This 1993 American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon Is a Factory-Refreshed ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1993 American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon.

For many, the allure of flight is found not in straight-and-level travel but in the freedom of three-dimensional maneuverability. The Super Decathlon has long been the gold standard for this pursuit, serving as a robust bridge between basic taildragger proficiency and advanced aerobatic competition. Unlike many dedicated aerobatic mounts that sacrifice cross-country utility, the Decathlon remains a practical, high-wing aircraft capable of short-field adventures and comfortable weekend trips.

This particular aircraft tells a remarkable story of renewal. Following hail damage sustained at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in 2010, the aircraft was returned to the American Champion Aircraft Corp. factory for a complete transformation. In late 2011, it was meticulously reviewed and converted to later-model specifications, receiving all-new fabric, an updated interior, and a 1,950-pound gross weight upgrade. The quality of this restoration was so exceptional that the factory chose this exact aircraft to be its centerpiece display at Sun ‘n Fun in 2012.

Under the cowl, the performance is just as fresh. Power is provided by a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360-H1A engine, which features a full inverted fuel and oil system for sustained upside-down flight. This engine was overhauled in 2022 to a premium standard that goes far beyond a typical field overhaul. With only 141 hours since that overhaul, and a matching 141 hours on the Hartzell constant-speed propeller, the powerplant is essentially in its prime.

The cockpit has been thoughtfully modernized to meet the needs of the 21st-century pilot. The panel features a Garmin G5 electronic flight instrument for primary data, paired with a Garmin 796 GPS for superior situational awareness. Communications are handled by a Garmin SL40, while a SkyBeacon provides ADS-B In/Out compliance. For the serious pilot, the inclusion of Electronic International (EI) EGT and fuel flow monitors ensures precise engine management during both aerobatic sessions and long-range cruises.

Aesthetics and utility are balanced perfectly in this aircraft. It features the factory-installed baggage door—a significant convenience upgrade—and pulse landing lights for increased visibility. Having been owned by a single owner and stored in a dry, heated hangar in north Idaho, the overall presentation is described as excellent.

Listed at $209,500, this Super Decathlon represents a rare opportunity to own a factory-refreshed classic with a “new limits” engine. It is a turnkey solution for the pilot who wants to master the art of the tailwheel and the thrill of the loop.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.

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