BOX37
32032WASHINGTON AVENUE- HWY D
ROCTmSTE&WTSCONSTN 53I 67

+ Model yearis indicatedby serialnumbersuffix.

AMERICAN CITAMPION AIRCRAFT
SUPERDECATIILON (8KCAB) FOREWOR]

FOREWORI)

This manualhasbeenpreparedto inform the pilot offeaturesand systemsinaorporatedinto the SuperDecathlon.

... superDecathlon LycomingAEIo-360-180Hp Constantspeedpropeller

The SuperDecathlonhasbeengiven the FAA Civil Aircraft Tlpe DesignatorBL3 0.

Re-commended dperatingproceduresand performancedataareprovided so that maximumutilization can

be obtained
with the utrnostof safety,economyand serviceability.

It is stronglyrecommendedthat the pilot be familiarwith the aircras andthis manualprior to flight.

It is considered
mardatorythat the pilot familiarizehimselfwith the EmergencyproceduresSectionprior to flight.

This manualappliesonly to the aircraft asindicatedon the coverpage. Use ofthis manualwith other
aircrafiis not
recornmended.

This manualdoesnot replacethe FAA ApprovedAirplaaeFlight Manual. Ifan inconsistencyexists

betweenthe
manuals,the FAA Approved Airylane Flight Manualis to be the authority-

The words "WARNING," "CAUTIo\" and'alOTE' a.eusedtkoughout the manualwith the following definitions:

WARNING

An operating procedurqpractice or conditiogetc.

whichmayresultin injuryor fatality,ifnot carefully
observedor followed.

CAUTION

An operatingprocedure, practiceor condition,etc.

whichif not strictlyobserved,
maydamage theaircraft
or equipmeot.

NOTE

An operatingprocedure,
practiceor conditior\etc.
whichis essential
to emphasize.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRA
SIJPERDECATHLON (8KCI

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION
I OPERATINGLIMITATIONS ... ...............
... 1_l
SECTION
tr EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES.......................................
2-1
SECTIONM NORMALOPERATINGPROCEDIIRES........................
3_1
SECTIONry FL]GIiT PERFORMANCE

SECTIONV WEIGIITANDBAI-ANCE....................,........................
5_l
SECTION11 AIRCRAFTAND SYSTEMS
DESCRIPTION,,.......,....,.
6.I
SECTIONvII SER!.ICING
REQUIREMENTS,.........................,.
........
7_l

Thismanualis currentasofits issuedateandwill be revisedasnecessary by serviceLetterspublishedby American

championAircraft corporation. serviceLettersaredistributed to Americ;nchampionAirciaft ownersiy requesi.
Ifyou do not receivetheseServiceLetters,you mustconsultwith AmericanChampion
AircraftCorporationfir
informationconcemingthe revisionstatusoithis manual.ct angesto the ;anua
iould be installed'ana
ii" i"g or
Revisionsupdatedimmediatery aser receiptof suchrevisions.ire manualshouldnot be usedfor op;io;;ip;;;es
unlessit is maintained
in a cunentstatus.

!u

.,)
 AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
SUPERDECATI{LON (8KCAB) SECTION1
OPERATINGLIMTATIONS

SECTIONI
OPERATINGLIMTTATIONS

l- 1
AIRSPEED
LIMITATiONS.............,..

POWERPLANT
LIMITATIONSAND INSTRIJMENIMARKINGS....,....

WEIGTITAND BALANCELIMITS...
.,.,. 1-4
FLIGIITLOADFACTORS..................
t-4
KINDSOFOPERATrON.....................

UNUS$LE FT]EL.,
l-5
I}I\IERTED FLIGIIT

MANEI |ERS.........

REQUIRED
PLACARDS............

-ENERAL

Thissection listsall powerplant andairFame operaring limitations

for fie superDecathlon. Theselimitations
are
alsoildicatedin the aircraftin theform ofpt"cu.as,i,istrurneni"of".
.".tir!, anai" tf,eFAA Approved
AirplaneFlight Manual.

1- 1

l
SECTIONI AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
OPERATINGLIMITATIONS SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)

AIRSPEEDLIMITATIONS

NOTE

Limitatiofls are applicableto both Normal andAcrobatic Category

exceptwhere designatedasapplyingto only onecategory.

Airspeed Decathlon Airspeed

Desimation CASMPH Indicator Mar
Never Exceed (VNE) 200 RedLhe
CautionRange 160- 200 Yellow Arc
MaximumStructuralCruise(VNo) 160 End ofGreenArc
Normal OperatingRange 54 - 160 GreenArc
(V) at GrossWeight:
Maneuvering

NormalCategory 121 None

AcrobaticCategory 132 Norle

NOTE

CAS - CalibratedAirspeed:Thisis indicatedairspeed

aoFectedfor position
and instrumenterlor.

IAS - Indicatedairspeedassumes
zeroinstrument
eror.

V* - Maximum safeairspeedwhich is not to be exceededat any time.

VNo- Not to be exceeded

exceptin smoothair onlyandthenwith caution.

V^ - No full or abruptlongitudinal
controlmovements
allowedabovethis ai6peed.
AMERICAN CIIAMPiON AIRCRATT
SUPERDECATIILON (8KCAB) SECTION.
OPERATINGLIMTATIONS
DO W ER P L AN T T MITA A T
L IMIT ' IO NS INSTRUM ENT MAR KIN G S

Decatl on
Engine,Lycoming AEIO-360-HlA andAEIO-360-HtB

ConstantSpeed
}tC-C2..?.- 4CF/F C7666A_2
Fuel, Mnimum OctaneRating
100/ 130
For Continuous
Use

NormalRange(greenare 500- 2000

2250- 2700
Avoid ContinuousOperation(redare 2000 - 2250
Avoid AerobaticOperation(redarc)

CylinderHeadTemperature
(.F)
Normal Range(greenarc)

Oil Temperature
(.F)
Normal Range(greenarc)

Normal Range(greenarc)
CautionRange(yellow arc)
Maximum(redradial)

Normal Range(greenarc)
Maximum (red radial)
Minimum (red radial)

t- 3
SECTIONI AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
OPERATINGLIMITATIONS SUPERDECAI]iLON (8KCAB)

WEIGET AND BALANCE LIMITS

SuperDecathlon
MaximumGrossWeight 1800Lbs.
Centerof Gravity Range
NormalCategory +13.5to +18.5at 1800Lbs.
+11.5to +18.5at 1550Lbs.or Less
StraightLineVariationBetweenPointsGiven.
AerobaticCategory +13.5to +18.5at 1800Lbs.
+11.5to +18.5at 1550Lbs.or Less
Straight
LineVariationBetweenPointsGven.
DATT]M Wing LeadingEdge

FLIGET LOAD FACTORS (1800Lbs. GrossWeight)

Category LoadFactorLimits AccelerometerMarkinq

Normal Positive+ 5G GreenAic
Negative- 3G GreenArc
Acrobatic Positive+ 6G RedLine
Negative- 5G RedLine

NOTE

Maximum load factors for Normal CategoryoperatioN are shownby the ends
ofthe geen arc on the accelerometer. Load factorswithintheyellowarc up to
the red radial lines are permittedonly in the Ac.obatic Category.

t -4
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
SECTIONJ
SUPERDECATI{LON (8KCAB)
OPERATING LIMITATIONS

T{INDS OF OPERATION

OrJ VFR dayor nightoperations

areapproved
with all requiredequipmentoperatingasspecifiedin
-
FAR Part91.

Flight into known icing conditionsis prohibited.

Crosswildlandingshavebeendemonstrared
in 90" crosswinds
up to l7 ks (20 mph).

UNIJSABLEFIJEL

Any fuel remainingin the tankswhenfuel gaugereads.,O,,or ,E,, (empty)

cannotsafelybe usedin flight.
Acrobatic Category-- The invertedfuel headertank providesfuel for
approximately2.0 minutesof
._ contituousinvertedflight. The headertankwill automaticallyrefi a*er approximitglyoneminuteof
upright, straightand level flight.

IN!'ERTED FLIGET

AcrobaticCategory-- The headertankprovidesfuelfor approximarely

two,minutesofcontinuous
invertedflight. Monitor oil pressure
whileirverted. Minimumoil prelsureis 60 psi.

WARNING

Fuelstarvationmayoccuraftera seriesofinverted
maneuveEsiflcethe headertankmayhavehadinsufficient
time to refill.
SECTIONI AMERICAN CII,{MPION AIRCRAFT
OPERATINGLIMTATIONS SI-PER DECATHLON (8KCAB)

MANEIIIERS (Referto SectionIII Before AttemptingMareuvers)

Maneuvers RecofiunendedEntry Speed

(IASMPID
SuperDecathlon
Loop fNormalor Inverted) 140
Immelmann 145
IlammerheadTum 140
Hammerhead Tum 140
(InvertedEntry& Eit)
SnapRoll (Normal or Inverted) 90
EnglishBunt 70
Verticall/2 SlowRoll Up 160
VerticalSlowRoll Up 180
Vertical Slow Roll Down 60
Slowor BarrelRoll 130
OutsideLoop (EnterFromthe Top) 70
Horizontal
Eight(Inside- Outside) 140
Spin(Normalo. Inve.red) stall

NOTE

Variationsor combinationsofthe abovemaneuvers areapprovedprovidedthat the

speedor loadfactorlimitationsarenot exceeded.

WARNING

Tail slidesandLomcevaks(tumblingmaneuve$)arenot approved.

No full or abn.rpt
useofflight controlsis pe.mittedabovemaneuve.ing
speed.
 AMERJCAN CI{AMPION AIRCRAIT
SUPER DECATHLON (sKCAB) SECTION
OPERATING LIMITATIONS
DEQIJIREDPLACARDS

seeFAA ApprovedAirplaneFlightManualfor pracards

requiredin a specilicaircrafr. Thefo'owing placards
representa t,?ical airplane.

In FullView OfPitot

NormalCategoryAirspeed Limits
r4aneuvenng_Speed l2l N{pH005 Knots)
CAS
Demonstrated
crosswing
velocity__zil leH itixnotr;

i:i:{T*it tfiil*i:ii:1ifi
#H3rr:i",xi?!:il nH ^+:.i::I:,}:flt:*j
InvertedSpii!UseFull Opposit"fi"aa"i
"na
N"uii"fi;;;ff";;;

ThisAirplaneMustBe ODerated As a NormalOr Acrobatic

CategoryAjrplaneIn Compliance WithThe
OperatingLimirationsStaiedIn TheF( Ofplacards,i4arkings,
(Except
{E,.ce.iAcceterometer
a..Fr^, *-+ Markinss) AndMinualr. N{"*irg, Anapi";l-,
n"r",
-)rm roNo*"i'i"rffi"il;: ;ffi;J:ff;'firffi;iT#"t
AcrobaticCaregoryInformation-'Weip
. andBalanceInformatioqAna Orlei Op".utingf,i_iiution-r
-ht

NO SMOKING
(whenashtrays
notinstalled)

oq-Taahgloelgt.lace

Avoid,2OOO
- 2250
ContinuousOper.

In BaggageCompartment
sEcrroN r AMERICAN Cr{AMprON ATRCRAT,T
OPERATING LIMITATIONS ST]PERDECATHLON (SKCAB)

Rf, QIJIRED PI-ACARDS (cona'd)

On ForwardT eft SideWindow

Do Not ODenAbove 130MPH

AltemateEmergency Exit
Ur atch- ForceForwardPortionPastStoD

On FuelValveControl

Fuel
40 Gal Useable
Down "ON'

OnEmergencvDoorReleaseHandle

EMERGENCYDOORRELEASE
PULL PIN -_-----PULL IIANDLE

AdiacentTo Fuel Gauge

FuelIn TankWhenGaugeReads 'E ' (Ernpty)

CannotBe SafelyUsedIn Flight

AdjacentTo StrobeLight Switch

WARNING
Tum Otr StrobeLights rtrtrenTaxiing In
Vicinity Of Other Airaraft, Or During Flight
Through Cloud, Fog or Haze.

StandardPosition Lights To Be On For All

Night Operations.

l-E
AMERICAN CITAMPIONA]RCRAIT
SUPERDECATHLON(8KCA3) SECTIONI
OPERATINGLIMITATIONS
REQUIRED PLACARDS (cont'd)

Re3r SeatP/N 7-1500Or

7-1501And RearControl
StickPA{4-l7ll Req'd.
With This SeatInstall.

On Rear Control Stick

RearStickP/N 4-l7l I

On Rear SeatF ont Leg

RearSeatP/N 7-1500

Re€I SeatP/N 7-1501

t-- 9
I - 10(Blank)
 AMERICAN CI{AMPION AIRCRAFT
sEcTro],i
fi
SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) EMERGENCYPROCEDIJRES

SECTIONII

EMERGENCYPROCEDURE

INDEX
GENERAL........._.... ............ 2-r
ENGINEFIREDURINGSTART................. ........................................ 2_2
ENGINEFIREIN FLIGIrT..............._........ .........2_2
ELECTRICAL TIRE ,.......... 2-2
ALTERNATOR/ELECTRTCALFAILURE.............._..........................2-3
ENGINEFAILUREON TAKEOFF.,....... ,..........,2.3
ENGINEAIR RESTART......................... ............ 2-4
PARTTAL POWERLOSS/ ROUGHRUNNING................................. 2_4
ABNORMAL OIL PRESSURE / TEMPERATURE INDICATIONS.....2-4
LOSSOFPROPELLER CONTROL...................................................... 2_5
PRECAI-rTTONARY LANDTNG APPROACH....................................... 2_5
FORCEDLANDING(COMPLETE POWERFATLIJRE)............ ..........2_6
D ITCH IN G................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 6
STATICSYSTEMFAILIIRE ............................... 2-7
SEVE R E TU R B U LE N C E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2 _ 7
STA LLS ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 7
sp l N s ...................... . . . . . . . . .2. ._.a
INFLIGHTO\ERSTRESS..................... .............. 2_s
EMERGENCY E)CT/ BAILOl,T.......... ..............2-e
GENERAL

se.aion recommended procedures

to followduringemergency andadverseflightconditions.
]!s ;9v1s
rr rsnorposslote the As
ro dehneeverytypeofemergency
thatmayoccur,it is thepilot,sresponsibility
to usesound
judgement basedon experience
andknowledgeoftheaircriftto determinethebestcourseofaction.

