Is the great planes citabrea super decathalon a good second plane. Is it a plane that would help me a with aerobatics. Is it a good first taildragger.

thanks

I read a bunch of posts here, which report that the GP Super Decathalon wants to lift off before it's ready to fly, causing it to snap into the ground. I told my friend, who was finishing his, but I guess he forgot. He held up elevator on the first takeoff, it leaped into the air and snapped right, cartwheeled, and tore the wing off.

After he fixed it, he made sure to let the tail come up, and let the plane gather speed enough to fly, before he pulled it off the ground. Flew fine, from that point.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

No

No

No


The GP Citabria, while it is a high wing plane, is NOT something for a rookie. It has a very short tail moment, and can snap without warning if you get into a bad attitude.

As usual, Mike is giving some good advice.

I made the mistake you are thinking about, and it wasn't pretty.

Wait until you have some experience before before getting this model. Then you will be able to enjoy it, as I found it to be a nice airplane after I gained more stick time.

I have the Decathalon and it's a lot of fun, but everything that's been said about it's tendency to snap is true. I destroyed mine on the third flight and had to rebuild it because it snapped. It also can be a real handful on the ground. I think you should consider the GP RV-4 as a second plane, though. I have one of those and it refuses to do all the nasty stuff the Decathalon will do, but doesn't give up much in performance (except snap rolls).

Of course if your heart is set on the Decathalon then buy it now. The kit is discontinued. If you treat the plane with respect and keep some speed on (especially take-off and landing) it is an outstanding model.

I am also a beginner just getting into my second plane. I did pick up the GP Decathlon not
much unlike the one you are asking about. I did not get this plane as a second plane though
due to many factors. I just could not resist the deal I got on it. I don't plan on flying it anytime
soon. The say they are great fliers but landings have to be hot and heavy or that huge fuse
will just stall out. You said you wanted Aerobatics. Look into something like the SIG 4 Star
or something comparable.

Tom
Pearl Harbor, HI

The Citabria (airbatic spelled backwards) and the Decathalon are two different airplanes, but very similar in flight characteristics. You do not want to try either as a second plane. Both are very aerobatic, but will not be likely to help you with learning aerobatics. Neither would make a good first tail dragger either.

Try the Sig 4 Star or a Great Planes Super Sportster, or do a search for "second plane". You should find at least six or eight good choices.
Dennis-

Catabria makes the super decathalon though, in full scale.

A Decathlon is a Citabria on steroids.