Get a taste of aerobatics and eventually you might have the burning desire to add an aerobat to your own hangar. Like everything else in the process of airplane step-ups and skill building, a Decathlon or Citabria is likely a much better choice than an Extra. Many call these airplanes perfect for “gentleman’s aerobatics,” where you won’t be replicating Patty Wagstaff’s awesome airshow routines, but still get to throw an airplane around the sky without fear of ripping the wings off.
Better yet, owners and our own maintenance experience tell us that with the right preventive care (and storing them inside), they’re relatively trouble-free and we’ll supported. As you would expect, prices on Decathlons and Citabrias are up in the current market, and we strongly advise on doing a good evaluation on any potential buy. And since these are taildraggers, get an insurance quote before committing. Here’s a look at what to expect when shopping.