Inverted flight was out of reach for the Citabria line until the 7KCAB arrived with fuel injection and an inverted oil system. Certified in December 1966 and built first by Champion Aircraft and then by Bellanca, it turned a tandem two-seat taildragger into an aerobatic trainer able to hold negative g for up to two minutes.
American Champion Aircraft holds the type certificate today and still supports the fleet with parts and replacement wings. Flight schools teaching tailwheel and basic aerobatics fly it, as do glider tow operators and private owners who want more performance than a Cub offers. Spelled backwards, the name reads “airbatic,” which sums up what its designers intended.
Bellanca 7KCAB Citabria Specifications
| Manufacturer | Champion Aircraft Corporation (to 1970); Bellanca Aircraft Corporation (1970 to 1977). Type certificate now held by American Champion Aircraft, Rochester, Wisconsin |
| Type | Two-seat tandem aerobatic trainer and utility taildragger |
| First flight | Citabria prototype (7ECA) flew in May 1964; the 7KCAB is a later derivative |
| Certification | FAA type certificate A-759; 7KCAB approved December 21, 1966, Normal and Acrobatic categories |
| Production status | Out of production; last serial numbers dated 1977 |
| Units built | Approximately 620, based on type certificate serial ranges |
| Engine | 1x Lycoming IO-320-E2A or IO-320-E2B (modified per STC SE7CE) or AEIO-320-E2B, 150 hp, fuel injected |
| Max range | Approximately 410nm (760km) on 35 US gal usable, no reserve |
| Cruise speed | Approximately 109 KTAS (125 mph) at normal cruise |
| Max operating altitude | 17,000ft service ceiling |
| Never exceed speed | 162 mph (141 knots) |
| Load factors | +5.0g / -2.0g; inverted flight limited to 2 minutes |
| Takeoff distance | Approximately 535ft over a 50ft obstacle |
| Landing distance | Approximately 755ft over a 50ft obstacle |
| Max takeoff weight (MTOW) | 1,650 lb (748 kg); 1,750 lb (794 kg) with American Champion metal-spar wing retrofit |
| Empty weight | Approximately 1,100 to 1,140 lb, depending on equipment |
| Fuel capacity | 39 US gal (36 US gal with later fuel system) |
| Passenger capacity | 1 (tandem seating) |
| Crew | 1 pilot; solo from the front seat |
| Price (new) | No current new price; production ended in 1977 |
| Used price | Approximately $65,000 to $90,000 (2025 to 2026 listings) |
| Operating cost | Fuel burn approximately 7 US gph at normal cruise |
History and Overview
Development and Background
The Citabria descends directly from the Aeronca 7AC Champ, a design Champion Aircraft acquired in 1954. Champion put the 7ECA Citabria into production in 1964, squaring off the rudder, wingtips and rear windows and certifying the airframe for +5/-2g aerobatics. The 150 hp 7GCAA followed in 1965.
Those early models had one clear limit. A carbureted engine and a conventional oil system could not sustain inverted flight, so the FAA approved the 7KCAB on December 21, 1966, as a 7GCAA derivative with a fuel-injected Lycoming, a revised fuel system and a modified oil system.
Champion marketed the new model as the Citabria B package. Bellanca bought Champion in 1970, kept the 7KCAB in the line and later added the 8KCAB Decathlon, a stronger dedicated aerobatic design that gradually took over its role. The last 7KCAB serial numbers on the type certificate carry a 1977 date suffix.
Design and Performance
Structure follows the Champ pattern: a welded steel tube fuselage with a triangular truss cross-section, wooden formers and stringers, and fabric covering throughout. Factory wings used wooden spars with aluminum ribs, and the 7KCAB shares the shorter, flapless wing of the 7GCAA.
Fuel injection, a 1.5 US gal header tank beneath the instrument panel and a Christen inverted oil system give the type its negative g capability. The placarded envelope covers loops, rolls, Immelmanns, Cuban eights, hammerheads, snap rolls, spins and level inverted flight. Oil pressure must be monitored while inverted.
With 150 hp in a 1,650 lb airframe, the 7KCAB climbs at about 1,120 fpm and cruises near 109 knots. Stall speed sits in the low 40s in knots, and the tandem layout gives the student a centerline view that side-by-side trainers lack.