NOTE
AJIairspeeds
in thissection
areindicated
airspeeds
(IAS),unlessstatedotherwise.

q":tice of anyemergency
l::l':::1",y!unoercaretuuy
proceduremustbedoneunderrhesupervision of a qualified
flight
rnsrrusror controledconditions.
Referto sectionIrI priorto perfonning
unyrun"ur".r.

2- l
SECTIONII A]\'ER]C A}{ CTIAMPION AIRCRAFT
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)

ENGINE FIRE DI'RING START

Ifthe fire is believedto be confinedto intakeor exhaustsystem(resultoffloodingengine):

1) Continueqanking enginewith staner.

2) Mxture Control - IDLE CLII-OFF.
3) Tkottle - FULL OPEN.
4) Inspectaircraft thoroughly for damageandcauseprior to,estart.

If fire pe.sistsor is not limited to intake or exhaustsystem:

l) Mxture Control - IDLE CUT-OFF.

2) FuelShut-OffValve- OFF.
3) ElectricalandMagneto Switches- AI-L OFF.
4) Exit Aircra&.
5) Directfire extinguisher
throughthe bottomofthe nosecowl or tkough the cowl accessdoor.

f,NGINE FIRX IN FLIGST

l) Mxhrre Control - IDLE CUI-OFF.

2) FuelShut-OffValve- OFF.
3) ElectdcalandMagneto Switches- ALL OFF.
4) CabinHeat- OFFFront andRear.
5) Use handfire extinguisherif available.
6) Iind immediately using"ForcedLandingprocedures,'.

ELECTRICAL FIRE

An electrical
fire is usuallyindicatedby an odor ofhot or buminginsulation
andwispsofsmoke.

l) ElectricalSwitches- ALL OFF(leavemagnetoswitchesON).

2) Air VentJWindows - OPEN only if absolutelynecessaryfor smokeremovaland ventilation.
3) Use handfire extinguisherifavailable andnecessary.
4) Iffire continues,
landimmediately.

If_firdsmokestops and electricalpower is requiredfor the remainderof the flight, tu.n the masterswitch oN,
followed by the desiredcircuit switch. Allow a minutebetweentuming on ea; switch in order that the fauhy
circuitmaybe locatedandswitchedOFF.
AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT SECTIONN
ST'PERDECATTILON (8KCAB) EMERGENCY PROCEDIJRES

. LTf,RNATOR / ELECTRICAL FAILURE

Ar altematorfailure is indicatedby a steadydischargeon the ammeter.

l) Master Switch - CYCLE in attemptto resetthe overvoltagerelay.

2) If excessivebattery dischargecontinues,tum OFF all nonessentialelectdcal
equipmentto conservebattery power.
3) Lafld as soon aspractical as the batterywill furnish electricalpower for a .
limitedtime only.

Ifonly onecircuit(e.g.Radio)appearsto be inoperative,

resetcircuitbreaker.

NOTE

Engineoperationis unafectedby a completeelectricalsystemfailurewith the

exceptionofthe enginestarter.

ENGINE FAILI.JR.EON TAKEOFF

If sufrcient runway remairls:

l) Throttle- CLOSED.
2) Landusingbrakesasrequired.

If airbomeandinsufficientrunwayremainsfor landing,selectthe mostfavorablelandingareaahead.Attemptan

enginerestart if altitude permitsusing ENGINE AIR RESTART procedures.

Ifno restartis possible,

landin preselected
areausingFORCEDLANDING procedures.

WARNING

Mainlai! flying speedat all times anddo not attemptto turn back towards the runway
ur esssufficient altitude hasbeenachieved.
 SECTION II A},,IERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)

ENGIITE AIR RESTART

1) Maintain Airspeed- 80 N,IPHminimumrecommended.

2) EmergencyFuel Pump- ON
3) AlremateAir - FttLL HOT
4) Mixture - FULL RICH or LEANED asrequi.edat high alritude.
5) Fuel Shut-OffValve - CHECK ON.
6) Magneto Switches- BOTII ON (Up).
7) PropellerControl - FULL INCREASE.
, If..restartjlot possiblg changethrottle, mirture, primer settingsin anemprro restart
ll
9) Follow "ForcedLandingprocedure"ifunableto restart.

NOTE

The enginestartermaybe engagedin flightifthe enginehasstoppedwindmilling.

PARTTAL POWER LOSS / ROUGE RUNNING

l) Followthe engineai. restartprocedures.

2) Land assoonaspracticalusing.?recautionary
LandingApproach,,
procedures.

obstructionofthe engineintakeair maybe indicatedby a gradualpowerloss. Altemateair

shourdbe appried
to
the hot positionandleft in thatpositionaslong asthe ;bstructedconditionexists.

ABNORMAL OIL PRESSURE/ TEMPERATURE tr\DICATIONS

Oil pressureandtemperatur€Problemsa.e usuallyrelatedwith on afecting the other. Before

any drasticaction
is taken,crosscheckotherengineinstrumentsandcontrolsettingsin atte;pt to determinethe so;rceofthe
problem.

High oil temperature

is generallya resultofloss ofoil, overheating
(noteCIII ifavailable)or a malfunctionine
oil cooler
by-pass
valve lfthe situation
remairrs
uncrrecked,
oitpiesru.e
usuatyJr"pti".ltru"gi;;"r;bi.'"""
enginedamage.Powershouldbereduced whilemaintainini
cruiseairspeed;
placemixturein FULLRICH
positionandlandassoonaspractical.

cauy.uy.afaired
pressure
reriefvalve,
pump,
lossofoil,clogged
oirtine,high
LTli"_":::::it::.::ii-il^iyarlv
gauge.A.landing "
:T:.T:1Y:,:11-.eiectrve should
bemadeassoonaspractical usinga minilmum
power.
4an a rrecautlonaqf
LandingApproach,'
ascomplete
engine
failureis possible
at anytime.
AMENCAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT SECTION II
SUPERDECATHTON (8KCAB) EMERGENCY PROCEDI-]RES

OSSOF PROPELLER CONTROL

In the evert ofloss ofoil pressureto the propellerand/orpropellergovemor, the propellerwitl automaticallygo
to tho LOW RPM Position. The throttle may be usedwith cautionasnecessaryto climb or maintainlevel flight.
A precautionary landingshouldbe madeassoonaspractical.

PRECAUTIONARY LANDING APPROACE

A precautionarylanding approachshouldbe usedwheneverpower is still availablq but a completepower failure

imminent.Maintaina higherandcloserpatternthannormalto remain,wellwithin.gliding
is considered distance
ofthe intendedtouch downpoint. Usethe no.mallandingprocedures in addition: , :,,:

1) Airspeed- 75 MPH recommended(70 MPH minimum).

2) Throttle - CLOSED when in gliding distanceto runway.
3) Propeller Control - FULL INCREASE.
4) Slip the Aircraft to IncreaseRate ofDescent asReouired.
SECTIONtr AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
EMERGENCYPROCEDURES SUPERDECATHLON(8KCAB)

FORCED LANDING (CompletePowerFailure)'

If the enginecannotbe resta.tedin flight, trim the aircraftto the recomrneldedglide speed. Remain within
gliding distanceofthe intendedpoint oflanding. Maintaina higherandcloserpattemthan normalmaking
allowancefor wind.

Additional altitude canbe lost by slippingthe aircraft. DMng the aircraftin attemptto lose altitudev/ill only
increasethe requiredlandingdistance.

l) Airspeed- Maintain 75MPH.

2) Mxture - IDLE CUT-OFF.
3) Fuel Shut-OffValv€ - OFF.
4) Master Switch - ON.
5) Radio - MAYDAY 121.5 MltZ.
6) Attempt to positionthe aircraft approximately1000feet aboveground level (AGL) over the intended
point oflandingor 500Get whendownwingandabeamthe intendedpoint oflanding
, 7) Electrical Switches- ALL OFF.
8) On Final Approach- Airspeed75 MpH (70 MpH minimurn).
9) Touchdounwith minimumairspeed (rhreepointfull stall)if landingon roughterain.

NOTE

'- Ifnecessaryafteraircrafthascometo a completestop,removeandactivatethe

emergencylocator t.ansmitterf.om the aircraff for increasedtransmittingrange.

DITCEING

Shouldit becomenecessary to makea forcedlandingoverwater,follow the"ForcedLandingprocedures"

in
additionto the following:

l) CabinSideDoor - JETTISON.
2) Land into wind ifhigh winds are evidentor parallelto swellswith calm winds.
3) Contactthe water with a nosehigh attitude.
4) DO NOT STATL prior to rouchdown.
5) After comingto completestop - E)(T AIRCRAFT.

NOTE

Aircraftcannotbe depended
on to providefloatationaftercontactingthe wate._

2-6
AMERJCAN CHAMPION AIRCRATT SECTIONtr
SI'PER DECATHLON (8KCAB) EMERGENCYPROCEDURES

STATIC SYSTEM FAILTIRE

A malfirnction in the static systemwill affect the airspeed,altimeter arld veftical speedindicator and may be a
result of an obstructedstatic opening. An alternatestatic sourcecanbe provided from within the cabinby
breakingthe glassin the airspeed,altimeteror rateof climbinstrumentface.

WARNING

With an altematestaticsourceprovidedfrom wifiin the cabiE subtractapproximarely

65 feetfrom indicatedaltitudeand l0 MpH from indicatedairspeed . .-. , .,.,,,

SEVER.E TURBIJLENCE

I evereturbuleocedo not exceed12l mphIAS. Maintaina constantnoseattituderctherthanflyingby

referenceto the altimeterandairspeedindicator.

STAI.LS

The SuperDecathlonstallcharacteristics
areconventional.The stallwaminghornwill precede the stallby
5 - l0 MPH dependingon the amountofpower used. Thereis very little aerodyramicbuffetingpreceding the
stall.

ron controlin a Powe.on stallis marginal.Largeailerondeflectionswill-aggnvatea.neaistalledcondition

ard the llseis not recommended to maintainlateralcorltrol. The rudderis very efective for maintaininglateral
controlin a stalledconditionwith the aileronsplacedin the neutralposition. To recoverfrom a stall.pioceedas
follows:

l) LOWERNOSEandaddFULL POWERsimultaneously.
2) Usetherudderto maintainlateralcomror.

WARNING

Do not allowaircraftto stallunlesssufficient

altitudeexistsfor saferecovery.
 SECTION II ,{MERICAN CFIAMPION A]RC R*AFT
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES SUPERDECATHLON (SKCAB,

SPINS

Normalor hverted spinsare approvedin this aircraftwhenflown in the acrobaticcategory.spins

areprohibired
in the normal category. Use the following recoveryprocedurefor a normalspin.

WARNING

Do not allow aircraftto spinunlesssufficientaltitudeexistsfor saferecoverv.

l) Tlrottle - CLOSED.
2) Ailerons - NEUIRAI POSITION.
3) Elevator- POSITfVEFORWARDTO NEUTRAL (Aeerelease of elevato.controlis
not adequatefor recovery). ,
- 4) Rudder- FULL DEFLECTIONin the oppositedirectionto the rotation.
. 5) Rudder- NEIJTRALZE whenrotationitops andpositivecontrolandflfng speedis
restored.
6) NoseAftitude- RAISE smoothlyto levelflightaltitude.
7) Throule- only afterrecoveryfrom divingaltitude,thenasrequired.

Use thefollowirg procedures

for inveftedspins.

l) Thonle - CLOSED_
2) Ailerons- NEUTRAT POSITION.
3) Elevator- PoSITIVE REARWARDTo NEInRAL (treerelease ofelevatorcontrolis nor
adequatefor recovery).
4) Rudder- FULL DEFLECTIONin the oppositedirectiorto therotation.
5) Rudder- NEUTRAIZE whenrotationstopsandpositivecontrolandflying speed
is restored.
6) NoseAttitude- ITAISEsmoorhlyto normaiuprighilevelflightaltitude.
?) Throttle- only aller recoveryfrom divingahitude,thenasrJquired.

1VARNING

Duringthe spinrecovery,the airspeedwill buildveryrapidlywith a noselorv altitude.

lmoolh but,posrtrve recovery&om the diveiSimportantto avoidan overspeed condition.
Do.lot.usefull or abruptelevatorcontrolmou"rn"nt.ufta.,aaou"ryto avoid
secondary
stall-spin.

2 -8
AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
SECT]ON
tr
SI_]PERDECATHLON (8KCAB) EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

INT'LIGET OVERSTRESS

An inllightoverstresscanoccurifeitherairspeed and,/or
loadfactorlimitsareexceeded or ifcontrolsare
misusedAerobatics shouldbeterminated irnmediately. Fly at a reduced airspeed(70-g0Mprr) to a suitable
lar,tgilSpgin!: DO NOT underanycircumstances, makelargecontrolmovements or subjectthe aircrafrto
additional"g"_loadingsabovethat requiredfor straightandievelflight, andgentletums. Aaer landing,
the
aircra&shouldbeinspeaedfor damage by a qualifiedmechanic priir to the-next
flight.

