The Citabria was designed and initially produced by Champion Aircraft Corporation, and was a derivative of designs the company had been building since acquiring the 7-series Champ from Aeronca in 1954. The company was then acquired by Bellanca Aircraft which introduced improved variants including the Decathlon.
When the Citabria was introduced, it was the only airplane being commercially produced in the United States which was certified for aerobatics. From the mid 1960s through the end of the 1970s, sport flying in the United States enjoyed great popularity. Pilots who flew for personal enjoyment were interested in the unusual and exciting, and aerobatics provided an avenue for this interest. Citabrias were popular as trainers because of their conventional gear and their aerobatic capabilities and as personal aircraft. They were also found in utility roles such as bush flying (thanks to their STOL capabilities), agriculture, and pipeline patrol. Though variants of the design, and other better-suited designs, have largely taken over the Citabria's utility roles, Citabrias remain popular as trainers and for personal use.
Type: 2-place single engine, civilian aerobatic trainer
Manufactured: Bellanca
Construction Number: 387 72
Current Registration: CF-BSY
Present Markings: Owners colours and markings
Full History