The Citabria

We finally had the opportunity to review the Citabria GCAA. Mark talks about the features and flies it around the pattern.

[@jamesmorrice9152]

I've accumulated almost 10,000hrs in citabrias, currently a 7eca Aurora. I fly this airplane 52 weeks of the year on pipelinepatrol. Plus 30 to minus 30 Celsius in all kinds of weather and wind. Fantastic little airplane.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Ten thousand hours in Citabrias. That has to be some kind of record.

[@aeromustang4054]

Wow that fantastic. Use to own a 1978 and loved it. The seat didn't move back for long flights and aileron were heavy.

[@kenminty7182]

😊

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

☝️👶👍

[@fly1327]

Nice! I got my tail wheel endorsement in a Citabria similar to this, me a hang glider/sailplane/low time SEL pilot. The most fun power plane I ever flew, bar none!

[@bearospaceinsider5250]

I learned to fly on a Citabria. not all were 150-160hp. some were 115, and still flew great. loved that plane.

[@tylershelton7386]

So refreshing-concise, articulate, informative, entertaining, good video quality. I appreciate the effort that goes into these videos.

[@777rogerf]

Great scenery too. Very relaxing

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks.

[@christheother9088]

@@777rogerf Even the taxiing is scenic.

[@Amisafeyet]

I'm very pleased that you chose this aircraft. It has always been my favorite. It disappoints me that I do not see more of them. Such a terrific Plane. Thank You.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

They are great.

[@maxskydog9216]

I learned to fly in a 7ECA 115 hp at Dale Kome flying school Brown field airport SanDiego California wonderful airplane Thank you Mark great video

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks for sharing!

[@scrappyjackalope9558]

My Dad owned a Citabria Decathlon. Many a wonderful memories made in that plane. Thanks for the review.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Very cool!

[@SVSky]

I love the Citabria, something like 80% of my flight time is in 7ECA, 7GCAA and 7KCAB, and 8KCAB, with the balance on nosedraggers. Really fun, honest, easy airplanes. They do take some care to threepoint or they'll bounce, but if you can land one, everything else seems easy.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

If in doubt, I wheel.

[@ph5915]

I love these Citabria's! The day after I was minted a pilot, my CFI at the time took me up for an "Intro to Tailwheel" in his '74 CGAA. It was such a hoot, I loved it! We just stayed in the pattern for 90 minutes, I was all over the place. I instantly thought my 172 was boring from that point on. I was constantly searching ads for these that were near me and with the metal spar upgrade but could never find a good one. There was a completely rebuilt 7-ECA (it looked new) in VT in January, 17, but every time I tried to get up there it was like 30 below zero and 30 kn winds. I love tandem seat, stick and rudder tailwheel. A few years back I had a few hours in a Piper J5-A which was also a hoot. I got a quote for insurance one time and that kind of threw cold water on the idea for a while. That panel in this one is amazinging! Not simply a joyrider!!!

[@SVSky]

I went from a 7ECA to flying -172s to finish out my license. I've never felt so numbed in an airplane. I really struggled much more than I thought I would during the transition. Ran right back to Citabrias after passing the checkride.

[@ph5915]

@@SVSky Thank you SiliconValleySky! I completely agree. I still have my 172 and it's been a great plane for me, it's just...boring. I know, 1st world problems...LOL. The first 10 yrs I was at a small airport and the one runway almost always seemed to have a crosswind and there were two separate stands of trees with a gap in between, on one side, and buildings on the other, so it was usually quite swirly and challenging. Now I'm at the big boy airport and there is always a RWY into the prevailing wind... LOL.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Bitten by the tailwheel bug.

[@ph5915]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Hehe, indeed. For a long time I was flip-flopping between a Vans RV-9A (I know, nosewheel) as a faster yet economical cruiser or a Citabria/SuperCub variant. I did look at RANS 7's and RV-12's as well/ Then, I was laid off 3 yrs ago and so the hunting kind of ended. 11 months to go til IRA day. Sigh. Always enjoy your videos though! Great info!

[@SVSky]

@@ph5915 Keep at it. I'm trying to pay off a house before I go looking for a 7KCAB, or a 8KCAB

[@foesfly3047]

Brother Mark, you are an excellent fellow. Another interesting feature today 😎🎩♠️💙

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you kindly

[@ClausB252]

I've had my '72 7GCAA for 35 years. Flown it coast to coast. Great fun!

