TYPE: Two-seat lightplane.
PROGRAMME: Original Decathlon was powered by a 112 kW (150 hp) Lycoming IO-320 or AEIO-320; certified 16 October 1970 in Normal and Acrobatic categories. Super introduced by American Champion; first flight (N38AC) July 1990. The Fixed Pitch Decathlon (Sensenich propeller) is no longer marketed.
CUSTOMERS: Total of 14 delivered in 2002, and 19 in the first nine months of 2003, increasing overall production to 927.
COSTS: Standard price US$110,900 (2002).
DESIGN FEATURES: Generally as for Aurora. Cleared for limited inverted flight; constant-speed propeller. Wing section NACA 1412 (modified); dihedral 1°; incidence 1° 30'.
FLYING CONTROLS: As for Aurora, but with balanced elevators. Control surface movements: ailerons ±30°; elevators ±20°; rudder ±30°.
STRUCTURE: As for Aurora. Optional metal wing spar.
LANDING GEAR: Tailwheel type; non-retractable. Cantilever spring steel main legs; mainwhell tyres 6.00-6 or 8.00-6 (4 ply), tail tyre 5.00-5 (4 ply). Cleveland disc brakes; optional wheel fairings.
POWER PLANT: One 134 kW (180 hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B flat-four engine, driving a Hartzell HC-C2YR-4CF/FC7666A-2 two-blade constant-speed propeller. Fuel capacity 151 litres (40.0 US gallons; 33.3 Imp gallons), of which 148 litres (39.0 US gallons; 32.5 Imp gallons) are usable. Oil capacity 9.5 litres (2.5 US gallons; 2.1 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: As for Aurora, but competition Hooker harness optional.
SYSTEMS: As for Aurora, plus accelerometer and electric fuel boost pump.