Is the Citabria a good aircraft for learning to fly?

Question

Is the Citabria a good aircraft for learning to fly?

Answer 1

Absolutely the best primary trainer there is. I cannot understand why the flight schools aren't beating American Champion Aircraft's doors down to buy these since they are currently in production. When you learn to fly from the beginning in a tailwheel airplane you automatically learn the particulars of taildraggers as part of learning to fly. You will solo in the same amount of time as you would in a tricycle gear airplane. Furthermore you will have an instant taildragger endorsement. Taildraggers are not more difficult than tri-gears, they're just a little different. Like an old friend of mine once said- "anyone who says flying a taildragger is hard is just being macho".

Answer 2

I would even say "better than good" - simply excellent -

A basic taildragger should be the first airplane you master -

A real airplane...



I learned to fly with a Piper Cub L-4 (with 65 hp engine) -

Never forgot how to handle a little basic taildragger airplane -



40 years later, I came back to taildraggers -

I am now retired from airlines -

Operate 3 Piper L-21 Super Cub (150 hp) and 1 Cessna O-1 (210 hp) -

Towing banners and gliders -



When you will transition to tricycle gear, it will take you 45 minutes...

The opposite (I heard) sometimes takes (?) 3 to 5 hrs dual -

Obviously... instructors need to make a living...!



Have fun -



When you will know the Citabria, also check out in the "Decathlon" -

And fly it upside down, roll it and spin it (full aerobatic Citabria version) -

.

Answer 3

It's fairly good, as in it is much better than metal or plastic nosewheel trainers for teaching you good flying habits, like correct control inputs on the ground and the use of the rudder.



However, as a tailwheel airplane it is a pussycat. It will not prepare you for a more challenging aircraft like a Luscombe, Maule, or even a short-winged Piper like a Pacer..... to say nothing about Pitts, Skybolts, Christen Eagles, etc etc.



Also in terms of aerobatic performance, it only satisfies the legal requirement. It is a horrible aerobatic airplane--even the fat Beech Sundowner has better roll and pitch rates. Something benign like a clipped-wing Cub simply blows it out of the water. The Decathlon is what you want for a true aerobatic trainer.



PS: My PA-11 has TWO real doors and can be flown from the front.... only the J3 had rear seat solo.

Answer 4

Yes, an excellent choice. Because it is a "taildragger" it might require a few extra hours of dual instruction before you are allowed to solo, but learning in such an aircraft will ultimately make a better pilot out of you than if you learned in a tricycle gear "spam can". I did primary instruction for many years in Champs and Citabrias and they are very forgiving as trainers.

Answer 5

I thought the Aeronca was a good one for training. I did most of my stall and spin recovery training in a Champ. The Citabria is supposed to be an improved Champ. After observing the level of airmanship at our local field, I think ALL pilots might benefit from some time in a Citabria/Decathon. If you can take lessons in one, please do it. You will emerge as a better pilot.

Answer 6

Absolutely! CITABRIA is AIRBATIC spelled backwards!



It's actually an updated version of the original Aeronca 7 "Champ" which dates back to the end of WWII. Although not as popular as the Piper Cub, I have always liked the Aeronca better because it has a REAL door, and is designed to be flown solo from the FRONT seat.

Answer 7

Citabria

Answer 8

It's harder to handle a tail-dragger when just starting out.

It's an excellent first aerobatic platform once you've got the basics.

Answer 9

It's great; can't beat a conventional geared aircraft that goes upside down and doesn't burn 30 gph.

Answer 10

Depends. Go and ask instructor pilots in your area. Learning to fly is typically a matter of costs.

Answer 11

For tailwheel, absolutely, one of the best.