EMERGENCY EXIT /BAIL OUT

l) Throhle- CLOSED.
2) Jettisonthe Door
frame_for
support.Divestraight outandslightlyaft ofthe wing struts.
:J
4J -Uj. lh: "19h 1"?r
userensldewhdow asaltemare exitifyou areunable to exitthroughthedoor. Forceforward
portionofwindowpaststopto openasalternate exitwindow.
5) Parachute- O-penimmediatelywhen_clear ofaircra&(preflightaadfamiliarizeyourselfwith operating
procedures ofthe pa.achute
beforetheflight).
2 - l0 (Blank)
AMERICAN CIiAMPION AIRCRATT
SI-PERDECATHLON(8KCAB) SECTIONIII
NOR]VL{LOPERATINGPROCEDIIRES

NOTE
AJIairspeeds
in thissectionareindicated
airspeeds
eAS),unlessstatedothe.wise
SECTIONItr AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
NOR.NtrAL
OPER.ATING
PROCEDT'RES SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)

PREFLIGHT INSPECTION

The followinginspectionshouldbe conductedprior to eachflight. The inspectionis brokendownby area;the

followingcirclednumbe$conelatewith thosepresented in Figure3-1.

Thischecklistempha5izes areas*of importance.Howeveqthe preflightinspectionshouldalsoconsistofa

thorough look at the aircraft for generalcondition altd airivorthiness.

@ cotitt

a) CabinDoor andRelease Mechanism - CHECKconditior\ security.

b) Flight Controls- CHECKfieedomof movement.
c) MagnetoaodElectricalSwitches- OFF(checkoperationoflights ifrequired andstallwaming
systemwith r€speqtiveswitchesOI.I).
d) Fuel QuantityGauge- CHECKquantity.
e) Fuel Shut-OffValve- ON.
D SeatBelts- CHECKCONDITIO\ SECURE rearbeltandhamess ifnot in use.
g) Emergency LocatorTransmitter- ARMED.
h) BeforeAerobatic Flights,RemoveLooseArticlesandEquipment - insurethe cabinis clean.

T
I

II
T- - -<t- ----_-+_ + - - - - - - ts- - - - l
i I

II I
I
I
L -- -+- -- -_ ___-| __1

@
@\

----+--J
8
1 -) FIGURE3 - 1 PREFLIGIII INSPECTION
AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAIT
strPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) SECTIONIII
NORMAL OPERATINGPROCEDI]ITES

@lanJ<)3 3
--
SECTION III AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAIT
NORIvIAL OPERATING PROCEDIIRES SUPERDECATI{LON (8KCAB)

PREFLIC ET INSPECTION (cont'd)

@ xight wng

a) Wing Root Fairingald Greenhouse Roof- CHECKsecure.

b) Aileron- CHECKconditiorl freedomofmovement,security.
c) Wing Tip andLight - CHECK condition.
d) During preflight inspectionperformedby pilot

1) Inspectthe Font andrearlA strutsfor straightness, dentsandotherdamage.

2) Checkstrut drain holesto insurethat they are not pluggedandthe struts do not containwater.
3) Ifeither ofthe aboveconditionsis found,contactar authorized aircraftmechanic to determine
aircraftairwonhiness

e) Tie-Down - REMOIIE.
f) Fuel - CHECK quantity, cap secure.

@ tgnt uan c.ut

a) Chocks- REMO\E.
b) Tires- CIIECK conditiorLinflation.
c) Brakes- CHECKcondition,leakage.
d) WheelFairing- CHECK conditiorl security.

/;\
g-/ --
Nose Sectron

a) Windshield- CHECK condition,cleanliness.

b) Oil - CHECKquantity,dip stick secure.
c) Fuel- DRAIN gascolatorandsamplefuelfor contamination
andcolor,CHECK leakage.
d) EngineCompartment - CHECK condition,leakage,etc.
e) CowlingandInspectionDoor - CIIECK conditioqsecurity.
f) Propellerand Spinner- CHECK conditior! security.
g) Air Filter - CHECK condition.
h) LaadingLight - CHECK condition.

@ L"8 M"in G"".' Sameasright marngear.

@ r.n wing
a) Sameasrightwing,in addition.
b) FuelVent- CHECKurobstructed.
c) StallWarningVane- CIIECKfreedomofmovement.
d) PitotTube- CHECKto insureit is unobstructed.
3 -4
 AMERICANCIIAMPIONA]RCRAFT SECTIONtr
sr.,?ERDECATHLON(8KCAB) NORMAL OPERATINGPROCEDIIRES

PRErLIGET INSPECfiON (cont'd,

(LeftSide)
@ Fuselage

a) Fabric- CHECK condition,oil, batteryacidleakage,etc.

b) Windows- CIIECK conditiorl cleanliness,conditionandsecuritv.
c) FuelBelly Drain - DRAIN, CHECK ard samplefuel for contamination
andcolor.
d) RadioAntenna(s)- CHECK secure

@ E*p"*ug"

a) HorizontalStabilizerandBraceWires- CHECK condition securiw.

b) VenicalStabilizerand Tail Light - CHECK condition.
c) Elevator,Trim Tab andRudder- CIIECK conditior
, d) Tail Wheel- CHECK condition,inflation.securitv.
e) Tie-Down- REMO\fE.

@ (RightSide)
Fuselage

a) Sameasfuselage
left side(nofueldrainon rishtside).

JLD WEATEEROPERATIONS

Thefollowingoperating
p.actices
arerecommended
for coldweatheroperations
(below20. F).
Engine.preheat(if aircraftis not kept in a heatedhangar):prior to starting,theenginecompartment
shouldbe
prehqted.
thoroughly shouldmoisturebepresentin theoil or b.eathersystentpreheatingwill assurethat iceis not
blockingjrassagesor lides.Thepreheat is bestaccomplished
with a largevoiumeofwarmair (200"F ,;;r;j
directed
intotheengine compartment tkough theoil access door. Thispreheat shoutat" ioif"-nffi
assure
thattheoil andbreathersystemcomponents havebeenthoroughlyheated.This "ontlnu"a
p..tr"utti,n'.,uitL6"
.
dependentuponthevolumeandtemperature ofthepreheat
air.
Careshould
betakenduringpreheatingthatthepreheataf is lol abayg200. F asmanycomponents
in theengine
mpartment or thecowlingmaybe damaged or scorched.
It is impoftantto usethe properviscosityengineoil andrun theenginesufficiently rongto bringthe engineoil
temperature andpressure to thenomal operating range.Undersomeexlreme*inter conditions, -oil
temp"eratuie
maynotindicateontheoil temperature gauge-untit
albome;it is veryimportantthat oil p."ttu." t" *itttin ii" gr."n
ar.c pnorto run-upandtakeofregardlessofoil tempe.ature.Thisis particularlyimportantastheDecathlonu;Lzes
thechtisteninvettedoil system.Thissystem hal extemaloil suppiylines.iold ;il will not circulate wellin cold
Iinesandotherengine parts,sotheflow ofoil from theenginesumjtLoughtheextemar hoses, andcomponents of
'r'' cldster systemwill be severely
impeded untiltheoii,theenjineanJal externalsyrt". punr .,u:..n-'"J up.
"t"
3- 5
SECTIONItr AMEzuCANCI{AMPIONAIRCRAFT
NORMALOPERATINGPROCEDLq.ES SLIPER
DECATHLON(8KCAB)

COLDWEATmR OPf,RATION(cont'd)

It is reconnerdedthat the25-houroil changeintervalbeobservedandthatthe oil ard breatherlines

be checked
for moistureacomulationduringtheoil change.It is alsorecommended thataninspeaionbemadefor moisture
accumulation at fiveto tenoperating
hourintervals.SeeSection\fII for maintenance
details.
BEFORESTARTING

1) SeatBelts/ Shoulder
Hamess
- FASTENEDandadjusted.
2) FuelShut-OtrValve- ON

3) Brakes- SET.

4) ElectricalSwitches- OFF.

5) CabinDoor- CLOSED(windowsasdesired).

6) FlightControls- CHECKfor freeandconectmovement.

7) Radios- OFF.

by-d-epressing
thebrakepedals
andpulingtheparkbrakeknoblocatedunderthefardght
::t.,::lTglt.:"::
sroeor tnernslrument
Danel.
SECTIONM AMERICAN CHAMPION A]RCRAF
NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES SIJ?ER DECATIILON (8KCAT

STARTING (cont'd)

Duringgroundoperatior!the mixtureshouldbeFLrLLRICH andthecarburetor/altemate air COLDto insure

goodenginecoolingandfilteredair. prolonged idlebelow1000RpM is not recommended
dueto plugfouring
andinsufficientcoolingair whenthe aircraftis not in motion.

WARNING

Do llot attemptto tum overand./orstalt theengineby handunless

. you havehadproperinstructionandexperience.If pullingthepropeller
though by handis,necessary, besurethemasterard magnetos arein the
OEFpositionandtherfuottleclosed.Havea pilotat thecontrolsand
chocMiedowntheaircraft.Whenpullingthjpropeller throughby hand,
treatit asifthe ignitionswitchis tumedorl. A looseor brokengroundwire
on eithermagneto couldcause theensine to 6re.
TAXI

Taxi operations duringhighwindsrequires the conventional useofthe 0ight controls.With a headwind or

quafierbghe3dwind,placethecontrolstickfull aft andinto thewind. with a ;ail v/indor qu"rt.Ang
tuif *ina, ur"
'\e oppositeprocedures'The useof thewheelbrakesin conjunction with the ruddeiwil assi'st tf,epiforii
.,raintaining
directionalcontrol.

-8
 AMERICAN CI{AMIIUN AIRCRAFT
SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)
SECTIONN
NORMAL OPERATINGPROCEDURE]

STARTING

l) AirplanePreflightInspection- COMPLETE.
2) CabinDoor - SECIJRED.
3) SeatBeltsandShoulderHamesses _FASTENEDandadjustedor STOWED.
4) FuelShut-Of Valve- ON.
5) Brakes- SET.
6) PropellerControl- FULL INCREASE.
7) AltemateAir - Cold.
8) Eleadcal andRadioSwitches- OFF.
9) MasterSwitch- ON.
10) EnginePrime(asrequired)
a) Mxture - zuLL RICE. ,
b) Throttle- 1/4to 1/2inch OPEN.
EleqigalFlel Pump- ON untilfuelpressureis indicated,
thenOFF.
, -- _ -c)
1l) Mxture - IDLE CUT-OFF.
12) Throttle- 1/2to I inchOPEN.
13) MagnetoSy/itches- BOTH ON.
14) InzurePropellerard PropellerBlastAreais CLEAR.
15) Stader- ENGAGq releaseafterenginefires.
I 6) Mxnrre - FULL RICH afterenginefires.
u) Thrcttle- 1000to 1200RPM
18) OilPressure - CHECK mustindicate pressure
within30 secondsmaximum.
19) ElectdcalandRadioSwitches- AS DESIRED.

wilt varywith eachengine

andtemperature
conditron.rf theengineis
:"-::::::L*?riming
no pnmersrequfed. v,,arm,
Iittetor
CAUTION
Do not overpdme
dueto theresulting
firehazard.
To clearanenginethathasbeenfloodeddueto excessive
priming,
proceed
asfollows:
1) ElectricalFuelPump- OFF.
2) Mixnrre- IDLE CUT-OFF.
3) Throttle- FULL OPEN.
4) MagnetoSwitches- OFF.
5) Starter- ENGAGEfor several
propeller
revolutions.
o,, Kepeatnormalstartrng
procedures
usingnoprime.

CAUTION
limit theuseolthe starterto 30 s€conds
duration
maxiJnum
with a two minutecoolingoffperiodbetween
eachstarterengagement.
3_?
 AMERICANCI{,{MPIONAIRCRAFT SECTIONII
SUPERDECATIILON(8KCAB) NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDUREI

BEFORE TAKEOTT'

U Brakes- SET.
2) FlightContols- CIIECKfreedomofmovemert,properoperation.
3) ElevatorTrim- SETtakeoffposition.
4) Flight Instrumenls/Radio(s)
- CHECKandSET.
5) CheckMasterSwitch- ON.
6) Fuel Shut-OtrValve- ON.
7) Mxture - FttLL RICH Qeanasrequiredfor highaltitude).
8) EngineInstruments - CHECKnormalindications.
9) EngineRun-Up- 1800RPM (ElevatorControl- FttLL BACK)
a) Magnetos- CHECK(175RpM maximumdrop,50RpM ma_dmum diferential)
retumbothswilches to ON.
b) Propeller- CHECKoperation (full decrease
untilRpM dropof300 to 5OO),
retumto highRPM position.
c) AltemateAir - CTIECKoperation thenretumto COLDposition
d) EngineInstruments- within greenarc
e) Ttuottle- 1000RPM
l0) ElectricalFuelPump-pN: : iF
1l) CabinDoor andWindows- CLOSEDandLATCIIED.
12) SeatBelts/ ShoulderHamess- FASTENEDandadiusted.

warm-upshould beconducted to roo0to 1200RpM. Highpoweroperation (above2200RpN4)andengine

-.,gfue
run-upshouldbemadeintothewindandkeptto a minimumespelaiyaurinjrugl t"tnpetutur" 1.t
shouldalsobeheldfull aftto prevertthepossibility
ofthe aircrafrnosingovei. Themagneto "onaition'r.
checkir "-r?i.t
igoo
RPM usingthe BorH-LEFr-BorH-RIGHT-BorH sequence.MarirnumRpM dropon eachmagneto "t
-n is not to
exceed175RPM andthedifferential betweenmagsshouldnot exceed50 RpM. rhe atte-ateair'andpropettei
cortrolsholldbechecked for operationat thistime. To checkpropcontrol,pull verniercontrolfromfuli in;a;;
RPMto full decreaseuntila 300to 500RpM dropis noted,thenietumto fu increase. auoiausmgat"-ai" ui.
o.rtheground. with thealtemate air selected,inductionair is notfilteredandabrasive
dirt particleJc"n .nr", t1.,"
.gne.

