Having solo’d an Aeronca Champ in 1962 in 6.5 hours, and having taken my wife of 52 years on dates in one, and having created a 48" RC model and a 1/4 scale RC model (currently in the WAAAM museum) – I am a Champ bigot. I could create a long list of why the Champ is a better primary tail-wheel trainer than a Cub, but that is another story. The Champ started production in 1945, and morphed into the Citabria (1964) which morphed into the Decathlon (1972). 10,000 original 7-series Champs of several models were built up until about 1951 (plus custom builds thereafter). Tens of thousands of pilots soloed in them. Here’s a Wikipedia history.
At the age of 82 it’s on my bucket list to fly the Champ again, but in MSFS. But first somebody needs to make one! Pursuant to that I’d like to gather some empirical data regarding the market for one, that I can use in persuading some MSFS GA developer to create a Champ. Below is a poll as to whether you would be willing to purchase one if it was available. I’m leaving price off as that depends on the developer, but would assume it would be similar to other Classic SEL GA aircraft.
Please answer the poll below created by @ Baracus250
I don’t really know the Champ and feel the CAS Cub already fits my needs but I can tell how passionate @rgp1942 is about this project so voted yes-under $25 as I hope he gets his plane.
I had dreamt about a close to life Cub for awhile, well that dream came true. I’d like to see another simmer’s dream come true. After reading up on the Champ, I’m all for it.
@rgp1942 Thanks for sharing a little snippet of your aviation life and congrats on 52 years of marriage!
If it looks good, sounds good and flies more or less accurately, I’d definitely slap $25 down for another vintage GA single to play with.
I could absolutely be talked into a higher price for a project that’s very high-end though, for instance a super detailed recreation from high-resolution scans with a really high-quality sound pack and a variety of vintage and mixed-modern avionics options.
the thing about the Champ and the Decathlon / Citabria is that, for civilian pilots in the 70’s and 80’s the Champ was the best entry aircraft. The Cubs were getting long in the tooth and the process of restoring them was greater than the cost of a new Aeronca.
Later - once you had gotten what you could get out of the Champ, for not too much money and with the trade in you could go from the Champ to the Decathlon or Citabria and learn aerobatics, or just have the extra performance needed
I voted for them - I think the best bet would be a package that included the basic Champ along with a Citabria and for that, if done right, I would pay into the mid 30-40$ range.
A vintage bush-capable tail dragger tandem balanced for a front seat pilot… Right off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything like that for the current sim, unless the Zlin matches that, but that one is Premium only and has metric instruments. This would be a welcome addition!
Begging for one, flew one bought by Herb Cahill in 1946, an Aeronca 7AC Champ named “Charlie Brown”. Now owned by Herb’s son, Gil Cahill, and hangered at Currituck County Regional Airport in NC.
Still have the damaged prop from my grandpa’s Champ after he nosed it over 55 years ago. This is the only prop he kept, but it wasn’t the only time he nosed over an airplane!
Hi @rgp1942,
The potential developers may also be interested in the surveys done by Microsoft. This segment of last weekend’s presentation is specific to airliners, but could be considered in conjunction with this survey in determining if developing an Aeronca Champ would be financially feasible:
Haven’t flown a Champ but there is a really nice one at my local airport. I have flown it’s, son? grandson?, the Citabria, first taildragger I flew. Great flying plane. Several hours in a cub as that is what I finished my tailwheel endorsement in. I say the more taildraggers in the sim the better. I hope someone picks this one up and makes it for you.
Thank you to all who have responded to this poll. Unfortunately a sample size of 53 yes votes out of 15 million users (per Asobo) is probably insufficient to entice any 3rd party aircraft developer. But I will continue contacting them. GAS and CAS have already turned me down. Any other suggestions?
My first idea is for antsairplanes wich makes the very good Tiger Moth and the Winjeel.
Perhaps also Lionheart Simulations wich makes the Bu131, but AFAIK they only sell through the Marketplace, so files are encrypted.
DC Designs wich makes the first Stearman.
