Champion Sky-Trac

7GC Sky-Trac and 7GCB Challenger
Role	Utility aircraft
Manufacturer	Champion
First flight	1959
Number built	>762

The Champion 7GC Sky-Trac was a light aircraft produced in the United States during the 1960s, derived from the Aeronca Champion 7EC. While retaining that aircraft's basic configuration, the Sky-Trac introduced a second passenger seat and a more powerful engine for a greater take-off weight. The Sky-Trac was also marketed in a dedicated agricultural version, the 7GCA, which accounted for some two-thirds of all Sky-Tracs sold.

Two-seat development of the 7EC line continued as the 7GCB Challenger that added flaps and larger wings to the 7GCA design. This too led to an agricultural sub-type, the 7GCBA.

A final designation, 7GCAA was used for a version based on the 7GCA but incorporating the engine mounting from the 7GCB and various detail changes.

Further development would be carried out as the 7GCBC Citabria.

Variants

• 7GC Sky-Trac - basic production model with Lycoming O-290-D2B engine (171 built)
  • 7GCA Sky-Trac - agricultural version with Lycoming O-320-A2B engine (396 built)
    • 7GCAA - 7GCA with 7GCB engine mounting
  • 7GCB Challenger - two-seater with enlarged wing (195 built)
    • 7GCBA - agricultural version of 7GCB

Specifications (7GC)

General characteristics

• Crew: One pilot
• Capacity: 2 passengers
• Length: 22 ft 1 in (6.73 m)
• Wingspan: 33 ft 5 in (10.19 m)
• Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-290-D2B, 140 hp (104 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 160 mph (260 km/h)
• Range: 638 miles (1,026 km)
• Service ceiling: 18,100 ft (5,520 m)

References

• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 252. 
• Simpson, R. W. (1995). Airlife's General Aviation. Shrewsbury: Airlife Publishing. 
• aerofiles.com

See also