3-9
 sEcTioNm AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
NORIvfAL OPERATING PROCEDURES s{_r?ERDECATHLON (8KCAB)

TAKEOFF - NORMAL

l) Tkottle - FIILL OPEN applying smoothly.

2) EngineInstruments- CHECK normal indicationsand satisfactorytakeoFpower.
3) Anitude - RAISE TAIL.
4) Lift-Otr- s5 - 60 MPH.
5) Climb- 75 - 80 MPH.

Takeoffcharaaeristicsareconventionalfor tail-wheelaircraft. It is recommendedto raise the tail with the elevator

duringthe takeoff roll for better forward visibility anddirectionalcontrol. Transition into flight with a smoothbut
positive rotation. After lift-o{ allow aircraft to accelerateto desiresclimb speed.

CAUTION

Ort the gound in the level flight attitude, the wheelbrakesare very
sensitive.It is reconmended that directionalcontrolbe maintained
with the useof the rudderonly.

, Checkfi.rll-throtdeengineoperationeadyin the takeoffrun. Thetakeoffshouldbe discontinuedifthere are anysigns

ofrough engineoperationor sluggishengineacceleration.

During crosswind conditions,place the control stick into the wind (up wind aileron Up) and assumea tail hiu .
.. attitude with the elevatorto preventdrifting or prematurelift-off.

High altitudetakeoFsare accomplished

by usingthe normaltakeoffprocedures with the additionofleaningthe
mixhrrecontrolfor smoothengineoperationandallowingfor the effeitsofdensityaltitude.

3 - l0
AMERICAN C}IAMPION AIRCRAFI SECTIONII]
SI'PER DECAITILON (8KCAB) NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDI.]RES

TAKEOFF - OBSTACLE

DuringanobstacletakeoEusetheNorrnalTakeoft'procedures
with thefollowingexceptions
(referto Section
fV
distances):
for appropriate

1) Applytull powerrapidlybutsmoothly.
2) Accelerate (taildown)attitude.
in ttuee-point
3) Maintai!thefollowingspeeduntilclea.of5o ft. obstacle.

SuperDecarhlon---------58mphIAS

r WARNING

Theaircraftmustbepitchedforwardto a safepower-offspeed should

a powerfailureoccurduringclimb-out; failu.eto respond
immediately
mayresultin a stallat low altitude.

TAKEOIT'- SOFTFIELD

For softfieldtakeofi,usetheNormalTakeoffprocedures
with thefollowingexceptions:

Aftitude- TAIL LOWbutclearofgound.

z) Lift-Off- assoonaspossible.
3) After Lift-Otr- LE\€L FLIGH'I to obtainsafemaryinof ainpeedprior to climb.

WARNING

Goodpilotjudgement andexperience
arerequired
to deteminesuitability
ofa softfieldfor safetakeoffoperation.

Theaircraftwill lift-of at verylow IAS, however,

continued
climb-out
belowtakeoFobstacle sDeed is notrecommended.

Be $re to ac{ountfor theadditional

takeofroll anddistance resultingfromtheaddeddragof
to clearanobstacle
a soft field. Goodpilotjudgement is requiredto maketheseallowancesasit is not possibleto tabulatesuch
conections dueto theirlargevariabiliry.

3 - 11
 SECTIONItr AMEzuCAI{ CHAIVIPIONAjRCRAI T
NORMALOPERATINGPROCEDURES SUPERDECATHLON (SKCATI

CLIMB

l) Tkottle - FULL OPEN.

2) PropellerControl- FLILL INCREASE.
3) Mxture - leanonly asrequiredto maintainsrnoothengineoperation.
4) Airspeed- 75 - S0MPH.
5) ElectricFuelPump- OFF aftersafealtitudehasbeenobtained.

For maximumperformanceclimbs,use full throttle andthe following speeds.

Model Decatl on
(mphIAS)
Best Rate of Climb (Vy) 80
BestAngleof Clinb (VJ 58

fbest rateofclimb (or bestangleof climt) is not required,a climbspeedbetweenB0 and90

MpH will provide
g^"10^t::11j.1?.*Y(andengine
cooting
in awarmclimate).
Themixtureshouldb" tuX,i.hj I"- o;y
IO marntarn
smoothengmeoperation. ";;;;;;;

NOTE

Monitorfuelpressure
gaugewhenswitchingelectricfuelpumpoffto
insurecontinuous ,,inthegreen,with
fuelpressure electri;fuelpumpoE

3-12
AMERICANCIIAMPIONAIRCRAFT SECTTONIl
SI]PERDECATIiLON (8KCAB) NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDIJT,ES

CRI]ISE

l) Level-Of - TRIM,
2) Airspeed - ACCELERATE to desired
cruiseairspeed.
3) Power- SETto cruisepower.
4) Mixture - LEANwhen belowZ5olopower.

The fuel mixtureshouldbe reaned at anyaltitudewhenbelow75%of maximum power. Leanto peakEGTiI

equipped.Ifno EGT is installed,
leanuntilengineroughnessor lossofpoweris noiedthenbnrichuntitsmooth.

WARNING
Rangeandendu.ance informatio[is basedon a properlyleanedfuel
mixture.Failureto leanthefuelmixturewill increaieflrelconsumption
appreciably.

Continuous useof altemaleair duringcruisingflightdecreasesenginee€ficiency.Unlessconditions aresevergdo

notcruis€ with altemateairon. Whenselecting alternate
air,do soslowlyto thefull-onpositionandonlyfor a few
seconds at inten"lsto determineif icemayhavedeveloped on theairiniakefilter. rrrr b".utrrroni, noi ufp.u"a
for flightinto knownicingconditions.

ST'ALLS

Thest2llchalacteristics
ofthe Decathlon
arecolventional.For stallspeeds
at variousangles
ofbankireferto stall
speedtablein SectionfV.

WARNING

Stallaircraftonlyifsufiicientaltitudeexistsfor saferecovery.

3-13
 SECTIONItr AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
NORMAL OPERATINGPROCEDIIRES SIJ?ERDECATHLON(8KCAB)

AEROBATICS

The superDecathlonis certifiedin the Aerobaticcategory. Flying aerobaticsplacesa much greaterdemand

on the
pilot's ability, knowledgeofthe aircma andcu.rentregulations.The followinginformatio-n is providJ,"i"i"
aerobaticflying enjoyable,with the utmostemphasis on safety.However,the pilot shoulanot
unlesshe hasreceivedtraining by an instruaor qualifiedfor aerobaticinstruction. "it.rpt'"..ou.ii",

' FederalAviation Regularions (FARs)Pan 9l.71 speci$the airspaceand allirudesrequiredfor aerobaric

flieht.
Altitude may be the pilot's greatestsafetyAdor and shouldnoi be compromised.ilr. *;;;;;;;";;;
pataJhutesis specifiedin Part 91.15. It is stronglyrecommendedthat parachutesalwaysbe worn
dririrg .il"ri"ti.
flisht.

American^Champion Aircraft_Corporatiqn alsorecommends that pilotsutilizing aircraftfor aerobatics readthe

Advisorycirqiar 9t-48: Acrobatics- PrecisionFlyingwith A Purjrose.This advisory circluat p.ouioe"
i.,ror-uti.
to personswho are interestedin aerobaitcsto improvetheir piloting sk rs asrecreatio4 spon, o. u.
con,p"titi r"
, dysses Federal AviationRegulations p-ertaining
to aerobatic aircraftaiwonhi'""., "
;;id-"i;;;r;
i1l1,-tl!|
aerobaticinstructioqoperations andaerobatic fligtlt safety. r.
Know andrespettyour ai.plane'sstructurallimitations. The super Decathlonstructure is designed
to withstanda
.. maximumloadfactorof+6 G's and-5 G's at a maximumgrossweightof 1800lbs.

WARNING

Do not exceed+6.0,,g,,positiveloadfactoror _5.0.,g,,negativeload

factor. Do not perfom ierobaticsin turbulentair.

Never exc'eedthe aboveload fadors regardless

ofweight. Frying at reducedweights improvesperformance.Flyinq
above1800lbs.is not only prohibitedbut alsogreatiyincriasesthe changes of-ase;.rt *".'tr.."i"g ,"rrltilg ii
damageor possiblestructuralfailure.

Therearcenterofgravity (c.G.) limit is criticalfor aerobaticflight. This limit is specifiedh section

L Theflight
envelopein SectionV alsorefl€ctsthis change.r'or thisreaso4baggage is Nor a[ow"a auring fli;--
Also, all personalequiprnent
(cha.ts,flight computeletc.)shouidbilriperly secured ""Juti"

A personleamingto fly mustbe taughthow to do sosafely. The sameholds true for a pilot leaming
aerobatics.To
attemptan aerobaticmaneuverwith no prior aerobaticinst.uction is extremelydangerousand
NOi recommendei
Aerobaticflight placesa greaterdemandon both the pilot and aircraft. A thorough preflight
inspection/evaluation
for bothis consideredess€ffial.The pilot mrlstknow andabideby the limitatiorLsorlle aircr-atc
li, p"ir"""i
limitationsaswell Do rot do aerobaticsunlessyou arein good p-hysicar -i "*"
condition -- not wh"n you r,uu" hiogorf
a cold.orany-otherillness.Ifyou are not in goodcondition,your reactiontime is hcreased "
andyou. tole.aiceio
G-loadingis decreased'TheFAA ApprovedAirplaaeFlightManualhasinformahonconcernrng
. aerobaticlimits and
maleuversandshouldbe consulted.

3 -t 4
 AMERICAN CI{AMPION AF.CRAFT SECTIONIII
SIIPER DECATHLON (sKCAB) NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

AEROBAfiCS (cont'd)

Watch for othertrafic while doing aerobatics.Performa 90 degreeclearingtum in each direction before beginning,
checking for traffic all aroundthe airplane. SeePart 91 ofthe FederalAir Regulationsto. ui.spac"ii *hic?
aerobaticsareprohibited.

At the completionofthe flighg a post-flightinspeaionofthe aircraft shouldalso be conducted. Ifany discrepancies

or doubts exist that concernairworthiness,consulta mechanicprior to the next flight

Oil pressrreduringinvertedflightmaynormallybe 5 to l0 lbs.Iessthanthe.oiipressureduringnormalflight. During

the traluition &om normal to inverted.{light and aom invertedto normalflight, an oil.p.".sur" fluctua'iionmayli
indicatedon tle oil Ptessuregauge. This fluctuationis normally20-40psi andlastsaboutone secondafter*i,i;h
the normaloil pressureshouldbe maintai4ed.

Oil quantitiesin excessofnormal oil levelmaybe lostduringtheaerobaticsequence, but oncethe normallevelis

reached, oil lossesshouldbe small.The oil capacityis 8 quarts,but normaloil livel is berween6 and7 quans. Oil
shouldbe addedwhentle levelfallsbelow 6 quarts. Steepciimbing-dMngvertical attitudes or knife-edge'flight nuy
:seinterruptionofthe oil pressureand./orlossofoil tkough the breather.

It is importantto monitorthe oil pressureduringaerobatic

ilight. This is especiallyimportantwhenoperatingin
extremelycold weather. Inadequatewam-up ofthe oil systemcomponents could cauie impededoperationind
inadequateoil pressurein the invertedposition.

Extefided invenedflight or a sequenceof maneuvers involvinga largepercentof negative..g" maneuvers may

exhausltheinvertedfuel supply,causinglossoffuelpressureandpower. Atthefirstsigns offuel pressurelossor
gltess,assume normalflight whichwill assurenormalfuel flow andwill automatiaallyr;6ll the inverted
fffle.ou,

NOTE

Continuousinvertedflight at full powerwill exhaustinverted

fuel supplyin approximately two mioutes.Approximatelyone
minuteofpositive "g" conditionsis requiredto completely
refill the irverredfuel supply.
aJtw

. r- 1 5
 SECTIONItr AMERICAN CHAN4PIONAIRCRAFT
NORMAL OPERATINGPROCEDURES ST'PERDECATHLON(8KCAB)

AEROBATICS(cont'd)

WARNING
' Complete lossoffuelflow andpower,caused by depletion
of
invertedfuel supply,mayresultin an interruptionofpower for
up to 10seconds afterreturnto normalflight. AVOID THIS
CONDITIONTNLESSSUFFICIENTATTITTIDEINSURES
SAIE RESTART.

Th: approvedaerobaticmaleuversarepresentedi'r SectionI alollg with recommendedentry speeds.The followin^

informationandarestis)'rnbols are presented to assista properlytrainedaerobaticpilot pirform the maneuve.-
''shown.Th€ydo not includeall procedures necessary to properlycompletethe maneuverandshouldthereforenot
be usedin lieu ofappropriateaerobaticflight instructions.

