Piston Aircraft Loans

American Champion aircraft financing

American Champion of Rochester, Wisconsin builds the Citabria, Decathlon and Scout — tandem tailwheel aircraft descended from the Champion and Bellanca designs, used for training, aerobatics and backcountry flying.

Financing notes: Tailwheel and aerobatic aircraft finance well when records are complete; insurers look closely at tailwheel time, which affects total cost for new tailwheel pilots.

American Champion models compared

Typical mid-market price and estimated payment at 7.75% APR (September 2026), using common lender down-payment and term guidelines.

ModelYearsSeatsCruiseTypical priceDown / termEst. payment
7ECA Citabria 1964-present 2 100 kts $50,000 15% / 15 yrs $400/mo
8GCBC Scout 1974-present 2 105 kts $65,000 15% / 15 yrs $520/mo
8KCAB Decathlon 1972-present 2 124 kts $75,000 15% / 15 yrs $600/mo

Principal and interest only. Prices are typical asking ranges from our database; verify a specific aircraft with Vref or Aircraft Bluebook.

Shopping for a American Champion?

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American Champion financing FAQs

How much does a used American Champion aircraft cost?

Across the 3 American Champion models we track, typical mid-market prices run from about $50,000 (7ECA Citabria) to $75,000 (8KCAB Decathlon). Condition, engine time and avionics move individual airplanes well above or below those figures.

What is the payment on a American Champion aircraft loan?

At 7.75% APR with typical down payments and terms, estimated payments for a mid-market American Champion range from about $400 to $600 per month, depending on the model. See the table on this page for each model.

Ready to price your aircraft loan?

Tell us about the airplane and your timeline. A financing specialist at Jaken Aviation shops your request across banks, credit unions and aviation lenders and comes back with real options.

  • Pre-qualification in 1–3 business days; closing typically 2–4 weeks
  • Purchase, refinance, cash-out, overhaul and avionics financing
  • Single- and twin-engine pistons, experimentals, and turbine step-ups
  • No cost to request options, and no credit check to submit this form

  1. 1. Apply & consult

    Tell us the aircraft, the price and your timeline. A specialist reviews your goals with you.

  2. 2. Get matched

    Your request goes out to a national network of banks, credit unions and specialty aviation lenders.

  3. 3. Underwriting

    Your file is packaged and submitted to the best-fit lender, typically 1–2 weeks once there is a purchase agreement.

  4. 4. Approval & closing

    We coordinate lender, escrow and seller through closing — usually 2–4 weeks from application.

Talk to a specialist now: (833) 264-7776

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Free, no-obligation. A financing specialist replies within 1–3 business days.

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