Variants
- 7KCAB (Champion): Original production aircraft with the IO-320-E2A, wood-spar wings and spring steel main gear, sold as the Citabria B package.
- 7KCAB (Bellanca): Production continued under the same model designation after the 1970 acquisition, with fuel system and equipment updates through 1977.
- 7KCAB with metal-spar wings: Aircraft retrofitted with American Champion 7-1566 or 7-1567 wings, eligible for a 1,750 lb maximum weight under the type certificate data sheet.
- Related models: The 7ECA, 7GCAA and 7GCBC share the airframe but lack the inverted fuel and oil systems that define the 7KCAB.
Operators
Flight schools adopted the 7KCAB for tailwheel endorsements, spin training and introductory aerobatics, and a number remain on training lines. Glider clubs and banner operators use the tow hitch installation listed on the type certificate. Most surviving aircraft are privately owned.
Current Status
American Champion Aircraft returned the 7ECA, 7GCAA and 7GCBC to production in the 1990s but did not restart the 7KCAB. The company still supplies parts and metal-spar replacement wings, and the Lycoming 320 series remains well supported.
Used examples trade steadily, usually between $65,000 and $90,000. Wing type, engine time and avionics drive most of the spread, and aircraft with metal-spar wings command a premium.
Bellanca 7KCAB Citabria Landing Gear and Tires
Landing Gear Configuration
The 7KCAB uses conventional gear with two main wheels and a steerable tail wheel. Most aircraft have spring steel main gear legs with Cleveland 20-16 or McCauley D-30039-1 wheel and brake assemblies, while some carry oleo gear with taxi springs.
Main tire eligibility depends on that installation. On spring steel gear, the data sheet approves 6.00-6 and 7.00-6 in 4 or 6 ply and 8.00-6 in 4 ply; oleo gear aircraft are limited to 7.00-6 in 6 ply. Many owners run 8.00-6 main tyres for grass and gravel work.
Several tail wheel assemblies are approved, including Scott and Maule units. Pneumatic 8 in tail wheels take a 2.80/2.50-4 tire, so confirm the installed assembly before ordering.
Bellanca 7KCAB Citabria Tire Specifications
| Nose wheel tire size | Not applicable (conventional gear) |
| Main gear tire size | 6.00-6, 7.00-6 or 8.00-6, depending on wheel and gear installation |
| Tail wheel tire size | 2.80/2.50-4 on 8 in pneumatic assemblies |
| Ply rating | 6.00-6: 4 or 6PR; 7.00-6: 4 or 6PR (6PR only on oleo gear); 8.00-6: 4PR; tail wheel: 4PR |
| Tire pressure | Refer to the aircraft maintenance manual |
| Compatible brands | Goodyear, Michelin, Condor (main gear); specialist tail wheel tire manufacturers |
| Part numbers | See Approved and Compatible Brands below |
Always verify tire size and ply rating against the type certificate data sheet, the aircraft maintenance manual and applicable airworthiness directives before ordering. Wheel, brake and gear installation can change which tires are eligible on an individual aircraft.
Main Gear Tires
At 1,650 lb gross the main tires carry light loads, so ply rating is set by the data sheet rather than by load margin. Training use brings frequent landings, and wheel landings and braking on pavement wear tread faster than grass operations.
Tail Wheel Tire
The tail wheel tire wears quickly on paved runways, particularly where the tail wheel shimmies. Check tread depth and tail wheel steering at each preflight.
Approved and Compatible Brands
Main gear, 6.00-6 (spring steel gear, 4 or 6 ply):
- Goodyear Flight Special II: 606C41-6 and 606C41B1 (6.00-6, 4PR, main gear)
- Goodyear Flight Special II: 606C61-6 and 606C61B1 (6.00-6, 6PR, main gear)
- Michelin Air: 070-315-0 (4PR) and 070-314-0 (6PR) (6.00-6, main gear)
- Condor: 072-315-0 (4PR) and 072-314-0 (6PR) (6.00-6, main gear)
Main gear, 7.00-6 (6 ply, eligible on spring steel and oleo gear):
- Goodyear Flight Special II: 706C61-4 (7.00-6, 6PR, main gear)
- Goodyear Flight Custom III: 706C66-3 (7.00-6, 6PR, main gear)
- Michelin Air: 070-313-0 (7.00-6, 6PR, main gear)
- Condor: 072-313-0 (7.00-6, 6PR, main gear)
Main gear, 8.00-6: the data sheet lists this size in 4 ply only. The 6 ply tires below are not confirmed for the 7KCAB, so verify eligibility with an A&P mechanic and the aircraft records before fitting.
