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ACA Super Decathlon 8KCAB Pilots Operating Manual

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PILOT'S
OPERATING
MANUAL
8KCAB
Super Decathlon
934-2003 and Newer*
*Model year is indicated by serial number suffix.
Issued: March, 2007

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  • Page 1 PILOT’S OPERATING MANUAL 8KCAB Super Decathlon 934-2003 and Newer* *Model year is indicated by serial number suffix. Issued: March, 2007...
  • Page 2 LOGS OF REVISIONS Revision Pages Affected Description of Date Change...
  • Page 3 FOREWORD FOREWORD This manual has been prepared to inform the pilot of features and systems incorporated into the American Champion Aircraft Super Decathlon. Recommended operation procedures and performance data are provided so that maximum utilization can be obtained with the utmost safety, economy and serviceability.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I Operating Limitations ..................I-1 SECTION II Emergency Procedures .................. II-1 SECTION III Normal Operating Procedures ..............III-1 SECTION IV Flight Performance ..................IV-1 SECTION V Weight and Balance ..................V-1 SECTION VI Aircraft and Systems Descriptions ............... VI-1 SECTION VII Servicing Requirements ................
  • Page 5 OPERATING LIMITATIONS SECTION I OPERATING LIMITATIONS INDEX General ............................I-1 Airspeed Limitations ........................I-1 Powerplant Limitations and Instrument Markings ............... I-2 Weight and Balance Limitations ....................I-3 Flight Load Factors ........................I-3 Flight Operations .......................... I-3 Unusable Fuel ..........................I-3 Inverted Flight ..........................

  • Page 6: Powerplant Limitations And Instrument Markings

    AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS AND INSTRUMENT MARKINGS Model Super Decathlon Engine, Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B Rated Horsepower (hp-rpm) 180-2700 Fuel, Minimum Octane Rating 91/96 (Approved for Continuous Use) Cylinder Head Temperature (°F) Maximum (red radial) Normal Range (green arc) 90-500 Oil Temperature (°F) Maximum (red redial)

  • Page 7: Section I

    OPERATING LIMITATIONS WEIGHT AND BALANCE LIMITS Super Decathlon Maximum Gross Weight 1950 lb Center of Gravity Range Normal Category +14.7 to +18.5 at 1950 lb +11.5 to +18.5 at 1325 lb or less Straight Line Variation Between Points Given Acrobatic Category +13.5 to +18.5 at 1800 lb +11.5 to +18.5 at 1325 lb or less Straight Line Variation Between Points Given...

  • Page 8: Inverted Flight

    AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON INVERTED FLIGHT The Super Decathlon is equipped with inverted fuel and oil systems. The header tank provides fuel for two minutes of continuous inverted flight. Monitor oil pressure while inverted; minimum oil pressure is 60 psi. WARNING Fuel starvation may occur after a series of inverted maneuvers since the header tank may have had insufficient time to refill.

  • Page 9: Required Placards

    OPERATING LIMITATIONS REQUIRED PLACARDS See FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual for placards required in a specific aircraft. The following placards represent a typical airplane. In Full View of Pilot Normal Category Airspeed Limits Maneuvering Speed 107 MPH (93 Knots) CAS Demonstrated Crosswind Velocity –...
  • Page 10 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON On Fuel Valve Control Fuel 40 Gal Useable Down “ON” On Emergency Door Release Handle Emergency Door Release Pull Pin --- Pull Handle Adjacent To Fuel Gauge Fuel In Tank When Gauge Reads “E” (Empty) Cannot Be Safely Used In Flight Adjacent To Strobe Light Switch Turn Strobe Lights Off When Taxiing in Vicinity of Other Aircraft,...
  • Page 11 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE SECTION II EMERGENCY PROCEDURE INDEX General ............................II-1 Engine Fire During Start ......................II-2 Engine Fire In Flight ........................II-2 Electrical Fire ..........................II-2 Alternator/Electrical Failure ....................... II-3 Engine Failure on Takeoff ......................II-3 Engine Restart ..........................II-3 Partial Power Loss/Rough Running ....................
  • Page 12 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON ENGINE FIRE DURING START If the fire is believed to be confined to intake or exhaust system (result of flooded engine): 1. Continue cranking engine with starter 2. Mixture Control – IDLE CUT-OFF 3.