[@ronboe6325]

A friend has one (I've gotten to fly it a couple times - with her). She has it on floats in the summer now. Floats really hit the performance. The landing shot, reminded me of a little RC plane. :^) This is why I like your channel; you go to the extra effort to harmonize the colours. :D

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks.

[@scotabot7826]

Another great Video Mark! My dad and I used to have a ball in a Citabria painted just like that back in the 1970's. I can still hear him Hootin and hollaring. He would put me in the front, and he would fly from the back, so much fun!!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Sounds great!

[@chriskiwi2601]

Hi Mark. I flew an earlier model Champion citabria with 150Hp and different undercarriage. It had a huge crosswind component, something like 25 knots from memory. Great plane for aerobatics.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Light and twitchy. Crosswinds can be hairy.

[@FlyingNDriving]

Fun airplane to roll, but the hardest tailwheel airplane I ever landed. That leafspring gear really gives you back everything you touchdown with and then some

[@farmfencesolutionsllc]

Airframes Alaska has a cabane gear STC. 🍻

[@JustSomeGuy38790]

@@farmfencesolutionsllc Put VG’s, Cabane Gear, Climb Prop, and strip the interior and it would probably be a pretty good backcountry airplane, “Poor Man’s Super Cub.”

[@bearshrimp]

Once again, great video. I have always looked at light tandem seat aircraft derived from military laison aircraft as pointless. My focus on GA flying has always been about what is useful first family flying around with 2 adults and 2 children or commuter flying in IFR conditions around 600nm. After this video I get it. These aircraft are all about the pure fun of flying. Not about getting a specific payload to a specific place. After watching your video I immediately went on Controller and started daydreaming about a plane for me just flying around. Like taking off and landing at my home field, just flying for the fun of flying! You are definitely my favorit GA KZbin channel, can't wait for your next post. Hopefully a V35 Bonanza 😉

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@stertsleeper]

Hi Mark, I've been watching your vids for about a year now, they're fantastic, really interesting. Keep up the good work. Mic from Cape Town, South Africa

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@martinpretorius3692]

It would be fantastic to see a Glasair II or/and III review . This channel is awesome! I learnt so much from it so far! Keep up the good work!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Great suggestion!

[@juliojames5986]

I did not kno the reverse spelling. In the early 1970’ s a friend took me up in a Decathlon, and we did about five or six different aeronautic maneuvers…..oh fun ! The loop was the worst ! Your videos are so interesting, loaded with numbers and specifications only you can verbalize so well 👍🏻. Thanks

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It's fun to go upside down sometimes.

[@alanbrassard5927]

The man can land a taildragger (bit fast but oh well) AND hold a GoPro. Pure talent

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Used 3800 feet of 4000 to try to get that greaser.

[@jimmorris5090]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 LOL

[@cookingmyfavoritethings7658]

Great description of the Citabria and flight demo.

[@pamshewan9181]

I have flown in one and I loved it. ❤️

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

They are great planes.

[@fraserwatt6417]

Hi, really enjoyed you film, as always. Very interesting to hear and see your viewpoint on these planes and what you think of them. Thanks. Excellent film work.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@doctortmd]

I really love your content, you do a fantastic job with describing each aircraft, excellent video work and editing. I’m hopeful you keep this up and we have a collection of most GA planes on the market. So hard to find good content like this, most informational videos about different aircraft types are garbage.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I'm hoping to all the planes in the world.

[@petersnushall7293]

I agree, to have accurate information presented in an entertaining manner is refreshing.

[@DarthPlaya]

I enjoy all your videos! Thumbs up given! 👍

[@johnwessels2295]

My father had an Aeronca and a Citabria he has flown into that airport. His uncle had a Waco that was kept at that airport a long time ago.

[@lorenzogiovacchini8781]

I trained and did my check ride in a Citabria 7ECA I had spin recovery also, great lil plane!

[@Jolly-Josh]

Another great vid Mark, cheers 👍

[@earlelkins9086]

When I was training (at PUC Angwin, Parrot field) there was a gal who was training in a Citabria.. I always thot they were a great looking airplane. She had a heck of time, but finally soloed at 39 hrs.. I remember when she landed. A bigger grin could not be found that day. Thanks again for a pleasurable video, and stirring my old memories.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Angwin has some strange winds with it being up on a ridge.

[@earlelkins9086]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 yes.. very blustery, and across one end or the other of the runway. Made it interesting coming down on final.

