AviaBellanca American Champion Citabria

Wilco Aviation is proud to offer exclusively this pristine 1979 Citabria 7GCBC. It is difficult to convey just how unique this aircraft is, as it is by far one of the finest examples we have ever encountered. Refurbished in 2016, this aircraft retains plenty of life in its fabric covering, engine, and interior. The exterior paint scheme perfectly complements its classic aerobatic category. The Citabria, originally designed and produced by the Champion Aircraft Corporation, evolved from designs the company had been manufacturing since acquiring the 7-series Champ from Aeronca in 1954. Production of the model 7ECA Citabria commenced at Champion in 1964. In 1965, the 7GCAA and 7GCBC variants were introduced, followed by the 7KCAB in 1968. Champion was acquired by Bellanca Aircraft Corporation in 1970, which continued production of all Champion-designed variants. Bellanca also introduced two new designs closely related to the Citabria: the 8KCAB Decathlon and the 8GCBC Scout. However, Bellanca ceased production in 1980, and the company's assets were liquidated in 1982. Throughout the 1980s, ownership of the Citabria designs changed hands several times, including a transfer to a Champion Aircraft Company unrelated to the original Champion Aircraft of the 1960s. During this time, only one Citabria model—the 7GCBC—was produced and marketed as the "Citabria 150S." In 1989, American Champion Aircraft Corporation acquired the Citabria, Decathlon, and Scout designs, gradually resuming production of the 7ECA, 7GCAA, and 7GCBC models. G-BVLT benefits from several additional upgrades, the most notable of which are the installation of metal wing spars and aileron spades. When the Citabria was first introduced, it stood out as the only commercially produced aeroplane in the United States certified for aerobatics. Its conventional undercarriage and aerobatic capabilities made it a popular choice for flight training and personal flying. In addition, Citabrias were employed in various utility roles such as bush flying—owing to their short take-off and landing (STOL) performance—agricultural work, pipeline patrol, and glider towing. Although more modern designs have largely taken over these roles, Citabrias remain a favourite for training, glider towing, and recreational flying. The 7GCBC variant was introduced by Champion in 1965 and closely resembled the 7GCAA of the same year. Both were powered by a Lycoming O-320-A2B engine producing 150 horsepower (110 kW), and featured wooden wing spars and spring steel main undercarriage legs. The 7GCBC stood apart with a wingspan of 34.5 feet (10.5 m)—one foot (0.30 m) longer than the 7ECA and 7GCAA—and included wing flaps. Bellanca continued production of the 7GCBC under the name Citabria "C" Package, a designation likely initiated by Champion. American Champion reintroduced the 7GCBC in 1994 as the Citabria "Explorer." This modernised version retained much of the original design but included metal wing spars and a more powerful Lycoming O-320-B2B engine producing 160 horsepower (120 kW). The most significant recent design change came in 2004, with the introduction of aluminium main undercarriage legs. American Champion also offers a "High Country Explorer" variant, equipped with a Superior Vantage O-360-A3A2 engine delivering 180 horsepower (130 kW) and larger wheels. All Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Service Bulletins (SBs) have been complied with. Viewings can be arranged through Wilco Aviation at Henstridge Airfield by appointment.