The Decathlon and Citabria, produced by Champion Aircraft Corporation, offer great flying experiences. The Citabria is perfect for leisurely cruising and basic aerobatics. The Decathlon was built for advanced aerobatics, with a superior roll rate, lighter controls, easier handling, and a stronger structure. Both offer tailwheel training and are ideal for recreational flights, but the Decathlon soars higher than the competition in aerobatic training and performance.
Most pilots would prefer an aircraft that blends everyday training and flying with the thrill of fun and aerobatics in the air. And those who have ventured out searching for the perfect aircraft find themselves stuck between two very popular choices — the Decathlon and the Citabria. Both have been around for many years and offer a good flying experience.
So, how do you choose?
This article explores both aircraft to help you decide which one offers better performance for training and fun flying.
An Overview of the Decathlon and Citabria
Believe it or not, both the Decathlon and the Citabria have been battling it out to offer the best of both worlds to pilots for years. Both were, and are produced by the Champion Aircraft Corporation. While they were known for their aircraft, the Aeronca Champ, they wanted to produce something that was more aerobatic and fun. And that’s exactly what they did in the 1980s.
The Citabria was designed and produced first. It performed in a general sense and offered the ability to perform some basic aerobatic moves. Its name, after all, spells airbatic backward).
The Decathlon came along later and was designed with aerobatics in mind. It was created to be able to handle more advanced performance maneuvers and flight training.
Throughout the following years, the Citabria and Decathlon were refined and improved to become what they are today.
Decathlon vs. Citabria: The Design
The Decathlon and Citbria are two-seat, single-engine aircraft with conventional tailwheel landing gear. On the surface, they look very similar. However, there are some very distinct differences in the way they are designed that impact how they fly. Let’s take a look.
Wings and Ailerons
The wing design of the Citabria includes a semi-tapered wing with a flat-bottom airfoil. The Decathlon, on the other hand, has a shorter and symmetrical airfoil. This key difference can impact the extent of their aerobatic abilities. More specifically, the Decathlon wing provides better roll rates and offers better handling during inverted moves.
Rolls are further enhanced by the larger ailerons found on the Decathlon.
Control Systems and Strength
Control is essential when performing aerobatic moves in the sky. Both aircraft are designed using cable and pushrod control systems. The Decathlon has lighter and more responsive controls which make it a better option for wow-ing a crowd.
As for the strength of the outside, both are built as solid contenders. Nonetheless, the Decathlon is built to meet higher structural standards so that it may withstand the stresses of some of the most demanding aerobatic maneuvers.
Decathlon vs. Citabria: Overall Performance and Handling
There is a very notable difference between the overall performance and handling of these aircraft.
Takeoff and Landing
The takeoff and landing are easy for each — as long as the pilots are properly trained in tailwheel techniques. Each offers its own unique trait, as well. For instance, the Citabria has a longer wing that can provide a better short-field performance. The Decathlon, on the other hand, has more responsive controls allowing it to be more advantageous in crosswinds.
Cruising and Handling
Just as you want a new car that cruises smoothly on the open road, responding to your every move, pilots look for this in a jet. They want something that can provide a relaxing, easy flight experience.
The Citabria is the more fuel-efficient of the two and can reach greater heights for cruising speed than the Decathlon can. It is stable and easy to handle when cruising. Although it responds to the pilot’s every command, it doesn’t do so as well as the Decathlon.
The Decathlon has more responsive controls which many pilots are seeking. This gives them more control and better handling.
Aerobatic Ability
Finally, when it comes to the overall performance of the aircraft as it shows off its aerobatic abilities, the Citabria simply cannot keep up with the Decathlon. The latter has lighter controls, a stronger structure, and a very impressive roll rate.
What’s more, the Decathlon can perform a long list of aerobatic maneuvers, such as spins, loops, and hammerheads.
The Citabria was designed to perform basic aerobatics—and it can. Unfortunately, it feels heavy and requires a lot of effort from the pilot since it doesn’t make the moves easily. This aircraft just cannot perform more advanced moves.
Decathlon vs. Citabria: Training and Fun Flying
Despite their differences, both the Decathlon and the Citabria are great options for training and fun flying. For example, since they are both designed with a conventional tailwheel, they present themselves as perfect jets for training pilots with the necessary skills to learn how to handle them.
Both aircraft are also wonderful options for training new pilots. They offer an engaging flight experience and are perfect for recreational use. The Citabria is a great option for weekend getaways rather than performing.
When it comes to aerobatic training and making fun moves, nothing outshines the Decathlon’s superior performance and handling.
See Aerobatic Jets Take Flight at Wings Over Camarillo 2025
Pilots spend many hours perfecting their aerobatic moves high in the sky— using the Decathlon. You can come to watch the show and see first-hand just how well this jet handles the demands of an air show performance when in the hands of a highly-trained pilot.
Mark your calendars for August 16th and 17th, 2025, so you can experience the entire Wings Over Camarillo experience.
Conclusion
There are many aircraft to choose from based on what the pilot is looking for. The Decathlon and the Citabria are both ideal aircraft in their own way. The Citabria is perfect for leisurely flights and the most basic aerobatic moves, whereas the Decathlon is much more suited for easy controls and better performance maneuvers.
So, which one offers the better performance for training and fun flying? The Decathlon, of course.
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