Variationsor combinations ofthe approvedaerobaticmaneuvers

are alsoapprovedprovidedthe speedad loi,_
factorlimitationsarenot exceeded.

WARNING

Tail slidesandLomcevaks(tumblingmaneuvers)
areNOT AppROVED.
Do notattemptanyaerobatic maneuver
withoutproperinstruction
and
checkout.

'r1a

g :t

3 -1 6
 SECTIONIiI
AIGRICAN CHAI,PION AIRCR.AJT
SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) NORN{ALOPERATINGPROCEDIIRES

' 'IROBATICS (cont'd)

LOOP . NORMAL OR IN1ERTED (OUTSIDE)

* at the top ofthe loop shouldbe about

Enter the maneuvetat l4O mphuith about3.5 to 4 0 "g" loadfactor" SPeed
*
40-50 mph. Exit the loop with 3 5 to 4.0 "g' loadfactor.

IMMELMAN

Enterthemaneuver at l4Oto 145withabout4.0"g" * pullup. Speedat thetop shouldbe 55-65mph Perfom1/2

slowroll at thetoP.

IIAT4MERHEADTIJRN

at 140mphwith 4 o to 4.5"g" * pullup speedat thetop beforethetum (or pivot)shouid

F.ter themaneuver be
Exitwith4 0to4.5 "g" * pulloutandapproximately
jrt +O-SOrnptt. tto*On
,o,.
ol_
'rcj'
SNAPRoLL-NORMAL OR INVERTED (OUTSIDE)

speed
maneuvering
Enterwith powerat 90 mph.Do not usefull or abruptuseof flightcontrolsabove

BUNT
-..IGLISH
..9's',*. Exit maneuver
Ftrtef the maneuver increasing
at 60-70mphwith a steadily to -3.5to .4'0
push-over
mPh.
,..vertedat 140-150

VERTICAL I/2 SLOWROLL UP

at approximately
Entertheman€uver 160mPhusinga 4.0to 4 5 "g'* pullup CAUTION:FlightaboveVNo(160
to level{light'
CAS)in smoothair only. Exit with push-over
''rh
t SeeWARNINGPage3 - 19 3-17
 SECTIONItr .{\GRICAN CI{A]V{PIONA]RCRAFT
NORT'AL OPERAfiNG PROCEDI]RES SI'PERDECATHLON(SKCAB)

AEROBATICS (cont'd)

11ERTICALSLOW ROLL I}

Enterlhe mareuver'at l8o mptLusinga+4.5'g" * puflup. CAUTION: Flight abovevNo (160mph

cAS) in
,, smoothair only. Exit with pushoverto level flight.

-.
\ERTICAL.SLOWROLL DOWN

Enter_the
maneuver
at approximately
60 mphandpush-over
to verticaldown.Exirwith approximat
ely4.5"g",+
.and150mph.

SLOWORBARRELROLL

Fnterthemaneuver
at 120to 130mph.Do notusefullor abruptuseofflightcont.olsabovemaneuvering
speed.

OUTSIDELOOPFNTERIROM TIIE TOP)

Enter.tlemaneuve.
at6G70rnphwithsteadily
increasing push_over to -3.5to _4.0.,g" * at thebottomofthelooD.
speedatthebottomshouldbeapproximatery
140mph.continue-3.5to -4.0,,g" p'urr'' tn o"gr,m" uoito. oiid"
loop. Steadily
decrease loadfactorto I ;g,' at thetop oftheloop. -
negatfu€

HORIZONTALEIG}II INSDE-OUTSIDE

Enterthefusthalfofthemareuver
at 140mphwithabout+4.0' g" ' pullup. Enterthesecond
halfofthemaneuver
fromabout140mphwith a -3.5!o -4.0,,g"* negative
loadfactor.

IIAMMERHEAD TTIRN(INI'ERTED ENTRYAND E)CT)

Enterthenureuverat about140mDhwith a-3.5to -4.0"g ' push.Thespeedat thetop beforetheturn(or pivot)

is approximately
40-50mph.Exit 1iomverticaldownwiti -i.5 to +O ;g; ip.rt, to fevelflightinveted.
* SeeWARNINGPage3 19.
-
J -16
 AMERICAN CIIAMPION {RCRAFT
SECTIONII
SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDIJRJJ
I

IROBATICS (cont,d)

NORMAL SPINS

Enterfromnormal $an'powerofwith full aft stickandfull rudde.in desired directionofspin:,Maintainspinwitl

full pro spircontroluntil l/4 to 1/z spinpriorto recovery
heading.Recover.with pirsitiu".,nou"."ntoi'rtirt i"
neutralpositionandfirll opposite rudder:Hold pro recoverycontioluntilrotationitopsandpositive
flyingspeedis restored.Thenneutralize controiani
-Fr*
rudderandsmootly recolerfromthe.dive*L.r"*inigii.
ofcont'olsis neradequate fo. spinrecovery.positivemovement ' .''--"
,.i#
of thecontrirls.by,trt"
pirotr riquir"a.

WARNING

Spinaircraftonlyif sufficient
altitudeexistsfor saferecovery

T'VIIERTEDSPINS

Enter-trlm invertedstallpoweroffwith full forwardstickandfull rudder.in

thedirectionof desired
withfullprospincontrols spin.Maintain
untill/4 to 1/2tum priorto recovery
heading.Recoverwith positivemovement
+^neutralpositionandfull oppositerudder Hold pro-recovery ofstick
controlsi.rntilrotationstopr una.potitiu"
speedis restored.Thenneukalizenrddeiandsmooihly "oitroi-J
recover.fomdive!.tolevelnigfrr f-"i"i""r.
-ing
controlsis lett adequatefor spinrecovery. positivemovemeni ofthe controlsby thepitotis rlquirea. "f

iWARNING

Do not applyfull or abruptuseof0ightcontrolsabovemaneuverine

speed.properuseandapplication ofcontrolsandmaneuvering loai
faato.sarees-sentialto speedcontrol.Improperand/orinadeqiate
application ofmane-uvering loadfactorsmayresultin rapidspeedbuildup
resultingin unsafeflightsituations.

\ESCENT

1) Mixture- FULL RICH.

2) Tkottle - REDUCEasdesired.
3) Airspeed - AS DESIRED.

Tle descent
should bemadelvithenoughpowerto maintaincylinderheadoil temperatures
in greenarc. Ifpossible,
avoidwindmilling
theenginewith thepropellerby reducing
airspeedor increasrng
power.

3- 19
SECTIONItr AMERICAN CTIAMPION AIRCRATT
NORMAL OPERATINGPROCEDI'RES SUPERDECATI]LON (8KCAB)

LANDtr{G.NORMAL

l) Seatard ShoulderHamess - FASTENED.

2) Propeller- F(JLL ircrease.
3) Mxture - RICH.
,4) Electdc Fuel Purip - ON.
5) Brakes - CHECK FIRM (Park Brake - OFF)
6) ApproachAirsPeed- 70-75MPH.
Throttle - as necessaryfor desiredglide path.
8j Affer Touchdown - Power O{, brake as required.
9) ElectdcSuelPurnP- OFF.

areconventisnalfor a tail-wheelairplane.Either wheel landingsor full stalls (3 poin'

, Aircraft landingcharacteristics
arepermissibli.Duringgustywind conditions,increase airspeedapproximately 5 mphabovenormal'

As a generalrule, it is good practiceto contactthe g.ound at a minimumsafespeedconsistentwith existing.

condiiions. In calm or light wind conditionsand in short and/orsoft field conditions,a fulI stall landing'
.recommended. In a full stalllanding,the flale or tound-outshouldbe madewith powerofl A three-poiltlanding
attitudeshouldbe heldjustabovethe groundwhile increasing on the stick asairspeeddropsuntii
the backpressure
the stickis in the full aft positionat the time oftouchdown.Brakeasnecessary'

In highgustywind or whena crosswindexists,a wheel landingis recommended,precededby an approachof abor

just abovethe grounL
zs tJso mptr. The flareis madewith slightpower (900-1200RPN.f)to a level flight attitude
Contact with the ground is madeon the main landing gear. At the time of contact, the stick is brought slightly
forwardofneutra.l io holdthe airplane6nnly on the gound in a tail up attitude.As speeddecreases, lowef thetail
slowlyto the grould andthenhold full ai stick. Brake asnecessary.During crosswindaonditions,maintaincross-
confiol correctionsby usingthe rudderto maintainrunwayheadingand the aileronsto corect for wind ddft
tkoughout the landingflareandroll-out.

cAufioN
untilafterthetailwheel
Theuseofwheelbrakesis notrccornrnended
is in contactwith theground.Formaximum
braking,thecontrolstick
shouldbeFL{-L AFT.
 AMERICAN CI MPION AIRCRAFT SECTION
III
sLrPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) NORNL{L OPERATINGPROCEDURES

- \NDING - OBSTACLE / SHORT FIXLD

UseNormalLandingprocedureswith the followingadditions

l) ApproachAirspeed- 60 MPH SuperDecathlon

2) Thottle - AS DESIRED to codtrol.ate ofdescent.

IVARNING
' A-relatively
highrateofdescentis possible
in thisconfguiation,
whenat full grossweightandthetbrottleclosed.Ifairspeedis
allowedto decreassbelowtheapproach speeds showrllanding
flarecanonlybe assuredwithanapplication ofpower.

3) Slipaircraftasnecessary to increase
rateofdescent.
.., Touchdown in full stallthree-pointattirudewith stickfull back.
5) Brakeasrequired.

WARNING

As speeddecreases;
brakingmustbe moderated
to preventpossible
nose_over.

I.ANDING - SOFT FIELD

UseNormalLandingprocedurewith the followingadditions:

,,/ Approach- UseNormal or ObstacleLandingprocedure.

2) Flare_tothee-point landingattitudeandaddsmallamountofpower.
3) Touchdownin full stalltkee-point attitudewith stickfull baci.
/\ Usepowerto assistin maifltainingtail - Iow attitude.

WARNING

G^oodpilotjud€ementandexperience arerequiredto determinesuitability

ofa soft field for saGlandingope.ation

3 -21
 SECTIONtrI AMERICAN CII-AMPION AIRCRAFI
NORMAL OPERATINGPROCEDURES SUPERDECATHLON (SKCAB)

SEUTDOWN

l) Brakes- SET.
z, !.leqncar Equlpment- ulb.
3) I\dxture - IDLE Ctn-OFF.
4) Magnetos^4aster Switch- OFF afterpropelle.stops.
5) Conkols- SECIIREwith lap belt aroundforwardiontrol stickonly.
6) Wheels- CHOCKED.
7) Wing/Tail Tie Downs - SECIJRE.

Beforeengineshutdowr!tum oft'alrradioequipment andotherelectricar equipment.The engineis shutdownbv

closingthe tkottle andpullingthe mixturecontrolfull at to theidle cut-ofl iier the e"g,,"""r;op;,
;-; #;;
masterswitchandbothmagnetos.

NOTE

Ifhigh windsareanticipated, the aircrafrshouldbe hangared.Ifthe

aircraftmustbe left out, parkinto rhewind anduseadditionaltie down
ropesfor security.Securetheforwardcontrolstickwith the lap beit.

GROUND EANDLING

The superDecathlonis easilyhandredon the groundby usingthe handreon the lower right
sideofthe fuseiage
just forwardofthetail section.The tair canbe riftedandtheairprane canbe pushed,pulledandtumedftom iiris
position Tie-downringsareprovidedundereachwing on the mainwingstrut.
- Theiial is by tieingt-n"
rope or chainthroughthetail wheelunit. The aireronandelevatorscan6e lockedby securing ""cur"d
the seatbert"
aroundtheteot controlstickin a fi.rrlaft position.Groundhandrers shourdspecificaryavoiipushing or pulling
on propellerspinner,propelle.tips,wing struts,fuselagestringers
or tail surfaces.

WARNING

DO NOT pushor pull on wing strutsto moveaircraft.Strutscanbe

darnaged
by improperhandling.

3-22
AMEzuCAN CIIA,VPION AIRCRAIT SECTION I\i
SIIPER DECATHLON (8KCAB) FLIGHT PERFORN{ANCE

SECTIONIV

FLIGHT PERFORMANCE

INDEX

GENERAL.."..__.,_.... ...................-........,........ 4_1

AIRSpEED cArIgRATioN......................... ..._.....""......................, q_z
s TA tL S P E E D S .... . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4._. .2. . . . . ...
TA K E O FFD IS TA N CE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
. .-. 3. . . . . ....._ .........
Tn4E,FUELAND DISTANCE TO CLRIB................................ 4-4
cRursEPERFORMANCE..................................,................,....... 4-5
CRUISEPERFORMANCE CONI................ ............................... 4_6
LA N D IN GD IS TA N CE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................4 -

GENERAI,
ais datais to info.mthepilotwhathecanexpectfrom
theaircraftinthewayofperformancd
andto assist
in
, -0ightplanrLing.

Flightperformancedatais includedfor the SuperDecathlon (8KCAB). Thedatahasbeencompiled fromboth

estimatedcalculations
andactualllight testusingaverage .rvithanaircraft engine good
pilotingtechniques, and in
operatirgconditions.All information
is conectedfof standardatmospheric
conditions.

Performance mayvaIy fiom thegivendatadueto the manypossible variables present with a specificaircraftand
fliqhtcondition.Thepilot is theiforeencouraged
to maintaina personalflight log for his aircraft. Thiswill notonly
, Tidemoreaccurate Preflightplanninginformation for futureflights,but alsocanbe usedasan indicator in
determining thegeneralconditionofa Danicular aircraft.

