Super Cub vs Decathlon

[bob turner]

I have a Cub and a Super Decathlon, and am delighted with both. I have a buddy who is going to join this forum, because I told him that this is the source for aviation info - and it really is!

My friend is looking at small taildraggers, and was leaning toward a 160 Super Cub, but now is re-thinking it after riding shotgun with me in the Super D. He wants to know more than I can tell him - take a shot at a couple of his questions:

1. Can an early 150 HP Decathlon be easily converted to a 180 C/S?

2. Would you get an inexpensive pile of parts and logbooks and build one up, or would you gather together about sixty grand and just get one?

3. If you were all through with sand bars and moose-hauling, would you rather have a SC, or a Decathlon, for just fun, including some one-day cross-countries?

I already gave him my answers - I wouldn't give up the Cub for anything. But I love the 120 Kt cruise in the Dec, and it will do almost that upside down! I love them both. I'd buy a flying aircraft. But I bet he'd love to have a few more opinions!

 

[kase]

I would still get a Super Cub even if my off road days are over. When im flying my Super Cub I pretend its a Decathlon anyhow.

 

[Ruidoso Ron]

Looks like my landings!

 

[sj]

I think he is just checking for usable fuel in that picture.

Here are my thoughts on the matter having flown both quite a bit:

1. They are both very docile taildraggers

2. I think you "wear" the cub a little more than the citabria/decath, etc. at least I feel that way.

3. Flaps are sure fun to play with.

4. Used decathlons tend to smell like old vomit from too many rides without sick sacks.

5. While faster, I prefer the cub on an XC because of the trim system, and the perception of roomyness.

6. The decath/citabria/scout is easier to get in and out of.

7. The super d's are under-ventilated and you can't open the doors in flight (this is a major drawback in my opinion). You can open the window, but it aint' the same.

8. 100's of available STC's for the cub to trick it out like you want.

9. Did I mention that the super d door does not open in flight?

10. I do like the fact that the decaths come with great harness systems, while uncomfortable, they are very safe.

sj

 

[Bugs66]

I have flown every Citabria and Decathlon in the series. I flew them regularly in Santa Paula CA when they offered every type for rent. They are great planes. But when I flew the Super Cub for the first time earlier this year - I couldn't believe how much I loved it. I don't know exactly what it is but it was immediately at the top of my list as favorite airplanes. Perhaps it was the open door? The docile-ness? The shear joy of STOL? The way it fit me like a glove? There is nothing like a Cub.

Having said that, here is a cool photo I found on www.Avweb.com today:

 

[howieb38]

Super Cub vs Super Decathlon

I agree with most of the comments. I own both a Super Cub (160hp with Leading Edge exhaust) and a 2000 Super Decathlon. I love them both also, but if I could only have one plane it would be the Decathlon. I can land it VERY short and it climbs better than the SC, 1200 fpm is normal. But the SC is a blast to fly on those hot summer days with the door open and the wind whipping through the little hair I have left :lol:

I don't think anyone can go wrong with either choice, but again the SD is my all time favorite.

 

[lester]

Super Decathlon vs Super Cub

I bought my Super Decathlon new from the factory in May of '97 and have 1000+ hours on it in .3 and .4 increments every other day, for the most part. They are both "Super" but the question is like asking "do you like apples or oranges better". Depends on what you plan to do with the craft.
Matt

 

[sj]

I like tomatos best.



sj

 

[lester]

Super Decathlon vs Super Cub

Exactly!

 

[Christina Young]

Re: Super Cub vs Super Decathlon

I don't think anyone can go wrong with either choice, but again the SD is my all time favorite.

Howie, you're a sellout!

 

[Steve Pierce]

Does a Decathalon feel better on the controls than a Citabria?

 

[howieb38]

Steve:

I owned a 7KCAB before I bought the 8KCAB and can honestly say that the Decathlon controls are much more responsive than the Citabria.

 

[jnorris]

Hello Bob,

Let me take a crack at your questions...

1. Can an early 150 HP Decathlon be easily converted to a 180 C/S?

The type certificate (A21CE) states that the 180 hp engine is an "optional" engine on the 8KCAB. It does not list any restrictions on which serial numbers can or can't have the 180 hp engine, so it would simply be a matter of installing the engine in accordance with factory specifications and making an entry in the aircraft maintenance records. No sweat!

2. Would you get an inexpensive pile of parts and logbooks and build one up, or would you gather together about sixty grand and just get one?

Most people who have done it (and smart people who haven't) will tell you that there's no way you can come out money-wise on rebuilding/restoring a "basket case". If you're looking to get in the air as economically as possible, buy the very best flying airplane you can afford and fly it. In the long run, you'll come out ahead.

If you're looking to get recreation, education, and great satisfaction out of rebuilding the airplane, then you can consider a project, but you will derive your value in ways other than money.

3. If you were all through with sand bars and moose-hauling, would you rather have a SC, or a Decathlon, for just fun, including some one-day cross-countries?

I wouldn't trade a Super Cub for a busload of Decathlons! If I wanted to do aerobatics, there are airplanes I'd rather have than a Decathlon, and if I want just good old fun flying, you can't beat the Cub.

Another thing to consider is the "fit" of the airplane. As an instructor, I spend a bit of time in the back seats of these airplanes, and the back seat of the Cub is definitely more user-friendly (at least for me) than the Champ/Citabria/Decathlon series. Try it sometime. get in the back seat of a Champion aircraft (including Aeroncas and American Champion) and get buckled in. Pull the stick all the way back to the stop (or until your body stops it). Then jump in the back seat of the Cub and try the same thing. You'll see what I mean.

Hey, you asked!!

Joe