  • Page 13: Emergency Procedures

    EMERGENCY PROCEDURE ALTERNATOR OR ELECTRICAL FAILURE An alternator failure is indicated by a steady discharge on the ammeter. 1. Master Switch – CYCLE in attempt to reset the over voltage relay 2. If excessive battery discharge continues, turn OFF all nonessential electrical equipment to conserve battery power 3.
  • Page 14 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON PARTIAL POWER LOSS OR ROUGH RUNNING 1. Follow the ENGINE AIR RESTART procedures 2. Land as soon as practical using PRECAUTIONARY LANDING APPROACH procedure Obstruction of the engine intake or induction ice may be indicated by a gradual power loss. Alternate air should be applied to the FULL HOT position and left in that position as long as suspected icing or blockage conditions exist.
  • Page 15 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FORCED LANDING (Complete Power Failure) If the engine cannot be restarted in flight, trim the aircraft to the recommended glide speed. Remain within gliding distance of the intended point of landing. Maintain a higher and closer pattern than normal making allowance for wind. Additional altitude can be lost by slipping the aircraft.
  • Page 16 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON STATIC SYSTEM FAILURE A malfunction in the static system will affect the airspeed, altimeter and vertical speed indicator and may be a result of an obstructed static opening. An alternate static source can be provided from within the cabin by breaking the glass in the airspeed, altimeter or rate of climb instrument face.
  • Page 17 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE SPINS Normal or inverted spins are approved in this aircraft when flown in the acrobatic category. Spins are prohibited in the normal category. WARNING Do not allow aircraft to spin unless sufficient altitude exists for safe recovery. WARNING During the spin recovery, the airspeed will build very rapidly with a nose low attitude.
  • Page 18 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON EMERGENCY EXIT AND BAIL OUT 1. Throttle – CLOSED 2. Door – JETTISON using emergency release handle 3. Use the cabin doorframe for support. Dive straight out and slightly aft of the wing struts 4.
  • Page 19 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE SECTION III NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE INDEX General ............................III-1 Preflight Inspection ........................III-2 Cold Weather Operation ......................III-4 Before Starting ........................... III-5 Starting ............................III-5 Taxi ............................III-6 Before Takeoff ........................... III-7 Takeoff - Normal ........................III-7 Takeoff –...
  • Page 20 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON PREFLIGHT INSPECTION The following inspection should be conducted prior to each flight. The inspection is broken down by area; the following circled numbers correlate with those listed in this section. This checklist emphasizes areas of importance. However, the preflight inspection should also consist of a thorough look at the aircraft for general condition and airworthiness.