- Goodyear Flight Special II: 806C61-5 (8.00-6, 6PR, main gear; eligibility to be confirmed)
- Michelin Aviator: 071-371-0 (8.00-6, 6PR, main gear; eligibility to be confirmed)
- Condor: 072-371-0 (8.00-6, 6PR, main gear; eligibility to be confirmed)
Tail wheel: 2.80/2.50-4 tires are a specialist item produced by Specialty Tires of America and Aero Classic, among others. Match the tire to the installed wheel assembly.
FAQs
Is the Bellanca 7KCAB still in production?
No. The last 7KCAB serial numbers on the type certificate date from 1977, and American Champion did not restart the model when it revived the Citabria line. Tires, wheels and airframe parts remain available, and replacement wings are still supplied.
What are the Bellanca 7KCAB specifications?
Key figures are a 150 hp fuel-injected Lycoming, 1,650 lb maximum weight, about 109 KTAS cruise, a 17,000ft service ceiling and +5/-2g aerobatic limits. The specifications table above lists the full set.
What is the range of the Bellanca 7KCAB?
Roughly 410nm (760km) on 35 US gal usable fuel at normal cruise with no reserve. Aerobatic practice burns fuel faster, so plan reserves around the flight profile.
What is the Bellanca 7KCAB price?
No new price applies, since production ended in 1977. Recent listings range from about $65,000 to $90,000, with metal-spar wings, low engine time and ADS-B equipment at the upper end.
Where can I find a Bellanca 7KCAB for sale?
Controller, Trade-A-Plane, Barnstormers and AircraftForSale carry listings, though only a handful appear at any one time. Type clubs and tailwheel instructors often hear of aircraft before they are advertised.
Can the Bellanca 7KCAB fly inverted?
Yes, for up to two minutes. Fuel injection, a header tank and an inverted oil system allow sustained negative g within the placarded limits, which the 7ECA and 7GCAA cannot do.
What is the Bellanca 7KCAB landing distance?
About 755ft over a 50ft obstacle at gross weight. Published figures assume sea level standard conditions, so check the operating handbook for the individual aircraft.
What tire size does the Bellanca 7KCAB use?
The main gear takes 6.00-6, 7.00-6 or 8.00-6 tires depending on the wheel and gear installation, and oleo gear requires 7.00-6 in 6 ply. Pneumatic 8 in tail wheels take a 2.80/2.50-4. Verify against the type certificate data sheet and aircraft records.
Which tire brands are approved for the Bellanca 7KCAB?
Goodyear, Michelin and Condor main tires are compatible in the approved sizes and ply ratings. The Goodyear aviation application chart lists the 7KCAB under American Champion with 6.00-6, 7.00-6 and 8.00-6 main tires and a 2.80/2.50-4 tail wheel tire.
How much do Bellanca 7KCAB tires cost?
Pricing depends on size, ply rating and brand. A 6.00-6 in 4 ply sits at the lower end and an 8.00-6 at the upper end, with current prices shown on each product page linked above.
What is the tire pressure for the Bellanca 7KCAB?
Inflation pressure depends on tire size and ply rating and is published in the maintenance documentation. Use the figure in the aircraft maintenance manual for the tire actually installed.
How long do Bellanca 7KCAB tires last?
Main tires on a light taildragger typically give several hundred landings, though training use and paved runways shorten that. Sidewall cracking from age and UV exposure often retires a tire before the tread wears out.
How often should Bellanca 7KCAB tires be changed?
Replace a tire when tread reaches the wear limit, cord shows, or cuts and cracks exceed limits at inspection. Tail wheel tires on paved-runway aircraft usually need replacing well before the mains. An A&P mechanic and the maintenance manual make the final call.