[@matthewroyds8807]

Good Video. Don't worry about the landing. A wheel landing's elegance can make up for the distance taken!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Got to make it look good for the camera.

[@sampowell5346]

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing. I love two place taildraggers. Would love to see a Cessna 120/140 or a Luscombe!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

We have a Luscombe coming up.

[@av8bvma513]

Juan Browne has many videos in his 'Mighty Luscombe'. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPTdYOKp9KBb5I

[@bernardanderson3758]

My Second Tailwheel Aircraft as well as I learned how to getting my Tailwheel endorsement started with the Bellanca Scout

[@stevekincaid]

Mark. You missed the most important fact! Does the pilot solo from the front or the rear seat? I love the series. Keep going.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Solo from the front. Good point. I soloed it.

[@auspilot6119]

I love the Citabria. I’ve only done a few lessons in a 7GCBC, and then someone bent it. I don’t know that I’d be all that keen on flying an old wooden spar one again, given that many may have been flown hard in aeros and…American Champion must sell a metal spar version for a reason!

[@prodigalpilot]

Yep, they sell it for a profit :D. Wood does not fatigue like metal does.

[@alejandrogodoy4696]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BEAUTIFUL SIMPLE EXPLANATION!!! THANK U

[@tomwaltermayer2702]

Delightful. Prompted nostalgia.. Have 1200 + hr in one. Once got mine to FL 195. Did 25 turn spins many times. There used to be problems with the nose ribs that were expensive to fix. Assume they've taken care of that that since the '70s. Also remember the front seat broke while I was giving instruction to a 240 pounder. Fat old wing was horrible inverted, and the roll rate was about 1 degree every five seconds. Maybe the spades help there. Mine had heel brakes and oleos. Heel brakes lousy for everything but exercising adrenal glands, but I thought the oleos were better than the Cessna copies. Thanks.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks. Interesting and amusing.

[@healerf18]

Got my tailwheel endorsement in a Citabria 7ECA with heal brakes. Took some serious getting used to but makes transitioning to a Cub rather easy. And talk about side slip. It'll fly darn near sideways!

[@jimmorris5090]

I think once you get use to them, heal brakes are a pretty good deal for a tailwheel airplane. I have a Champ 7AC and don't need brakes much thankfully. Those old mechanical brakes just enough to hold at runup.

[@KTWardlaw]

Great Birds! Nice Job Mark…..! You ever do a video on a Remos?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

If there was a Remos here, I would do a video on it.

[@KTWardlaw]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 like to see that….I’ve got a little time in them and considered purchasing one years back but their USA vanishing act makes one apprehensive….well built bird as is the Flight Design CTLS but each has their strengths and faults….all in all….both Remos and Flight Design sparked my interest and confidence level as a well built product….

[@brandonbascue7185]

I have '70 model GCAA 150hp wood spar and its a blast to fly but sure will keep you honest. Great video!

[@jumpinjack1]

The newer wood spars use ring shank nails that don't back out and I haven't heard of the insp. covers at every bay?

[@Jaujau933]

Wow what a nice aircraft ❤️

[@boscoguo7538]

Very first aerobatic flight ever is in a super citabria

[@Xanthrochroid]

I’m learning in a 7ECA and love it, and so I wonder, why such an enormous pattern in such a small plane . 🤔

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The enormous pattern is to give a chance to video the flight. If I cut all the corners and landed in 1 minute it's be a short video.

[@Xanthrochroid]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 fair enough. My instructor has put the fear of God in me, so every landing begins with a closed throttle at midfield on downwind; i.e. loss of power means we can still comfortably make the field, albeit in a slightly abbreviated pattern. Thank you for the video.

[@mikemc330]

Nice video.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks!

[@chasesahc]

Beautiful plane. Great panel. Great airport. Where was this again?

[@earlelkins9086]

Placerville , Ca

[@SVSky]

Placerville, CA KPVF

[@ackack612]

...how lazy can you be?

[@billmoran3812]

The local flying club has one. I’m hoping to get my tailwheel endorsement in it.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Do it.

[@loddude5706]

Hi Mark, I just Gurgled Placerville field . . . blimey, a tad remote - are you OK for teabags out there? Nice Citabria BTW : )

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Middle of nowhere. Tea comes in from Amazon. Thanks for thinking about me. :-)

[@TomasAWalker53]

One point in favour of the tandems, and that is both occupants can easily enjoy the views either side of the plane, without having to climb all over each other⁉️🤪🤓

[@jeffmorton9220]

How about doing a show on the O-1 Bird Dog?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I already did, two of them on this channel. One is talking and the other is more flying.