  • Page 21: Normal Operating Procedures

    NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION (cont’d) 2. Right Wing a. Wing Root Fairing and Greenhouse Roof – CHECK secure b. Aileron – CHECK condition, freedom of movement, security c. Wing Tip and Light – CHECK condition d. Struts i. Inspect the front and rear lift struts for straightness, dents and other damage. ii.
  • Page 22 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON 8. Empennage a. Horizontal Stabilizer and Brace Wires – CHECK condition, security b. Vertical Stabilizer and Tail Light – CHECK condition c. Elevator, Trim Tab and Rudder – CHECK condition, freedom of movement security d.
  • Page 23 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE BEFORE STARTING 1. Airplane Preflight Inspection – COMPLETE 2. Seat Belts/Shoulder Harness – FASTENED and adjusted or STOWED 3. Cabin Door – CLOSED (windows as desired) 4. Brakes – SET 5. Electrical Switches – OFF 6. Circuit Breakers – CHECK in 7.
  • Page 24 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON To clear an engine that has been flooded due to excessive priming, proceed as follows: 1. Electric Fuel Pump – OFF 2. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF 3. Throttle – FULL OPEN 4. Magneto Switches – OFF 5.
  • Page 25 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE BEFORE TAKEOFF 1. Brakes – SET 2. Flight Controls – CHECK freedom of movement, proper operation 3. Elevator Trim – SET takeoff position 4. Flight Instruments/Radio(s) – CHECK and SET 5. Check Master Switch – ON 6. Fuel Shut-Off Valve – ON 7.
  • Page 26 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON CAUTION On the ground in the level flight attitude, the wheel brakes are very sensitive. It is recommended that directional control be maintained with the use of the rudder only. Check full-throttle engine operation early in the takeoff run. The takeoff should be discontinued if there are any signs of rough engine operation or sluggish engine acceleration.
  • Page 27 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE Be sure to account for the additional takeoff roll and distance to clear an obstacle resulting from the added drag of a soft field. Good pilot judgment is required to make these allowances, as it is not possible to tabulate such corrections due to their large variability. CLIMB 1.
  • Page 28 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON AEROBATICS The Super Decathlon is certified in the Aerobatic Category. Flying aerobatics places a much greater demand on the pilot’s ability, knowledge of the aircraft and current regulations. The following information is provided to make aerobatic flying enjoyable, with the utmost emphasis on safety.
  • Page 29 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE If you are not in good physical condition, your reaction time is increased and your tolerance to g- loading is decreased. Watch for other traffic while doing aerobatics. Perform a 90° clearing turn in each direction before beginning, checking for traffic all around the airplane. See Part 91 of the Federal Air Regulations for airspace in which aerobatics are prohibited.
  • Page 30 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON WARNING Tail slides and tumbling maneuvers are NOT APPROVED. Do not attempt any maneuver without proper instruction and checkout. WARNING Flight above 160 mph (CAS) in smooth air only. WARNING Maneuvering speed for acrobatic category operations is 132 MPH (CAS). Do not apply full or abrupt use of flight controls above maneuvering speed.
  • Page 31 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE HAMMERHEAD Enter the maneuver at 140 MPH with 3.5 to 4.0 “G” load factor. Speed at the top before the pivot should be about 20 MPH. Exit with 3.5 to 4.0 “G” load factor and approximately 140 MPH. HAMMERHEAD INVERTED Enter the maneuver at 140 MPH with -3.5 to -4.0 “G”...
  • Page 32 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON VERTICAL ROLL DOWN Enter the maneuver at approximately 60 MPH push to vertical down. Exit with approximately 4.5 “G” load factor and 160 MPH. Exit with pull to level flight. SLOW OR BARREL ROLL Enter the maneuver at 120 to 130 MPH.
  • Page 33 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE DESCENT 1. Mixture – FULL RICH 2. Throttle – REDUCE as desired 3. Airspeed – AS DESIRED The descent should be made with enough power to maintain cylinder head and oil temperatures in green arc. If possible, avoid wind milling the engine with the propeller by decreasing airspeed or increasing power.
  • Page 34 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON LANDING – OBSTACLE/SHORT FIELD Use Normal Landing procedures with the following additions: 1. Approach Airspeed – 60 MPH 2. Throttle – AS DESIRED to control rate of descent. 3. Slip aircraft as necessary to increase rate of descent. 4.
  • Page 35 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE GROUND HANDLING The Super Decathlon is easily handled on the ground by using the handle on the lower right side of the fuselage just forward of the tail section. The tail can be lifted and the airplane can be pushed, pulled, and turned from this position.
  • Page 37 FLIGHT PERFORMANCE SECTION IV FLIGHT PERFORMANCE INDEX General ............................IV-1 Airspeed Calibration ........................IV-2 Stall Speeds ..........................IV-2 Best Glide........................... IV-2 Takeoff Distance ........................IV-3 Time, Fuel and Distance to Climb ..................... IV-4 Cruise Performance ........................IV-5 Range and Endurance ........................ IV-6 Landing Distance ........................
  • Page 38 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON AIRSPEED CALIBRATION IAS (MPH) CAS (MPH) NOTE 1. Assumes zero instrument error 2. Maximum gross weight of 1950 lb STALL SPEEDS IAS (MPH) Angle of Bank 0° 20° 40° 60° NOTE 1. Gross weight of 1950 lb 2.

