Anyone have a Decathlon?

[Tram]

Hey guys-

My pops and I are thinkin' about letting the RV go again.. We were all set on a Yak 52 a few months back, but have since decided that right now, we do no want to keep a radial running..

So we are looking at Decathlons..

Anyone have any opinions? I've got some time in them, but not enough to matter..

Jeff

[kellwolf]

Hey, no letting it go until I get a ride!

[jrh]

Originally Posted by Tram

Anyone have any opinions? I've got some time in them, but not enough to matter..

A friend of mine, one of the former CFIs for the school I work at, owns a 2006 Super Decathlon. We've talked about his quite a bit.

What do you want to know? What are you comparing them to? What will you typically use it for?

I don't think anyone can argue it's not a good plane. A lot of guys get their start in the aerobatic world flying Decathlons. It all comes down to what you want out of a plane.

[waverebel]

what are you going to be using the plane for ? traveling, competing, or just for fun?

[Tram]

Hey guys-

We don't be using it for traveling.. We are about to pick up an RV-10 for going places..

It's just going to be something fun to fly, a better platform for aerobatics and such.. I'm sure I'd fly a cross country or two in it, just for the heck of it..

Jeff

[BuickCFI]

Decathlons rock! by far one of my favorite airplanes to fly. haven't flown one for a while and don't have a lot of time, but the spring gear can get a little squirly on the landing if you let it get away from you

[jrh]

Originally Posted by Tram

It's just going to be something fun to fly, a better platform for aerobatics and such.. I'm sure I'd fly a cross country or two in it, just for the heck of it..

Well, I think you answered your own question then. They're great planes for what you want to do.

Of course, if you're not interested in carrying as much or doing as agressive of aerobatics, you can get by for cheaper with a Citabria, but you probably know that already.

Or if you want to do some hardcore aerobatics and start competing, you'll probably want something a bit more serious, but it'll cost you more.

So I guess I'm still not sure what you're asking. Without anything to compare it to it's hard to give you advice.

Like I said earlier, Decathlons are good planes that are good at what they're designed to do. If you have the money for one, go for it! If you're tight on cash, go for a Citbria instead.

[Tram]

Right now, the plan is to progress with the aerobatics in the Decathlon.. The RV is decently aerobatic, but it builds up speed very quickly in the down lines, just not the best aero platform..

I would like to get the Decathlon and then move up to an S-2B or C model..

[USMC-SGT]

I instructed in a 2006 super D for around 200 hours and thought it was a great plane. The plane has fairly comfortable seats (only if you are wearing a chute) but after a solid hour plus of acro your lower back can start to hurt since the chute often leaves a gap in the lower corner of the seat. With the seat being comfortable and the airplane having a decent cruise and being well equipped (most come with a gns-430 or similiar) it is a pretty good short cross country machine and I always found fun to fairy to shows.

For acro it has the inverted system and will keep you upside down for much longer than you will care to be there. The airplane has basically all of the positive G limit that you will need at plus 6 and will get you through every maneuver up through sportsman and into intermediate. Some of the more agressive maneuvers are really not reccomended in the plane such as snap rolls and I believe inverted spins are not approved if I remember right. If you are looking for the basics then this plane will do them very well and make you good at it.

It is a big difference doing acro in a decathlon because it has a pretty slow roll rate so it causes you to be very aware of your rudders in every manuever and will make you look sloppy in a second. Overall though after a few hundred hours in it I got somewhat bored with it and wanted something that was a little more snappy with a better roll rate. Last thing, it is nice and easy to land and can and has taken a 20 knot cross wind on many occasions.

[Tram]

USMC-SGT - THanks.

[SD3Dog]

You can pick up a Pitts fairly cheap. Decathlon was fun to fly but I think you will get bord with its aerobatics. I was ready for more after just a few flights. JMHO

[Tram]

While I would love to jump straight to the Pitts, my pops doesn't really want a Pitts.. He's done enough aerobatics and doesn't really want to do Pitts type stuff.. I will own a Pitts one day, I'll be happy with a Decathlon for now..

We need to sell the 6 first though.. Talked about it over dinner tonight.. Looks like a Decathlon might just be a reality soon..