American Champion 8 Decathlon for Sale — The Aerobatic Champion
The American Champion 8 Decathlon is the dedicated aerobatic member of the Champion family — an aircraft designed from the outset for serious aerobatic training and competition rather than simply aerobatic capability as an add-on to a touring aircraft. The Decathlon's name says everything: ten events, the full breadth of aerobatic discipline, an aircraft capable of performing every maneuver in the IAC catalog that does not require an unlimited-category aircraft. For pilots pursuing aerobatic competition, flight instructors building aerobatic teaching credentials, or personal owners who want the maximum possible aerobatic capability from a production American aircraft, the Decathlon is the definitive choice.
8KCAB Decathlon
The current production Decathlon, the 8KCAB, is powered by the Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B engine — a specially designed aerobatic engine with inverted oil and fuel systems that allow indefinite inverted flight without engine interruption. The 180-horsepower output, combined with the Decathlon's relatively light weight and clean aerodynamics, delivers roll rates, climb performance, and snap roll characteristics that satisfy serious aerobatic competitors. The aircraft is certificated in the aerobatic category to +6g / -5g, providing the structural margins required for outside maneuvers and negative-g flight.
Training Value
The Decathlon's tandem seating and full dual controls make it an excellent two-seat aerobatic trainer. Instructors can demonstrate maneuvers from the front seat while monitoring student performance, and the aircraft's honest handling characteristics mean that students receive clear, unambiguous feedback about the quality of their control inputs. Many of North America's finest aerobatic instructors teach in Decathlons specifically because the aircraft's characteristics honestly reveal what a pilot is doing — a quality that accelerates student development more effectively than more capable but more forgiving aircraft.
Find Your Decathlon on Airplane Trade
Browse American Champion 8KCAB Decathlon aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Competition-configured aircraft, flight school disposals, and personal aerobatic examples with full AEIO-360 inverted system documentation available. Connect with sellers who understand aerobatic aircraft ownership requirements.