WARNIIIG

Thismanualincludes theperfo.mance datafor theSuperDecatlon.

It is thepilot'sresponsibility
to insurethatthecorrectperformance
chartis used.

4- l
 SECTION TV AMERICAN CI]AMPION AIRCRAFI
FLiGIIT PERFORMANCE SIJPERDECATIILON (8KCABJ

AIRSPEEb CALIBR{TION

cAs IAS
(mph) (mph)
60 60
70 70
80 80
90 90
100 100
120 r20
t4 0 t4l
t60 163
180 184
200 206

'
NOres
l. Assumes
zero instmmente|Tor.
"2. Maximunigtossweightof 1800lbs. at the forwardC.G.Limit.

STALL SPEEDS

CAS(mph)
Model
Arg.leof Bank
0' 20' 30' 40"
SuperDecatton 53 55 6t '15

NOTF q

1. Grossweightof t8OOlbs.
2. Power off

4-2
SECTION IV AMERICAN CIIAMPJONAIRCRAFT
FLIGM PERFORIIIANCE SI'PER DECATHLON(8KCAB)

TAKEOFFDISTANCE

coNDmoNs
1. Level,Hard Surface,Dry Runway.
2. Zero llIvrd.
3. AircraftLoadedto 1800Lbs.

PILOTTECHMOUE: Referro "TAKEOFF- OBSTACLE

' in SecionItr.

l. )Deeo at Lm-uII - )u mDnlA:.

2. Speedat 50 Feet - 58 n];h IAS.
WARNING

Theaircraftmustbepitchedforwardto a safepoweroffspeed,should
a powerfailureoccurduringciimb-out;failurcto respond
immediately
mayresultin a stallat low altitude.

Distance(Ft.)
Pressure 0 'c l0'c 20' c 30'c 40"c
Aititude
Ft. Ground Total Ground Total Ground Total Ground Total Ground Total
Run To Run To Run To Run To Run To
Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear
50' 50' 50' 50' 50,
0 456 833 481 879 508 928 533 9"15 5 59 1021
1000 485 886 512 935 540 987 567 1036 594 1087
2000 520 951 550 1005 578 1057 608 11:12 6 39 I1 6 9
3000 561 1026 s91 1 081 I 141 657 1201 688 1258
4000 602 I 101 635 1161 670 1224 704 1287 740 1354
5000 652 1192 690 t26l 11< 1326 762 1394 802 1466
6000 708 t294 1363 781 1438 828 1514 669 1588

NOTFS

l. Data presentedi[ this tablerepresents maximumairplanecapabilitvat speedsshownaad recuiresaircraftin

goodooeratingconditionanda oroficientoilot.
2. Decreas€distance20Tofor eaci l0 mphof headwind.
3. This datadoesnot considerthe effeas oitakeoff&om soft ard/or grassfields and takeoffwith tail wind. Takeoff
performanceundertheseconditions varyslrbstq4ially.Goodpilotjudgementmustbe usedund all conditions
to insuresafeoperation.
4- 3
 AMERICAN CIiA.MPION A]RCRAFT
SUPERDECATTTLoN (8KCAB) SECTIONIV
FLIG}N PERFORI!{ANCE
TIMI, FIIEL AN,DDISTANCE TO CLIMB

COND]TIONS

1. StandardTemperature.
2- Aircmft tr-oadedto Goss Weightof l8OoLbs.
3. Full Tkottle, 2700RPM.
.

ruOryrygal.lg; to.CLIMB',
Refer inSection
III.
l. MaximumRate of Climb.
2. LeanOrilyasRequiredto MaintainSmoothEngineOperation.

From SeaLevel
Pressure I Statdard Climb Rateof
Altitude I Temp CIimb
(ft) | <'cj (nph-IAs) Time
I Fuel I Distance
(min) | (eal) | Gm)
0 15 80 t230 0 1.0 0
1000 l3 80 I160 I
2000 t.2 I
ll 79 1090 2
3000 9 2
79 \020 3 1.7
4000 7 4
78 940 4 1.9
5000 5 5
78 880 5 2.2 '7
6000 3 77 790 6 8
7000 I 77 730 7 2.'I l0
8000 -l 76 660 9 3.0 12
9000 -3 75 590 l0 3.3 t4
10000 520 12 3.7 17
I 1000 -7 74 440 t4 4.0 20
12000 -9 74 370 t7 4.5
r3000 -l I 73 300 20 5.0 28
14000 -13 73 230 23 5,6
15000 '72 t60 29 6.4

Data,presented
ir thistablerepresentsmaxirnum airprane
capabirity
at speeds
shownandrequires
aircraftin
egodoper{lngcond
2 . llstancessho*rrarebased onzerowind.
3 . Allow one.gailonfuelfor enginesran,raxi andtakeoff
uecreasedlstancefor headwind or increasedistancefor
tail wind with the followmgIncrement:
Time(min/60x wind component in the directionofflight (mphj.

4-4
 SECTIONT\/ AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRATT
FLIGHT PERFORMANCE SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)
CRUISE IERFORMANCE
CO\D]TIONS

,. StandardTemperature.
2. All figuresbasedon grossweightof 1800lbs.
3. Maximurncruiseis normallylimitedto TSo/o poweL
4. AIl fuel consumptionestimatesarebasedo'' therecommend
leanmim.rre(seeSectionIrI) whenat
or below75%poiverandfull richabove75%power.
% RPM MP, TAS GPH
POWER MPH
2500F1
85 2600 151
80 24.1 147 12.0
23.0 t44.
21.8 .139 9.3
20.6
60 I9.5 8.3
85 2500 25.9 ls l
80 24.7 147 I1.8
15 23.5 144 9.6
70 22.3 I39 9.1
2t.l 8.7
60 t9.9 131 8.1
85 I5l 12.2
80 25.2
75 24.0 9.5
70 8.9
<191
,, rK?
60 't;;- 8.0
5000Fr
80 26AA 23.6 l5 l 12.0
22.4 14'7
70 21.3 143
20.1 139 8.8
60 18.9 t34 8.3
t1.1 128
80 2500 24.1 151 r1 . 8
22.9 t47
10 21.1 143 9.1
20.5 139 4.7
60 19.3 t34 8.1
l8 . l t28 1.7
80 (t4A' 24.9 t5l l1 . 5
23.6 t41
70 22.3 143 8.9
(6,.) , <ti!) t3? 8.5
60 19.8 134 8.0
18.5 tza
NvfE
Speedsshownbasedon aircraftwith optionalstrutlairingsandstreanJined
tail wires. Reducefiguresshowa\y
2% for aircraftnot so equipped.
 SECTION IV A.IVERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
FLIGI{I PERFORIVL{NCE SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)

CRUISE PXRFORMANCE (cont, d)

o/o
RPM T4P, TAS GPH
POWER MPH
7500It.
80 26U) 23.4 154 12.0
2t. 8 l5 l
70 20.6 146 9.3
19.5 8.8
60 18.4 8.3
55 \7.2 131 '7.9
80 2500 23.6 I1.8
75 22.4 9.6
70 2t.2 146 9.1
20.0 8.7
60 18.7 8.1
7.7
80 24cn 24.3 154 I1.5
75 23.0 t5l 9.5
70 21 . 8 t46 8.9
20.5 l4t 8.5
60 19.2 8.0
18.0
I0,000Fr
26W 20.2 150 9.3
19.0 145 8.8
60 17.8 139 8.3
55 t6.1 7.9
50 125
70 2500 20.6 150 9.1
19.4 145 8.7
60 18.2 139 8.t
17.0 1.7
50 I5.8 r25 7.2
-t0 2400 21.2 150 8.9
20.0 145 8.5
60 18.7 :;r 139 8.0
55 t7.4 133
50 125 7.1

NOTF

Speeds shownbaseson aircraftwith optionalstrutfairingsandstreamrines

taii wires. Redeucefiguresshownby
2% for aircraft not so equipped.

t- 6
AMERICAN CI]ANTPION AIRCRAFT SECTIONIV
DECATHLON (8KCAB)
STJPER F'IGI{T PERFORI,L{NCE

I-ANDING DISTANCE

. /NDITIONS

l. Level,Hard surface,dry runway.

2. Zercwtnd.
3. Aircra$loadedtd 1800lbs.

PILOTTECHMOIIE: Refe.to 'IANDING-OBSTACLE/SI{ORT

FIELD" in Sectionm.

1, ApproachSpeed- 60 rnph-IASSuperDecathlon
2. Throttle- as requiredto controldescentrate.
3. Maximum braking.

WARNING

A relativelyhigh rateofdescentis possiblein this configurationlvhen

at full grossweightandthe thonle closed.Ifairspeedis allowedto
decrease belowthe approachspeedsshow4 landingflare canonly be
assuredwith an applicationofpower.

Distance
0'c r0'c 20'c 30"c 40'c
Ptessure
Altitude Ground Total Ground Total Ground Total Ground Total G'ound Total
Ft. Roll To Roll To Roll To Roll To Roll To
Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear
50' 50' 50' 50' 50'
0 413 to23 1042 428 1060. 435 1078 1095
.- i
1000 1,042 428 106 0 1080 1097 450 1114
2000 429 ta62 108 1 1099 452 lllS 459 lt37
3000 1081 445 I10 0 453 1120 460 1140 468 1157
4000 445 1102 453 tt20 461 1141 469 1160 476 1.1.'79
5000 453 tt22 114 3 4't0 1162 478 1182 486 1202
6000 462 1143 410 1164 479 1185 48'1 1205 495 1225

NOTES

1. Data presentedin this tablerepresents

maximumaimlanecapabilityat speedsshownandreouiresaitcraftin
eood operatingconditionanda proficientpilot .
2. Decreasethe distancesho*n by 20% for each10 mphofheadwind.
AN{ERICANCI{AMPION AIRCRAFT SECTIONV
DECATHLON (8KCAB)
SI-TIPER WEIGITT AND BALANCE

SECTIONV

WEIGHT AND BALANCE

INDEX

GE N E R A L ...-..-....... 5- 1.....
.....,.- - ..- ,..,....- ....-
s-2
LOADING PROCEpURES...................................................
SAMPLELOADL\G PROBLEM................ 5-3
.........................
LOADING GRAPH 5-4
.............-.................
s-5
FLIGl{r ENIaELOPE(S).......................................................

GENERAL

It is the pilot's responsibilityto insure that the aircraftis loadedproperlyand within the weight andbalance
limitations.All flight performance, proceduresandcharacteristics arebasedon this prerequisire.

i, ,he aircraft is to be usedfor aerobaticflight, it mustbe loadedwithin the approvedilight envelope.Therear

center-of-gravity limit is consideredcriticai. In additiorrno baggageis allowed.

Thegrossweightlimit is the samefor both normalandacrobaticcategory.The importanceofthis limit cannotbe

over emphasized especiallywhen performingaerobatics.Subjectingthe aircraftto the maximumapprovedload
factor limitsin an overgrossconditionmayresultin damageor completestructu.alfailureofthe airframe.

The acnrallicensed emptyweightard centerofgfavity (C.G.) ofa specificeaircraftcanbe foundin Seaion4 ofthe
airctaft empty weight and C.G. after the time
- \ ApprovedAirplane!.light Manual. All additional changesto the
of manufacturemust alsobe attachedto Section4 ofthe flight manual.From this informationandthe following
instructioos,the pilot can€asilydeterminethe "UsefulLoad' andproperloadingdistributionior theaircraft.

. ,adinggraphandflight envelopeis given in this sectionand in Section4 ofthe FAA ApProvedFlight Manualas
an aid to weightaadbalancecalculation.
 SECTIONV AMERJCAN CHAMPION AIRCRA.FT
WEIGIII AND BALANCE
SLJPERDECATHLON (sKCAB)

LOADING PROCEDI'RE

1. Detemine from the Weightard BalarceSheet,in the aircraftfile, the,.LicensedEmptyWeightaadMornent,,

(in lbs.). Enterthesefiguresunder,.yourAirpland,,ofthe Sampie
toading lroblem, iigurei-i.

2 Fulloil capacitycer beassumed

for all flights.For easeof fttu.e roadingcomputarions,.
the new. Emptyweigit
-andMo;ientWithOil"shouldbedeterninedandenteredintheSu-i"iouo,ngrroolemuncle...you.
Airplanel.

3. UJing-the.IoadingGrapb Figure.5-?,determine
theweightaadthemomentofthe followingitemsandenter
thesefgures on the SampleLoadingp.oblem.
a) Piiot
b) RearPassenger
, c) Wing Fuel - 40 Gals.MaximumUseable@ 6 Lbs./Gal.
d) Baggage- IOOLbs. Maxirnum(NormalC-aregory Only).
._
a. Add the '?ircraft Emptyweight andMomentwith oil,' and
all theitemsir step 3 to deteminethe,.cross
Takeoff Weight arrdMoment',.
-
5 using the FlightEnvelope,Figures5-3,deterrnine
thatthegrosstakeoft'weightandmomentarewithinlimits.

,. WARNING

Ifthe aircrai is not within theapprovedflight envelopelimits,it mustbe reloaded.

unoer no crcumstances shouldthe aircrafrbe flownwith an out of iimitsconditiorL
particularlyif aerobaticflight is contemplaled.

