Tailwheel Endorsement Lesson 1: Introduction to the Aeronca Champ 7EC

In working towards a tailwheel endorsement, it usually takes about 10-15 hours to master the art of taxiing, flying, and landing a taildragger. Join me as I take on a taildragger for the first time!

[@s2bdrivr]

I learned to fly in a 1956 7EC N4330C back in 1989. So glad I chose the Champ - over 50 different GA types and several type ratings later I still fall back on the skills and knowledge I acquired in that Aeronca.

[@robinj.9329]

When I got my initial training, near 50 years ago, I INSISTED on doing my first 200 hours in Tailwheel aircraft! It was the best decision I'd ever made.

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

When I started flying back in 1964, I soloed in a tri-Champ 7Fc. At about 30 hours I had the itch to fly the tail dragger 7Ec. I went around the pattern for 3 takeoffs and landings with the instructor. The instructor jumped out and said, " You're doing good. Keep practicing. Come in after you've done at least 10 more takeoffs and landings." I thought he was crazy, but at the same time I'd rather fly solo. It was like somebody throwing a non-swimmer into a swimming pool to teach you how to swim. No such thing as a "Tail dragger Transition course" back then! 🤣 I've also never ground looped any tail dragger in my life. I've flown most tail draggers without problem since then: Champs, luscombe, L-19, T-6, Cessna 180, Maule M-5, C-47, Pawnee, AgCat. I would never trade those experiences for anything! The tri-Champ 7Fc was N9829Y and the tail dragger 7EC was N9837Y at our military Aero club at Toul Rosie's Air Base near Toul, France. Both planes rented for $4.80 per hour wet. The latest radio gear in both was a Narco SuperHomer "coffee grinder" tuning receiver which would drift off frequency as the radio warmed up. The power pack and the radio itself had a total of about 27 vacuum tubes. Guess transistors weren't invented yet when that radio was designed? Our X-Country plane was a 150 hp Pier Tri-Pacer. It had a SuperHomer for communications, and also a low frequency receiver for 4 leg navigation and approaches. There were still a few low frequency stations in use back then. When I got back to the States, I was at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. I usually flew our T-34A N4003A which rented for $8.00 per hour wet. Boy, thouse were the days!

[@acnorea123]

Nice video and narrative. I especially liked the voice over explanations during the maneuvers.

[@bobswett4712]

That sure brings back some memories, took lessons at Sarasota/Bradenton back in 56 in almost the same plane. Instructor was a great guy by the name of Harry Louden . Still got my log book but have not been in a plane for years !

[@kennyhowell1537]

Very good job. Thanks for making it. CHEERS

[@jdonalds2001]

Great video with your commentary. I'm learning to fly in a champ so just about anything helps.

[@harryshaw4998]

My best friend had a 7ECA can't remember what year it was but it was fun to fly in . Good luck

[@Flying_Jason_Gray]

Nice job Darin

[@jimmorris5090]

Nice job. A Champ will keep you honest.

[@gianb3952]

I have 8 hours in a C172 and now the Aeronca is finally available after months of engine checks and repairs, it's the cheaper option so I'm going for it, today is my first flight with the champ, I just want to know where everything is in the cockpit lol

[@frankforney8132]

Your commentary on top of the live audio is GOOD!! But if you have a live tidbit, bring it. THANKS!

[@GrimshawAviation]

Yep I agree...not bad, but kinda sounds a bit low in volume and no tone change to the voice.

[@johnwalker7923]

Interesting video. Good commentary. Just curious what your takeoff weight was and what is the aircraft’s useful load?

[@flyingidaho9700]

We were at max gross takeoff weight of 1,320 lbs. The useful load for this model is approximately 400 lbs.

[@harryames916]

I owned this airplane for a year. I had to do a lot of work to clean it up so did little flying. A lot of bad shade tree modifications had been made for use in akaska. Battery in wrong location, a lot of tired aluminum trim etc loved the airplane, wish i still had it. I added the harnesses, and replaced the fuel gauge. Great flyer. Was sunk in a lake while on floats at one point in its history. Did major work on tail wheel rebuild. When I got the airplane, the tail wheel vibrated in a super scary way. I added the landing gear fairings. Tubes were just open when I got the airplane. Happy flying. Take good care of the old girl. If it had qualified for light sport. , I'd never had sold it.

[@flyingidaho9700]

Harry, how cool is that! Thanks for sharing her history! She’s not mine though, she belongs to a local A&P who takes very good care of her and lets us fly it. I really enjoyed flying her and am looking forward to the next flight. A great airplane.

[@ronbarton2276]

aeronca champ qualifies as lsa.

[@flyingidaho9700]

yes, some of them do, and Aeronca makes a new build airplane that is certified as an LSA from the get-go! www.sportpilotstuff.com/aeronca.html is a great article about which models qualify as LSA's.

[@blainejobin1039]

hi nice video, the plane uses outo gas,,i have an 48 champ 7dc 85hp i would like to use outo to gas

[@johndonaldson5126]

Due to the constant camera movement I was unable to watch this video. What little I did watch seemed informative.

[@jedellithorpe8836]

Could you post your taxi on your first try? I know it was bad but this might help pilots the most to learn.

[@flyingidaho9700]

Thanks Jed, you are right. Bear with me and I will add the Champ taxi video in the near future!

[@edwardjtruskyjr1921]

Does anyone know what airport this is and where it's located?

[@flyingidaho9700]

This is at Caldwell Industrial Airport (KEUL), Caldwell, Idaho

[@christsongs5667]

To fly AERONCA do we need to study Pilot School or training will be okay ?

[@jimmorris5090]

You need to study and fly the airplane. A Champ is a great airplane to start your training in. It will teach you to use your feet.

[@freespiritaviation6221]

is there ever gonna be a part 2?

[@flyingidaho9700]

Hopefully some day. Had to take a medical hiatus from flying for a while.

[@buzzypeterson1147]

And instead of staring at that damn airspeed indicator like you keep mentioning. Look out at the wing. When it’s level you’ll be perfect.

[@Navyuncle]

Nice video except for the continual camera movement.

[@flyingidaho9700]

Thanks, but good pilots keep their heads on a swivel. That’s also where my GoPro was, on my head. 😁

[@scotabot7826]

You certainly didn't have your privates at this time in training right? You couldn't have.

[@flyingidaho9700]

Yes I did, why do you ask?

[@buzzypeterson1147]

Quit comparing it to a Cessna dude. It’s not a damn Cessna.

[@buzzypeterson1147]

Comparing a champ to a 182 hahaha. Bro. You weren’t ready for a real airplane. 12000 hour CFI here. It’s apples and oranges. The champ is so much better to fly. You drive a 182. You don’t fly it.