solo from rear

[dfcpac]

i have an american 7ac champ. i'd like to solo it from the rear is this approved? also when you solo from rear how do you reach the carb heat. do you make an extention?

thanks

[rkittine]

Hi Dan,

Have you checked out the weight and balance? I am using an L-16B manual for my 7CCM and the military manuals state Solo From Front Seat Only, but the past owners said they solo'd from the real seat all the time.

I have seen a lot of Champs with one Carb Heat control mounted near the side mag switch rather than on the front panel. Would imagine that would have less binding and strain then trying to add some type of extension and have two controls. I am thinking about doing the same thing.

Ciao - Bob

[rkittine]

E-mail Bill Pancake. I bet he will know.

[rkittine]

Hey Danny,

I just checked the Aeronca Type Certificate. It seems like all of the Models with the higher HP engine, 7BCM, 7CCM, 7DC etc, shows:

Seats: 2 - "Solo From the Front Seat Only"

On the 7AC, it just shows:

Seats: 2

So, from this I would THINK that solo from the back seat is fine if you check the weight and balance and are in the envelope.

(Easier in the Chief - Let of right doesn't matter. )

[james gevay]

According to the TC A-759 for the 7AC and S7AC, you can solo either seat, obviously your CG has to be within limits.
Also there should be a placard on the baggage area that says "Maximum baggage - 40lbs solo front, 20lbs rear".

If you look at the TC under baggage, it says to look for "NOTE 2 for Baggage placard". Then look farther back for the NOTES, and that's where you find the info.

About the carb heat, it should be on the left side panel and is reachable by both seats, just lean forward a little.
If someone moved it to the front panel then your stuck in the front.

I've soloed my Champ many times from the rear just for the fun and to do something different.

[rkittine]

Danny, You could just carry one of those extension Light Bulb Changers with the pistol grip and jaws, in the back seat with you and pull and push the Carb Heat on and off from the back.

[joea]

I solo the Sedan from the right seat all the time...

[dfcpac]

i pretty muched figured it's ok to solo from the rear but just wanted to make sure. it might be a little tough trying to reach for carb heat from the back with the seat belt on. i'll have to make some kind of a grabber.

thanks
guys for the info.

[zipperdu]

My friend and I have been discussing this also.. I'm of the opinion that the only reason for front solo only is to have access to the mixture control. That is also assuming you have carb heat control between the seats next to the fuel shutoff lever and the mag switch.
The a-65 is the only common engine that I can think of that does not normally have a mixture control.
It also goes without saying (but I will anyway) you gotta check the W&B!

Jon
Champ7AC NC81488

[MikeB]

I've flown my Champ solo from the rear seat but it seems 'unnatural' to me. Never piloted a J-3, that's probably the reason. It really isn't much difference except everything is further away, although the carb heat is accessable between the seats. Taxing is different, too with less visability. I think that was supposed to be one of the 'pluses' to the Champs as opposed to the J-3, that is, being able to fly solo from the front seat.

My L16 is "solo from front seat only".

MikrB

[Quax1]

I pilot my 65TC/L-3 from the rear all the time. No big deal, this way I don't need the reading glasses for the panel,lol!
People have asked me,why don't I fly it from the front with extra baggage in the rear? No brakes up front! I hardly use them for stopping anyway,but sure like to have them.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt ... gQeqg8C0AQ

Cheers
Mike