[@PowerlabsDiesel]

Love my Citabria !

[@billmoran3812]

Would like to see a video on the C-337 Super Skymaster vs a C-182

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

We do have a 337 we can do.

[@KTWardlaw]

Hey Mark, Can you say what it sold for? Thx much!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I can't remember. Probably $70,000 or $80,000.

[@KTWardlaw]

😎👍🏼thx

[@pto200]

Air conditioning on. . . that's funny. Good video, thank you.

[@envitech02]

Holy sh!t!! Citabria is not Italian????? I've always thought it was and still is. And it's airbatic spelled backwards??? Holy smoke!! I have absolutely no freaking idea!!

[@sjvche7675]

Does the CHP still fly them?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

No, they are onto $850,000 Cessna 206's now.

[@sjvche7675]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 That much hum. Do they still land on I-5 occasionally?

[@johnnylogan22]

The Citabria is a good little “aerobatic” starter kit…!!

[@davidcampbell2845]

Nope - didn't know that! Nice video.

[@08cad]

Taildraggers rule! Got my license in a Citabria, best achievement of my life! Seat of your pants flying at its best!!!😉

[@justincase1575]

You just used the video for an excuse to go flying! Lol! I don’t blame you. I’d do the same!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It's true.

[@stanarmstrong1301]

No aerobatics?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Not my plane........

[@ben3989]

i like it!

[@stevenflattum156]

Good job Mark as always?

[@bernardanderson3758]

Tailwheels with the Spring landing gear struts are not fun when you touch down to do wheel landings at all so I go right into the three point instead

[@dulcevendetta]

fun fun!

[@christheother9088]

I guess if you hear loose nails rattling around inside the wing you've waited too long between inspections.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

And bits break off, yes.

[@av8rBlake]

A Citabria with flaps is a GCBC, not a KCAB, as stated in the video. KCABs do not have flaps.

[@jimanderson1355]

Flight director in a Citabria. Sigh.

[@parkburrets4054]

Not a lot of places to land if the engine quits

[@Conn653]

My taildragger experience was way back in high school. A 1946 Aeronca 7AC champ. 65 hp Continental, 13 gal nose tank, needle, ball, airspeed, tach, oil temp and pressure and a 'whiskey' compass. No electrical system with hand start. Bungee-cord shock absorbing landing gear. Cruise was 65-70 mph. I LOVED IT!

[@jimmorris5090]

I get 85 mph cruise in mine. flew it coast to coast with 24 fuel stops (a few extra with local flights on the way). Charlott to Northern Nevada, so I guess not really coast to coast. I loved it all, and will have memories forever of that solo flight. 7AC 65 HP 13 gallon fuel.

[@bernardanderson3758]

Super Decathlon I’d love to see

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I'll have to find one.

[@balsumfractus]

Noted the ease of entry compared to Juan's Husky........

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

True.

[@comlbbeau]

That was a fun little hop around the patch. Reminds me of my early flying days, owning half interest in a 1946 Aeronca Champ 7AC. I flew it off an 1800' grass strip just outside of a small middle-Georgia town called Zebulon. I put over 300 hours on it the year I owned it, and undoubtedly it was the most fun you could have with your clothes on. Can't beat a taildragger for honing those basic flying skills!

[@tylerp6375]

Wow that previous owner dropped some serious cash at the avionics shop!! My little Citabria 7ECA has the pure opposite for avionics. They are incredible planes. Easy to land, great visibility, amazing to fly.

[@AussieAircraft98]

Such an awesome little plane, top video again!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks Aussie!

[@envitech02]

19:32 "colour coordinated.". Didn't know you're a stand up. 😂 😂

[@envitech02]

Beautiful aircraft!!! But I've never flown a taildragger before. Only Cessnas and Beechcraft. I can see that Mark is a connoisseur of GA aircraft. His hobby is his business. And he is kind enough to share his encyclopediac knowledge with us. An all rounder great guy!!

[@yosemitesam-ux5ir]

My father-in-law(mayhe rest in peace)and I bought one mid 80's and what a wonderful aircraft to fly. Ours has the same style spring gear which would bounce you back to the heavens if you botched it.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Bounce you to give you a second chance ;-)

[@yosemitesam-ux5ir]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 if you do it right it will darn near bounce you to the moon. The kinetic energy that can build up is remarkable.

