Bellanca 8KCAB Super Decathlon

The Bellanca 8KCAB Super Decathlon is equipped with a 180-horsepower Lycoming AEIO-360-H1A engine, an increase over the standard Decathlon's 150 hp powerplant. This additional power makes it better suited for sustained aerobatic routines and training.

Yes, the Super Decathlon is widely used as an aerobatic training aircraft because it is a capable two-seat taildragger with inverted fuel and oil systems allowing sustained negative-g maneuvers. Its relatively affordable operating costs make it popular at flight schools offering upset recovery and basic aerobatics.

The Super Decathlon, designated 8KCAB, is an improved variant of the earlier Bellanca Decathlon, featuring the more powerful 180 hp Lycoming engine and aerobatic fuel and oil systems. The original Decathlon used a 150 hp engine and was less capable in sustained inverted flight.

The Super Decathlon was originally produced by Bellanca Aircraft, and later by American Champion Aircraft, which continues to manufacture updated versions of the Decathlon design. The type has been in continuous production in various forms since the 1970s.