Super Decathlon
The American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon is a purpose-built aerobatic aircraft and a cornerstone of tailwheel, spin, and upset-recovery training at Thrust Flight.
Its tandem seating, symmetrical airfoil, and rugged airframe make it ideal for teaching students the fundamentals of aerobatic flight and precise stick-and-rudder skills. Powered by a 180 HP Lycoming AEIO-360 and a constant-speed composite propeller, it delivers genuine aerobatic capability in a proven, dependable platform.
At this time the Super Decathlon is used for spin training and aerobatic training with Zero Time to Airline students.
Quantity in our fleet: 1
Year models: 2026
Super Decathlon Specs
Length
22.9 ft
Height
7.7 ft
Wingspan
32 ft
Wing Area
169 sq. ft
Wing Loading
11.5 lb. / sq. ft
Power Loading
10.0 lb. / HP
Seats
2, Tandem
Cabin Length
8 ft. 10 in.
Cabin Width
2 ft. 6 in.
Cabin Height
3 ft. 11 in.
Baggage Capacity
100 lbs (10.4 cu. ft.)
Fuel Capacity
43 gal. (40 gal. usable)
Oil Capacity
10 quarts
Power Plant
Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B
Horsepower @ RPM
180 @ 2,700 RPM
Recommended Engine TBO
1,600 hours
Propeller (Constant Speed)
MT Composite MTV-15-B-C/C188-34
Propeller Diameter
74 in.
Empty Weight
1,305 lbs
Max Gross Weight (Normal)
1,950 lbs
Useful Load (Normal)
645 lbs
Payload w/ Full Fuel (Normal)
405 lbs
Max Gross Weight (Acrobatic)
1,800 lbs
Useful Load (Acrobatic)
495 lbs
Payload w/ Full Fuel (Acrobatic)
255 lbs
Want to see more of our fleet? Check out our Cessna 172, Piper Seminole, and brand-new Piper Archer aircraft.