) -l
AMERICAN CII,{MPION AIRCRAFT SECTIONV
SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) WEIGI{T AND BAIANCE

SAMPLELOADING PROBLEM
SAMPLEAIRPLANE YOUR A]RPLANE
ITEM
WEIGI{T MOMENT WEIGI{T MOMEIIT
(lb$ (in-lbs) ' 0bo (in-lbs)

EmptyWeight
l) Licensed tz'10 1?851

Oil-8qts@ 7.5lbvgals +15 -543

2) LicensedEmpfy Weight & 1285 17308

Momert with Oil
Pilot ' 190 3025

Rear Passenger 1 90 8500

WingFuel40 GalsMax @ r20 1 1?5

6 lbvgal (20 gai)

Baggage-l0OlbsMax -0- -0-

fNormalCategoryOnly)
&
a) GrossTakeoffWeight 178 5 31958
.omeot

NOTE: 1) UseFigwe5-2loadinggaph to etetmine moment.

2) To de;rrnine TakeofCenter of Gravity aft of datum),dMde the GrossTakeoff
(inches
Momentby the GrossTakeotrWeight.CenterofGravityLimitsarelistedin Sectionl'
3) Theabovesampleproblernis loadedfor aerobatic andassumes
flightconditions a 170
poundpilot andpassengetwith parachutes

FIGURE5-I SAM?LELOADINGPROBLEM
 SECTIONV AMERICAN CI]AMPION AIRCRAFI
WEIGITT AND BALANCE SUPERDECATT{LON (8KCAB)

>
:-
300
t

250 oe
..\
(n
200
;r'-
'/
a v ^/
n
(

F I
I // J
150
ii
= , /

I
7/ K
10 0 2C
//t B(
I 4' MOMENTDIAGRAM
/.,
.'..
o \ 2- 1
MO M E NT

FIGURE5-2 LOADINGGMPH

t- 4
AJVERICA}i CIIAI,EION AN.CRA}'T
SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) SECTIONV
WEIGI{T AND BAIANCE

1a o o

1700
(D
J
I 1600
F

15 0 0
tr
-
3
A I RPLANE LOAOING
14 0 0
ENVELOPE

1J O o

1 2 AO
10
'2 s
M O M E NT
- 1 O O OI N L B

FIGtnE 5-3 SUPERDECATIILONWEIGIII andBAIANCE

FLIGIIT EN\ELOPE
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT SECTiON VI
SIjPERDECATI{LON (8KCAB) ,{rRCP.AFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

SECTIONVI

AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEMDESCRIPTION

SECTION VI A.MERICAN CI]AMPION AIRCRAFT
AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION SI,rPERDECATHLON (8KCAB)

GENERAL

TheSuperDecathlon is a singleenginetandem
two place,strutbracedhighwing airplane.Thefuselageis a welded
ste€ltubeframea.qdthe wing is constructed
fromformedaluminumdbs andspars.The air&ameis coveredwith
Dacron.

ENGINX/PROPELLER

The engineis a Lycomingnormallyaspirated, directdrive,ai cooled,horizontallyopposed,four-cylinder engine.

The engineoil systemdift'ersfiom a conventionalwet sumpq?e in that its designprovides fof both nomraland
invertedoperations.SeeFigure6-l for the systemschematic anddetailedoperationaliaformation.

rhe l{artzell propelleron the SuperDecathlonis a counterweightedconstantspeedpropeller. The counterweights

provide a fail safefeature causingthe propellerto go to low RP\{ if_gi.!p19_s-sy-_q.9
is !o1L This protectsagainsta
possibleoverspeed condition.A venierpropellercontrolis locatedat the left sideofthe instrumentpanel.

TEROTILE CONTROL

The throtdecontrolis in a quadranton the left sideofthe cabinwith front andrearthrottlesinterconnected.

AITERNATE AIR CONTROL

This controlis locateddirectlybelowthe thJottle.Altematehot air is providedby pullingthe conirolkrob to the

rear. EKendeduseof altemateair is not recommended asthis air is not filtered.

MXTT'RX CONTROL

Thiscontrolis locatedon theleft sideoftheinstrument

panel.To leanthemixture(at75%poweror below),puli
thecontrolawayfromthepaaelasrequired.Pullingthemixturecontrolall theway out, providesthefuelcutoffto
theengine.
;a-
ELECTRTCFOf,L PI'NI? CONTROL

Theswitchfor theelectricfuelpumpis located

onthecontrolpanelnexltto themixturecontrol.

6- 2
AMERICANCIiAMPIONAIRCRAFT SECTIONV
SUPERDECATTILON(8KCAB) AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEMDESCNPTION

qATTERY

The SuperDecathlonhasa
Thebatteryis locatedbehindthebaggage
companment. - '

Thebatterymustbeinspected frequently andserviced

whentheaircraftis beingusedfor aerobatics in accordance
with instructionsin SectionMI of this manua.l.

ALTERNATOR

The 60 ampaltematorprovideschargingcurrentandhassufficientcapacityto operateall electricalequilment

..ithoutbatterydrain.Duringinvertedflight,thecharging by a mercuryswitch.
circuitis disconnected

O\IER VOLTAGE CONTROL

electdcal
,-,e airplane is protected
system Aomsurgeby anovervoltagecontrolwhichis mountedon thetopright
sideofthefirewall.

VOLTAGE REGIJLATOR

Altematoroutputis controlled
by thevoltageregulator.Thisregulaton thealtematorcircuitagainst
also.protects
overloadandshouldbeadjusted onlyby a qualified
mechanic.

ELECTRICAI. PANEL

(exceptthestarterandtheelectricfuelpumpswitch),areontheelectrical
switches
Atl elestdcal panellocated
on
" upperleftsideofthe cabin.

MASTER SWITCE

r 4emasterswitchis ootheelectricalpanelandactivatesthe oaster switchsolenoidv/hichconiectsthebatteryand

alternatorto the restofthe electdcalsystem.Electricalequipment will not operatewith the masterswitchoff;
however,theenginewill runwith themasterswitchoffsirceignitionis providedby themagnetos.
SECTION1'I AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFI
AIRCRAFTAND SYSTEMDESCRIPTION SI,?ER DECATHLON (8KCAB)

IGMTION SWITCEES

Ignitionswitchesfor the left andright magnetos

areto the right ofthe masterswitch. Sinceigaitionis provided
by the magnetos,the ignition switchesmustbe on to operatethe engine.

EQIJIPMENT SWMCEES

Switchesfor operationofstandardelectricalequipment
- navigationat
iights,landinglight andoptionalequipment
areto theleft:ofthe masterswitch.

STARTERSWTTCE

A pushbutto[ switcblocatedon thecontrolpanel,operates

the electricalsta.te!. The masterswitchmustbe on to
rh. .t,flcr
^^-"r.

AMMETER

Theafiunetermeasures currentto or fromthebattery.A lo.mal condition

is indicated
by a zeroreading
or a plus
readingon the arntneter.A negativereadingindicatesa cun"entdrawfiom thebatterywhichcanresultfrom an
overloadedsystemor a faulty chargingsystem.

SXATS

Frontandrearseatsareweldedsteeltubeconst.octionwith .emoveable cushionsto pem.ittheuseofparachutes.

Thefrortse3tis adjustable
foreandaft. Theadjustmentcontrolknobis locatedonthefightunderside oftheseat.
shouldbemadebeforetaxi or takeoffasnecessary
Adjustrnents to insurefull andcomfortableaccess aU
to required
^o rcls.

6- 4
AMERICANC1IAMPIONAIRCRAFI SECTION\,I
DECATHLON(8KCAB)
sr_']"ER A]RCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

lrR{KES

I{ydrauiic bnkes are provided for both front and rear seats. A parkingbrake control is also provided. To ope.ate
the parkingbrakq depres the brakepedalsandpull out the control locatedunder the far right side ofthe instrument
panel. To releasethe.parkingbrake,pushthe cont.olall the way in.

C.ABD{ DOOR

The SuperDecatlrlonis equippedwith a cabindoor which,canbejettisoned,.ifneiessa.y:t

The door is secured
by a
latch at the rearedgeand a latchon the top andforwardedge.
lock-equipped

TLe emergency
door releasehandleis nearthe forwardedgeofthe door.

To jettisonthe cabindoor:

1 To operatethe doo.jettisol handle,pull the red ring 6rmlyto removethe safetylocking pin, then
pull the red handleaft andup as possible.This removesthe door hingepins.

2. Pushor kick the door Aeeofthe aircraft.

NOTE

If necessary,emergency exitmaybemade&omtheleft sideofthe

aircraftby openingthe Ieft sidewindowaadforcingit pastits hirge
strapby pushinghardon forwardwindowframe.

INSTRLAIENTS

A! ll1stumentsexceptthe f.rel garigeareort the irstrumentpaneldirealy in front ofthe pilot. Basic instrumentsare
markedwith a green arc for the normal operatingrange,a yellow a.c for the cautioll lange and red rudial l.inesfor
maximumor minimumpermissible values. Specificmarkingsfor eachinstrumentarc givenin the FAA Approved
l'-lane FliehtManual.

ii
 SECTION\,1 AMEzuCAN CHA.N@IONAIRCRAf ,J
'AIRCRAFTAND SYSTEMDESCRIPTION SI,TER DECATHLON (8KCAE,

SEATBELTS AND EARMSSES

All SuperDecad
onsareequipped with lapbeltsandshoulder
hamesses
in bothfont andrearseats.A secondary
invenedhamessis availableasoptionalequipment.

Thesecondary inveniedflighthamess
consists
ofa doublestrapshoulderhamess,
a rapbertanda c.otchstraDA
fivepointrotarybucklecomeststhestrapandwill release
theshoulder
harness
andlapbeltwith onemovem'eni
Theprimaryharnessmaybeusedalone;however, thei[vertedhamess shouldnot be usedwithouttheprimarv
shoulderhamess.Theinvertedhamessdoesnot restrainthepilot from forwardmovement.

PITOT STATIC SYSTEM

Thepitottubeislocated onthebottomsideoftheleftwing. Thestaticponsarelocatedon thesideoftheaircraft

just aft ofthe cabinsection(onepo.t on eachsideoftheaircraft).

ELEVATORTRLVITAB

Thetlimtabcont.olis mountedonthereftsideofthecabin.Thist pe oftrim controrpermitsveryrapidtriminputs

ifnecessary.
Ruddertrim is providedby a groundadjustable
tab.

CABNEEAfiR

Cabinheatis provided
byanexhausshroud heater.Ar optionalrearseatheaterproyides
additional
heatto therear
ofthecabinwhenever altemate
air is notin use.

Push-pull
heatercontrolislocatedon theleftsideofthecabinundertheinstrument
panel.Theoptionalrearheater
is
-ontrol located
on the rightsideofthecabinuldertheinst.umentpanel-

BAGGAGE COMPARTMXNT

-hebaggage
companment
behind
therearseataccomodales
I00 lbs.ofbaggage
or cargo.Thebackoftheseatfolds
for access.

No baggage
or loosearticles
areto becarried
duringaerobatic
ilight.

6- 6
AMERICAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAIT SECTION\4
SIJPERDECATHLON (sKCAB) A]RCRAFTAND SYSTEMDESCRIPTIO\

-T{GINE OIL SYSTEM

FigureGl presentstheoil systemschematic

anddetailedoperationalinfo.matiol Componentsrelatedto prope1e!
control sysremarenot shown.

NOTE

Oii pressureduring invertedflight may normally be five to ten pounds

lessthanoil pressureduringnormalflight-
,! ,. ._ . r
FigureGl showsthebasicoperatingprinciplesinvolvedin theoil system:..Formoredetailedinformationconceming
a particular
enginemodel,seethe Lycoming EngineOperator's Manual.

INDUCTION AIR FILTER

4,ninductionair flter is locatedin the cowlingard 6]te$ all air enteringthe engirc. Altemate Oot) air is not filtered
-nd continuoususeis not recommended.

TIRES

aircrat tlpe 6.00x 6, 4 or 6 ply tires.

,e SuperDecathlonis fitted with conventional

FTJEL SYSTEM

Thefuelsystemis shownin Figu.e6-2. Weldedaluminumfueltanksarelocatedin the inboardseaionofthe wing.

Two 20 gallontanksare standard.Wmg tarl6 propercanbe drainedby removeinga 1/4" pipe plug from the inboard
comerofthe tank Fuellinesbetweenthetalks ard the rearsumpare drainedfrom a quickdrainon the bellyof the
ircraft.

The gascolatoris mountedon the frewall in the enginecompartment.The sedimentbowl is removeablefor cleaning
and replacementof the fuel filter. The fuel shut-offvalveis locatedon the left sideof the cabin. The Super
lecatl on fuel systemis an "ON - OFF systern

Fuel quantityis readAom mechanicalfloat lpe gaug{s) located in the fuel tark(s). Thesegaugesare only accurat(
in the level flight auitude.
 SECTION!T AMER]CA}{ CIIAMPION AIRCRAFI
A8.CRAFT AND SYSTEMDESCR]PTION SUPERDECATHLON (sKCAB

NORMAI. FTIGHTOPERATION
!R!.AII]ER PORT

ow$o|R0
BsEI'IXEF
LlfiE TO EIGT'IE
LL€RlCAItonP0txls

ENGTE OlL

Iu.jn g rd ll_lli9h! , t n. f . t ghled Dr ] ] v . l r c . ! !n. top .f dle o !.oa.at r t3 ooei .]Ioktd

c,n oy 9 rs . 5 r r t u t r e. n9r ^. c r . l( ! s . to D. ve,r.d fr@ t^. bred.n.. porr. ro tre ojt .ep!r.i..
:i--"1 !-9l" Fh r l. ov e. ood. dD. er r e. lt i. . Th. tcp porr of ue dl] v.t/c t3.rcret lid rre
ooen. llor iig o b ilf r f r d $ . ! ; o u ! r h r o u g . u e o 't v . t v ; , , i t " O " e - p
. r , 9t r . t ubr jc a on got it l.

r6ou. y or t r eir Lr ! lir er . uoljo n 3 {u p 15 s.cotus) 13 io@l

1s lnlllally ' . t Lr l d !o roE.l oFr!r.on ,rtr tivrrtld fl tgh:.