  • Page 39: Flight Performance

    FLIGHT PERFORMANCE TAKEOFF DISTANCE CONDITIONS 1. Level, hard Surface, Dry Runway 2. Zero Wind 3. Aircraft Loaded to 1950 lb PILOT TECHNIQUE Refer to “TAKEOFF-OBSTACLE” in Section III 1. Speed at Lift-Off – 50-55 MPH IAS 2. Speed at 50 Feet – 58 MPH IAS WARNING The aircraft must be pitched forward to a safe power-off speed should a power failure occur during climb-out;...
  • Page 40 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON TIME, FUEL AND DISTANCE TO CLIMB CONDITIONS 1. Standard Temperature 2. Aircraft Loaded to 1950 lb 3. Full Throttle PILOT TECHNIQUE Refer to “CLIMB” in Section III 1. Maximum Rate of Climb 2. Lean Only as Required to Maintain Smooth Engine Operation From Sea Level Standard Best Climb...
  • Page 41 FLIGHT PERFORMANCE CRUISE PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS 1. Standard temperature 2. All figures based on gross weight of 1950 lb 3. Recommended lean mixture, see Section III. Super Decathlon % BHP % BHP 2500 FT 7500 FT 2600 25.3 12.5 2600 23.0 12.0 24.1 12.0...
  • Page 42 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON RANGE AND ENDURANCE Range and endurance vary significantly with power, airspeed, and altitude. The “CRUISE PERFORMACE” chart should be used to determine range and endurance based on power setting, fuel flow, and true airspeed. Allowances should be made for climb fuel, fuel reserves, and any headwind or tailwind component.
  • Page 43 WEIGHT AND BALANCE SECTION V WEIGHT AND BALANCE INDEX General ............................V-1 Loading Procedures ........................V-2 Sample Loading Problem ......................V-2 Loading Graph ..........................V-3 Flight Envelope ........................... V-3 GENERAL It is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure that the aircraft is loaded properly and within the weight and balance limitations.
  • Page 44 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON LOADING PROCEDURE 1. Determine from the “Licensed Empty Weight and Moment” from the Weight and Balance Sheet located in the Approved Flight Manual. Enter these figures under “Your Airplane” of the Sample Loading Problem. 2.

  • Page 45: Weight And Balance

    WEIGHT AND BALANCE LOADING SCHEDULE MOMENT DIAGRAM Moment (IN-LB/1000) Add weights and moment of items in MOMENT DIAGRAM to airplane empty weight and moment (negative oil moment). Locate intersection of total weight and moment on AIRPLANE LOADING ENVELOPE. Any point falling within the envelope meets all balance requirements. Document # _________ Section V Page Date:...
  • Page 47 AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION SECTION VI AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION INDEX General ............................VI-2 Engine and Propeller ........................VI-3 Throttle Control ......................... VI-3 Alternate Air Control ......................... VI-3 Mixture Control ......................... VI-3 Electrical Fuel Pump Control..................... VI-3 Battery ............................VI-3 Alternator ...........................
  • Page 48 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON GENERAL The Super Decathlon is a single-engine, tandem two-place, strut-braced, high-wing airplane equipped with conventional landing gear. The fuselage is a welded steel tube frame, with wood fairings, covered with Dacron fabric. The strut-braced wing is constructed from formed aluminum ribs and spars covered with Dacron fabric.

