Aeronca Champ STC help

[taylorj2cub]

I want to operate my Champ with an 85hp engine, but keep the small tail, I don't want the large dorsal fin. Does anyone know if an STC covers this installation?? Thanks in advance. Doug G.

[kyleb]

I want to operate my Champ with an 85hp engine, but keep the small tail, I don't want the large dorsal fin. Does anyone know if an STC covers this installation?? Thanks in advance. Doug G.

Here's a link to the type certificate:

http://hangar9aeroworks.com/AeroncaTechInfo/A-759.pdf

If you'll look at "Note 4" it tells you that all you need to do is follow the Aeronca service letter (and presumably fill out the appropriate paperwork) to convert your 7AC to a 7BCM (edited - I originally wrote 7DC, which requires the big tail but gives a gross weight increase), which has a small tail and C-85. The only downside (IMO) is that you don't get a gross weight increase unless you go to the bigger tail.

[jepropst]

Service letter 14 covers the requirements for conversion to a C-85-8 engine and the Lasher STC covers the conversion to a C-85-12 engine. Both conversions permit the use of the small tail provided you comply with all the requirements of the service letter or STC.

[taylorj2cub]

John, I have a C-85-8, will that still fall under the Lasher STC??

[kyleb]

John, I have a C-85-8, will that still fall under the Lasher STC??

You don't need an STC to install the C-85-8 if it is covered in the Type Certificate as part of the conversion.

[jepropst]

As mentioned above, an STC is not needed for a C-85-8 conversion. You can install the C-85-8 provided you follow all the requirements of Aeronca Service Letter 14. You can download this and other service letters at: http://www.aeronca.com/docs/ServiceLetters/
You should review the service letter with your I/A and make sure that your planned conversion complies with each requirement of the service letter. You can't just pick and choose some but not all of the requirements unless you want to pursue a field approval for the deviations. The conversion is pretty straight forward. Upon completion your I/A will submit a 337 and record the conversion in your logs.

[Bo Grave]

you need to do service letter 13 to get what you want. SL 14 puts on the dorsal, 13 doesn't but you don't get a weight increase. Just did this to my champ what a difference c85-8 with the 0-200 crank stc too much fun!!

Bo Grave
N1663E

[Captgrumps]

Having flow both with C-85, little tail and big tail--I will take the big tail anyday--with the increased torque it appears to be much more stable. Especially with the O200 crank C85 conversion. Just my two cents. Have a friend with a small tail Champ with a O200 in it with the Buzz Wagner conversion and he says it keeps your feet busy. He isn't impressed.

Doug

[MikeB]

I've flown both big and little tail. Some like the original looks of the little tail but I agree with Doug, I think the big tail is a little more stable, especially in the air. On the other hand, there is more surface to creat excitement in a crosswind or when taxing on hard surface. We'll see how the L16 handles with the 0200 next spring (hopefully).

MikeB

[rkittine]

I also prefer the enlarged vertical dorsal and do not find it to severly effect the cross wind performance, though there is for sure more area into a cross wind.