INVERTED
FTIGHTOPERATION

otL 5€Prt4T0R

IO EIIGII\E
!r,.8ilca1lonP08i5
BRUruR
I X G I X EO I L
utL YAIIE Sn! tl€i toRt

hm ti..l(.. 1! l, liy lr t . n. . r Et i. o !. l t j t U r . t o o o t ! b . . r . a r c r s . .
Y.rr. h !I . oll , er . r . r ! . . 1o5. ! p. dt r ! r 4 lI. Etghrld b.]l
tr..6tn. o1t !6p ro d..v o U,.oar ir,e ori'
;; ;:,:fl.g'd:.:*i;: :t:"ft::"..:Ls*fi
o. - 0y . r bd .d .D ...rn r | | n .. rh . t p ,o r! *'l;: :;;'Li;:,:1,,::d:ti:{.;ili
j, i:m,
po.i ' ri ci i i l
.rdr'9 ott to no ou! fro $. bfa.ir., of rh. otr v.l ra op.i Ind ti r l o* o
port. ro th. o ,rtva, ta tn. olt ,i;p i"< o"i ti--_
u. - . aln. l u b .l c l rl o n ta ri tl . a n yo rn $. i tn.r $t.i rrtt: 6,r& i n -O.,-i
v r f ur t r o^ D ru + n rc @ l .' d ti v rtc fi teh!d..tnr Into rr. otr,.F.r.!.r. r ni rJti i i e"i *i t^
.:_
*.
rd r.\. b o l re o f u c o it * parrl or aurtng,.rtcai of Fo@ l ti tg,L.

iora
r d. ilr r y oll pr dk r . hr . r c a r t o n 3 ( ! o & . d r t 6 d o f 1 5 t <o n d j )
t r ioEr t r h. n t hc ! y 3t e l5 I n t ! t . l t y t n v . f ! . d .

IIGIIRE 6-1 O[ SYSTEMSCHEMATIC

6 -8
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT SECTIONV
SUPERDECATHLON(8KCAB) AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRFTION

R/H TANK L/H FUELTAI{K

t)

ENTLI
VEIIT
AFT FUELTIANIFOLD FI MIIIFOLt)DMIN
CHECK
VALVE

HEAOER
TAIIK
SHROUDOMIN
r|JEL 5Hu|IJtt
VALYE FUELSHIJTOFF
ARI4

- D MIN GASCOLATOR

E}IERGENCY
FUELPUMP

EN6IIIEDRIVEI{FUELPUMP

lHROT.ILE
CONTROL
INJECTOR
r-t;_*-t I|IXTTJRE
---{l--\.lt coilTRoL

DIVIDER

FIGIJRE6.2 FIIEL SYSTEMSCHEMATIC

6- 9
 SECTION \,7
AMERICAN CHAMPION IJRCRA.FT
AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
SUPERDECAT}N-ON(8KCAB)

VENT SYSTEM

Fueltaakairspaces areintercomected
rnd positivevenringis providedthrougha tubewhichp.okudes
boftomoftheleft wingjust outboard riomthe
ofthe tank. A checkvarveis providedat thevent.rtr"i"i;;;,J;;"''
,minimizeinvertedfu61loss.

SYSTEMOPERATION

Fuelis gaviryfedFomrhetanksto rheengine.

, OEL PUMPS

The SuperDecathlonengineis fuelinjeaedandtwo fuelpumpsarerequired.

-. An engine-driver!
cam-operated pumpwhichoperateswheneverthe engineis rururingto supply
properpressureto the fuelinjector. fuelat

2 Al.emergencyelectricpumpon th€ frewall in theenginecompartment.

The control switchfor theelectric
6.relpumpis locatedon thecontrolpanelnext to theiixture control.

PRIMXR

To Primethe engine,tum on themasterswitchandthe electricfuelpump

with thrortleclosedandmixturein idle
cut-off To provideonestrokeof prime,movemixturecontrolto fu
ri;h andback," idt ;:;tr'il;;;;r'
fuel directlyinto the cylinders.Reiumelectricfuel pumpto ,,OFF,
"ft;;ri"rirg

t UEL PRESSURE CAUGX

rhe flrelpressuregaugeon thc right sideofthe instrumentpanel

indicatesthe fuel pressureat theinjectori.jet.

i- t0
AMERICAN CI MPION AIRCRAIT SECTION'
SIJ?ERDECATHLON (8KCAB) AIRCRATT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTIO

IIEADER TANK

To providelimitedfuelin theinvenedpositioqa skoudedI.5 gallonheadertankis locatedin theforwardcab

undertheinstlumentpanel.TheoutletAomtheheader tankconsists of a standpipe
locatedat thecenterofthetai
Thushalfofthe tankcapacitycanbeusedin theinverledposition.Eventhoughthe invertedfuel suppiyhasnot fr
invenedflightmustbeterminated '
exhausted, immediatelyif oil pressureshoulddropbelowaccepiible limits.

NOTE

Thefuelfillercapusedon theSuperDecathlon is.anonventingtype. , .

A loosecap,o. onethatis not sealingproperly,maycausea fuei
unbalance fromonetalk to another.Ifan excessive fuelunbalance
exists,checkthecapsfor securityandthefillercapgasketfor condition.
Flyingtheaircraftin anuncoordinated manneror parkingtheaircraft
on a slopemayalsocause fuelunbalance.Do not assume fuelin left
tankis identicalto thatshownon righttankfuelgauge.

6- l
 AMERICAN CI{AMPIONAIRCRAFT SECTIONlTI
SI'PERDECATHLON(8KCAts} SERVICN{G REQIIIREMENTS

SECTIONVII

SERVICING REQUIREMENTS

.
-NERAI
Certainmaintenance
andgeneralattentionitemswill assure
a longlife andmarimumreliabilityfor anyaircaft.
Generalprocedures
andcarehintsfor theSuperDecathlon arecovered in thissectron.

EXTERIOR CARE

Your SuperDecatldon hasa long-rasting,

a[ weatherfinishandshouldrequireverylittle maintenance. However,
ir-- ;ry.bedesirable
to waxandpolishtheairplane.It is recornrnended
that this work be delayeauntlt at teasteo aayi
a&erdateofmanufacture sothatthepaintmaycurecompletely.

The 6nishcanbekeptbrigJrtsirnplyby washingvithwaterandmildsoap.Avoid abrasivesoaps

or harshdetergents.
L -ie with clearwateranddry.!:r'ith
terryclothtowelsor chalnois.

If youchooseto-waxyourairplane,
usea^good aircaftqpe wax andapplywax liberallyto areassubjectto fugh
abrasion
suchasleadingedgesandtail surfaces.
SECTION !'II AMER]CAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
SERVICING REQUIREMENIS DECATI]LON (8KCAB)
STJPER

WINDSHIELD AND WINIDOW CARE

A certain amountof care is requiredto keep the plexiglassin the windshieldand cabinwindows cleanand
unscratched.The followingcleaningprocedureis recommended:

l. Iflarge deposittofmudaaddirt haveaccumulated

on the plexiglass,
flushwith cleanwateranddislodge
excessdirt andmud.

2. Washwith soapard water. Usea spongeor hearywaddingofsoft cloth. Do not rub asthe abrasivein the
dirt and,mudresiduewill causefine scratches
in the surface.

3. Greaseard oil spotsmaybe removedwith a softcloth soakedin kerosene.

4. After cleaning,
wax the su.facewith a thin coatofhard polishingwax or a conrnercialbrandofplexiglass
polish.Buft'with a soft cloth.

5. Ifa severescratchor maningshouldoccur,usejei{eler'srougeto rub out the scratch.Smoothit andapply

NOTE

Neverusegasoline,benezine, alcohol,acetone,carbontet.achloride,
anti-icefluid, lacquerthinneror glasscleane.to cleanthe plexiglass.
Thesematerialswill attackthe plasticandmaycauseseverecrazing.

FUEL AND OIL

TheSuperDecathlonmustuse100octaneminimum.Do trotuseanylowergradeasit cancauseserious

engine
damage
in a veryshorttimeaswellasengine
failure.

is eightquartsandaerobatic
Oil sumpcapacity midmumsafequantityis sixquarts.Recommended timebetween
changeis 25 hours,or sooner,as conditions
dictate. Thefollowinggradesshouldbe usedfor the specific
temperatures.

A!ERAGE SiNGLE\IISCOSITY MULTi-llSCOSmY

TEMPERATURE GRADES GRADES
Above60" F SAE50 SAE40 or SAE50
3 0'to 90' F SAE40 SAE40
0' to 70' F SAE30 SAE40 or 20W-30
Belowl0' F SAE20 sAE 20W-30
All oilsusedmustconformto LycomingSpec.No. 30tE.
 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
SUPERDECATHLON (8KCAB) SECTIONVI]
SER\,'ICING REQLIIREMENTIS

REQIJIRXMENTS FOR NEW ENG TES

Your engineis filled at the factorv with-thepropergrade

ofstraight mineralorl. only st.aighrmineraloil (not
additiveoil) shouldbeusedfor thenrst SOfroursor rintll
"ii """rri.fti""'rt"UiU*.

CEANGINGENGINE OIL

rt i5recornrnendedthatengineoil bechan€ed.approximately
every25:hours.:-Depending.on.operating conditions,
a longeror shorterpe od maybeusedat thediicretionofthe
o#".ri" aimlane
for a
short periodtoallowoilroreach
normal operution "i""g",,t
r.rp..utur"r.iiy""""ei*
(optional),oil is drainedby firsr removingthe bottomengine
i, *r ".oil,.trrstflylhe
iiii" rii"?idiiri
"q,irpp"a
cowlingthen-unsaferying il;;;;;;;.il';#fi;
on therighrsideofrhe oil sumpbonom. A-fterdraining,*r"*"ri pi"gl
r"."* i,,n .ur.,y *r" .eplacecowling.
-o
NOTE

Total capacityofoij sump,oil coolerandpropelier

control.system r
equalsten quarts;however,only theeightquartsin the
sumpts
representedon the dipstickcalibration.Maintainyour oil levelin
accordance wirh rhiscalibration(eighrquansmaximur4six quans
aerobaticminimum).Approximately eightofthe ten total quirts is
dlainable.

r! ," recornmended
tlat the 25-houroil changejntervalbe observedfor winter-operations
Iinesbe checkedfor moistureaccumulation and thai the oil and breather
dL.rri,ng
the oil changa-i r-r'ro,.riii" drainingthe oil throush
theoilzump orquickdrain doesnotremove alrord" oirrror tt'! ryrt"r. ri, "o,"0,hat
bedninedthroughthesumpprugandthentheoit drained o a*;;rl,li"'"rir'."iia'
in line,4 e, c "omprete
o ,rrownin Figure7_r. It is also
recommeaded thataninspectionbe madefor moistureaccumulatioiut "na t"n", op"ratinghour
n"aio intervals
at the
locarions
shownin Figure7-1. Thisinspection
interval
willue depeiderirp"" ii-'"ryp"
opeationalenvironment. operationand the
All moistureandsludgeshouldbediain"aaoi ti"r" routions
"i"ircraft
duringtheinspections.
 -ECTION VII AMER]CAN CIIAMPION AIRCRAFT
jER!'ICING REQUIREIVIENTS
SL?ER DECATHLON (8KCAB)

r0

I ns pec tFor
liloisture
Accumul
ation

D
l-Line

FIGIIRE 7-I CHRISTENOIL SYSTEMLINESAND

INSPECTIONPOINTS
7 -4
 AJVERICANCHAMPION AIRCRAT1
sr_JPER
DECATIiLON(8KCAB) SECTION!T
SER\4CIAIG REQL/IREMENTI

ENGINE COWLU\IG

top halfoftle cawringcanbe quicklyremovedfo.

'-helower cowlingandliftingthe inspectionor mainteaance by simpryremovingscrewsfron
the top cowl tree. to .e^ove tt e tow". ,r," ,op is removed:
"o,riJn""
l DisconnectlandingIightwiresat the righr sideofthe
cowl from the6rewa'.
2. Removescrews(10) Aom rearedgeofcowl.

3. Pull cowl slightly forwa.d and down.

Llstallationofcowl is in reverse
orderofremoval.However,wheninsta[inglower cowr,
whichconnecrs theair filterto air intake/ insurerhattherubberduct
m""ifotdir;;li"l oj;",i"r?nil",_g nanee. Wheninstaingupper
-.w1,becenainrubberized clothis in coriectpositionto sealen!-ineUum",io ,n"
"o*,.
BRAIG SERWCING

' o fill and/orbreedthebrakesystem,removetherubbercapfromthebreeder varveon thebottomofthe brake

assembly located
onthegearregat theaxleattactrment. rumiil v"ir"
to thevalve Fill brakeuntilfluidrunsout ofthe over **"ct a pressure brakebreeder
"i", "ro underside
flo* ti", I".-"oiJ"r,he
section continueto fit untirthebrakepedarpressure ofthe fuselage
cabin
is firm. cior" ii""a". on the brakeassemblvbefore
"sconnecting thehose ofthpressurepoi.Eacibrake isfilteds"p"*"fy..iir""u"" n*il;;;;;#ilffi:
"uv
For completeservicinginstructions,
referto the DecathlonServiceManual.