  • Page 49: Aircraft And Systems Descriptions

    AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ENGINE AND PROPELLER The engine is a Lycoming, 180 horsepower, normally aspirated, direct-drive, air-cooled, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine. The engine oil system differs from a conventional wet sump type in that its design provides for both normal and inverted operations. See the “Engine Oil System”...
  • Page 50 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON OVER-VOLTAGE CONTROL The airplane electrical system is protected from surge by an over voltage control which is integral to the voltage regulator. The over voltage control can be reset by cycling the master switch on- off-on.
  • Page 51 AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION CIRCUIT BREAKERS Each electrical accessory is protected by a separate circuit breaker directly above the electrical switch. In the event of an over amperage condition, due to a voltage spike or excessive current draw, the circuit breaker will open the circuit. To avoid circuit damage, only reset the circuit breaker once.
  • Page 52 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON SEATS Front and rear seats are welded steel tube construction with removable cushions to permit the use of parachutes. The front seat is adjustable fore and aft. The adjustment control knob is located on the right underside of the seat.
  • Page 53 AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION PITOT-STATIC SYSTEM The pitot tube is located on the bottom side of the left wing. The static ports are located on the side of the aircraft just aft of the cabin section (one port on each side of the aircraft). Any obstruction of these ports or pressure lines will affect pitot-static instruments, i.e.
  • Page 54 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON Normal Oil Schematic When the aircraft is inverted, engine oil falls to the top of the crankcase. The weighted ball valve in the oil separator closes, preventing loss of oil through the oil separator. Blow-by gases from the engine crankcase are vented from the sump to the bottom of the oil separator and out though the overboard breather line.
  • Page 55 AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Inverted Oil Schematic Total oil capacity for the Super Decathlon is approximately ten quarts. The maximum capacity of the oil sump is eight quarts; the minimum operating level is six quarts. Oil level can be determined by means of a dipstick accessible through the cowling access door. Oil level should be maintained between six and eight quarts.
  • Page 56 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON TOWHOOK The Super Decathlon may be fitted with a towhook for glider and banner tow operations. The release lever is located on the cabin floor, left of centerline, forward of the front seat. Towline breaking strength must not exceed to 1200 lbs.
  • Page 57 AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION FUEL PUMPS Positive fuel pressure is assured by the use of an engine driven fuel pump and electric emergency pump. The engine driven pump is a cam actuated pump that supplies fuel at the proper pressure to the fuel injector whenever the engine is running.
  • Page 59 SERVICING REQUIREMENTS SECTION VII SERVICING REQUIREMENTS INDEX General ............................. VII-1 Ground Handling ........................VII-2 Jacking ............................. VII-2 Mooring............................ VII-2 Inspection and Servicing Access ..................... VII-2 Fuel ............................VII-3 Engine Lubrication........................VII-3 Requirements for New Engines ....................VII-4 Engine Cleaning ........................VII-4 Brackett Air Filter ........................
  • Page 60 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON GROUND HANDLING The Super Decathlon is easily handled on the ground by using the handle on the lower right side of the fuselage just forward of the tail section. The tail can be lifted and the airplane can be pushed, pulled, and turned from this position.
  • Page 61 SERVICING REQUIREMENTS Additional inspection plates are provided on the wings and fuselage to gain access to control cables, fuel lines, wiring, etc. Zippers are provided in the cabin headliner to allow easy access to the overhead control cables and fuel lines. FUEL Aviation grade 100LL fuel is the standard fuel for the Super Decathlon, 91/96 octane aviation fuel is the minimum.
  • Page 62 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON drain, the oil is drained by first removing the bottom engine cowling then unsafetying and removing the pipe plug on the right side of the oil sump bottom. After draining, reinstall plug, secure with safety wire and replace cowling. REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW ENGINES Your engine is filled at the factory with the proper grade of straight mineral oil.

  • Page 63: Servicing Requirements

    SERVICING REQUIREMENTS NOTE If signs of acid spillage exist inside the case or battery box, neutralize all the spilled acid with soda and clean battery, battery box and other affected parts. Replace battery prior next flight. EXTERIOR CARE Your Super Decathlon has a long lasting, all weather finish and should require very little maintenance.
  • Page 64 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT – 8KCAB SUPER DECATHLON STORAGE Aircraft placed in non-operational storage for long periods of time should be given a thorough cleaning. Every ten days the propeller should be pulled through several revolutions to reactivate the oil film and prevent corrosion. WARNING Check that all engine switches and controls are OFF prior to rotating the propeller and stay clear of the propeller arc.

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