[@drummer0864]

What state and Id. for your airport please. Just found your site and realy like it.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Were at Placerville, CA. KPVF. Glad you like the channel!

[@lessharratt8719]

If your hanger is at the far end of the runway, why not fly it. Beats taxiing for ever.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I'd like to try.

[@philipritson8821]

For God sake! You've gone native! Aloominum ribs, Aloominum gear legs? Gas? Really? You're Britsh man! It's "Alyouminium and petrol". Your American clients will think It's quaint. PS. It's a little know fact but if you spell "Cherokee" backwards you get "Eekorehc".

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

OK, The next one will be all British

[@philipritson8821]

I'm trying to think of a suitable British aircraft you could review. Is there a Beagle Pup on your horizon?

[@arcanondrum6543]

My father Logged a few thousand hours of his 40,000 Total Hours on (what must be) a Super Decathlon (I was young) towing Sailplanes aloft and for 2 weeks a Summer, a Sailplane Flying Club worth of Tows. Normal release was at 3000 MSL and I timed his landing from that. Usually under 2 minutes because he took advantage of the "AIRBATIC" nature of the Citabria. He liked tailwheels so much he converted his 172 using a Texas Taildragger Kit. I was taught and soloed in that Aircraft. Conventional Gear is better, in my opinion, free airspeed for the Fixed Gear set and it teaches good habits - at least for Stick and Rudder habits. Some owners on KZbin (or otherwise?) have a disregard for every living thing on the ground.

[@sski]

What a beauty. As they are located in Burlington, WI, about an hour and some from me, I want to go to the American Champion Aircraft manufacturing facility one of these days where they still make these and the other great models of plane, especially the Decathlon.

[@barrynash1676]

Absolutely love this little gem. Flew 7ECA for 3 years and nothing but a pleasure.

[@yesode4201]

Spoken like a good pilot! Never leave the ground without a handful of excuses about the landings! Thanks for the videos.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Take 0ffs are optional. Landings are mandatory.

[@yesode4201]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 For sure! You very rarely here an excuse for a take off.

[@rwssteele]

That was so enjoyable. Flew a 7KCAB for many years, along with Cessna, Piper, Gummans. Citabria was my favourite. Lost my medical, and your video brought right back into the cockpit those years ago. Thank you!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

You are welcome.

[@dougolson304]

Always watch your videos 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Keep ‘‘em coming!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jimbenton7191]

That’s a beauty!

[@FlightSimDude]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@jonnydwolf]

Some great videos, thank you!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like them!

[@bernardanderson3758]

Beautiful Wheel Landing Mark

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks 👍 Used a lot of runway though.

[@bnghjtyu767]

Wow that takes me way back my relative had a blanket dealership and I learned in a gcbc brand new one. I got to fly several of those and the gcbc was such a absolute Rock solid do what you want it to do airplane very responsive. I got to be very comfortable in it I also got to fly around a new super decathlon and the Vikings, Good times. Thanks for the vid memories were great.

[@Coops777]

Loved your video Mark. You did a great job showing us this lovely little plane. Watched you come in hot for your wheeler and laughed at your self scorn of 'taking the whole bloody runway' and the self consolation of matching colours. Always entertaining. Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing all your videos.

[@philbrammer3632]

Aloominum.. without even a tiny look to camera?

[@flysport_tedder]

2:50 I see the electrical system is one Volt. :) I've noticed it in some other videos.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Hard to hide it! I removed it in post a few times, but ... too much work! Don the Camera Guy.

[@robinbrown3347]

In the 1970's I owned a 7ECA Citabria. Based on aging memory it was 100 hp and 2 -16 gallon tanks. You never worried about running out of fuel . Leaned out at altitude and slightly reduced airspeed it would fly for 11 1/2 hours. It would easily outfly my bladder. I have over 2000 hours in it and flown through the Rocky Mountains and along the coastline of Hudson and James Bay. I have done aerobatics in it and often took the door off in the summer. I absolutely loved that little plane. Then I married, bought a house , sold it and my wife and I raised 3 beautiful children. Thats how I met my wife, first date took her flying and she loved aerobatics.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

They are excellent planes if you are not in a hurry.

[@PARTner91]

The title is misspelled! It’s “Citabria”

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Good catch! It's fixed now.