Aeronca Chief

Aeronca · United States · first flew 1937 · light aircraft

The Aeronca Chief was a side-by-side two-seat light aircraft produced from 1938 onwards, representing a step up from the earlier Aeronca C-2 and C-3 tandem models. It was among the most affordable personal aircraft of its era and became a popular trainer and tourer.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	6.4 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Side-by-side two-seat light monoplane
Fabric-covered high-wing with strut bracing
Small Continental or Lycoming flat-four engine

A small, fabric-covered high-wing monoplane with distinctive rounded fuselage lines, side-by-side seating visible through large cabin windows, and a tiny flat-four engine up front.

Specifications

The Aeronca Chief has a length of 6.4 m (21 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.67 m (35 ft).
Its maximum speed is 153 km/h (95 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot, 1 passenger.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1937 as the Model 50, the Chief entered production in 1938 and sold well to private owners and flying clubs before wartime production priorities halted manufacture. After 1945 the design was further refined as the 7AC Champ and 11AC Chief, remaining in production until the mid-1950s. Many examples survive to this day in airworthy condition.

Variants

The original 50 Chief was followed by the 65 Chief with more power; the post-war 11AC Chief was an updated version with revised cowling and controls.

Where you'll see it

Used primarily by private owners and flying clubs across the United States; a popular bush and backcountry aircraft given its simple construction.

Related aircraft

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