Bellanca Citabria Series for Sale — The Champion That Grew Up
The Bellanca Citabria — its name is "aerobatic" spelled backwards, the simplest possible statement of design intent — is the most significant evolution of the Aeronca Champion lineage, transforming a simple trainer into a genuinely capable aerobatic aircraft while retaining the benign handling characteristics that made the Champion family accessible to the broad range of pilots who flew it. When Champion Aircraft Corporation introduced the Citabria in 1964 with an inverted fuel and oil system, increased structural strength, and a steerable tailwheel, they created an aircraft that could teach aerobatics safely and honestly — and the Citabria's decades of production across multiple corporate owners have proven the concept correct.
Citabria Variants
- 7ECA Citabria — 115 hp Lycoming O-235, basic aerobatic certification, perfect for introducing pilots to aerobatic flight
- 7GCAA Citabria — 150 hp Lycoming O-320, full aerobatic category with inverted systems, the most versatile Citabria for combined training and personal use
- 7GCBC Citabria — 160 hp Lycoming O-320 with slotted flaps, exceptional short-field performance with aerobatic certification — the backcountry aerobat
The Citabria's Enduring Training Role
Flight schools that specialize in aerobatic training consistently rely on the Citabria as their primary training aircraft because its honest feedback and predictable behavior create the ideal learning environment. Students who learn aerobatics in a Citabria develop genuine stick-and-rudder skills that transfer directly to more demanding aircraft — unlike glass-cockpit modern aircraft where automation can mask poor technique. The type's continued production under American Champion Aircraft ensures ongoing parts support and factory expertise.
Find Your Bellanca Citabria on Airplane Trade
Browse Bellanca Citabria 7ECA, 7GCAA, and 7GCBC aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Aerobatic flight school aircraft, personal training planes, and backcountry Citabrias available with full Lycoming documentation.