ORIGINAL: eclipse3g
I had a .40 Phoenix Models Super Decathlon (the same as Seagull .40 or Black Horse ones) and now repairing my .120 size. In my experience I can’t say that those planes are forgiven and easy to fly. Of course I can compare these planes to what I’ve had and used to have such as GP Piper Cherokee, Hangar 9 RV8, NitroPlanes Yak-54 etc. The S. Decathlons something like nicely flying gliders; however, if the speed is less than a critical one, the stall is unpredictably fast and happens without any precautions such as waving wings etc. They are not popular as Extra 260/300, Yak-54, SBach, Katana because they are required more experience in aerobatics than those planes above. I am talking about aerobatics - not gliding in the sky and doing straight and inverted loops. Honestly I can’t do a proper knife-edge with my Decathlon, even rolls are not straight because the Decathlon needs input from all controls (rudder, ailerons, and elevator) to make the same roll as my Yak-54 can do just using aileron stick and a little bit of elevator. Top wing is good for gliding, but not as good in the inverted flights, rolls and hovering. The loops, hammer-heads are fine and easy for Decathlons.
Does anyone have different feelings regarding Bellanca Super Decathlons?
They're a pilot's plane. They're not for everybody. A lot of the current generation of Extras, MXZs, Katanas, etc, can make anyone look much better than they are if set up properly. The Decathlon/Citabria must be flown properly to look good? That's their attraction to me. You screw up and it's going to let you know! If you know, you can try not to do that again.... If flown for a while, you'll know how to use your rudder properly, that's for sure!