American Champion Aircraft

What American Champion Aircraft does

American Champion Aircraft Corp is a privately held, Wisconsin-domiciled manufacturer of FAA-certified light aerobatic and utility aircraft, operating from its headquarters at 32032 Washington Ave., Burlington, WI, with a secondary service footprint at Fox River Airport (27WI). The company produces a focused lineup of two-seat tandem tail-dragger airframes organized into three series: the Decathlon Series (Super Decathlon 180HP and Xtreme Decathlon 210HP) optimized for fully aerobatic operations via inverted fuel and oil systems; the Scout Series (Scout 180HP and Denali Scout 210HP) engineered for STOL utility missions including a 72-gallon fuel system providing up to 1,045 miles of maximum range; and the Citabria Series (Aurora 118HP, Adventure 160HP, Explorer 160HP, High Country Explorer 180HP) offering lower-cost entry points with both normal and acrobatic approval. Engines are supplied by Lycoming and propellers by MT Propeller, and the airframes are positioned as the most versatile and affordable two-seat tandem tail-dragger in their class.

The business operates four revenue streams: (1) one-time sales of factory-built aircraft through an authorized domestic dealer network, configured and quoted via online 'Build & Price' paint and interior configurators; (2) direct OEM parts and components to existing owners via factory channels; (3) FAA Part 145-certified repair, rebuild, restoration, and structural work performed through partner Fox River Aviation Enterprises at Fox River Airport; and (4) factory-built metal-spar replacement wing assemblies as a standalone aftermarket product. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Power plant options range from 118HP to 210HP, and customization spans paint schemes, interior materials (Leather, Ultra Fabric, Vinyl & Fabric, Carbon Fiber floors) and VFR/IFR instrument panel configurations.

Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer through the dealer network for aircraft and direct factory channels for parts and service. The customer base is fragmented across individual general aviation pilots, flight training operators, and owners of legacy Champion, Bellanca, and Aeronca aircraft who depend on the FRA repair station for factory-backed support. The company holds approximately 15% global market share in the aerobatic aircraft segment (second largest behind VANS at 18%), with the global market valued at USD 0.98 billion in 2025 and North America representing roughly 36% of that market. The corporate brand is built around preserving the heritage of its aircraft lineage while modernizing design and technology on a continuous basis.

Name

American Champion Aircraft

Legal name

American Champion Aircraft Corp

Website

https://americanchampionaircraft.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

American Champion Aircraft Corp is a privately held, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of FAA-certified light aerobatic and utility aircraft, producing eight two-seat tandem tail-dragger models across the Decathlon, Scout, and Citabria series for general aviation pilots, flight training operators, and legacy aircraft owners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Light Aircraft Manufacturing

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft (3721), Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Business & General Aviation Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Training & Light Sport Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAE)

Keywords

• Light aerobatic aircraft
• General aviation aircraft
• STOL utility aircraft
• FAA certified aircraft
• Tail-dragger manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Burlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Sales: Sale of factory-built FAA certified light aerobatic and utility aircraft in three series (Decathlon, Scout, Citabria). Customers configure and price aircraft through online tools with various power plant, propeller, and option packages.
2. Parts and Components: Direct factory parts including OEM components, maintenance and repair parts with fast response times for existing aircraft owners.
3. Repair Station Services: FAA Part 145 certified repair station services including structural repair, rebuilds, restorations, fabric work, metal-spar wing replacements, avionics support through Fox River Aviation Enterprises.
4. Replacement Wings: Factory-built metal spar wing assemblies as replacement parts for existing aircraft.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

American Champion Aircraft Corp manufactures FAA certified light aerobatic and utility two-seat tandem tail-dragger aircraft organized into three series: Decathlon (Super Decathlon 180HP, Xtreme Decathlon 210HP), Scout (Scout 180HP, Denali Scout 210HP), and Citabria (Aurora 118HP, Adventure 160HP, Explorer 160HP, High Country Explorer 180HP). The company also operates an FAA Part 145 certified repair station through Fox River Aviation Enterprises and sells factory-built OEM parts and replacement metal-spar wings.

Product overview

American Champion Aircraft Corporation manufactures FAA-certified light aerobatic and utility aircraft, offering three distinct product series: the Decathlon Series (8KCAB) for competitive and training aerobatics including the 180HP Super Decathlon and 210HP Xtreme Decathlon; the Scout Series (8GCBC) for STOL utility operations including the 180HP Scout and 210HP Denali Scout; and the Citabria Series for affordable normal and acrobatic flying including the 118HP Aurora, 160HP Adventure/Explorer, and 180HP High Country Explorer. The company operates as both an aircraft manufacturer and an FAA Part 145-certified repair station, offering factory-built replacement wings, direct OEM parts, and comprehensive repair/rebuild services through Fox River Aviation Enterprises. Customization options include paint schemes with interactive design tools and interior material packages (Leather, Ultra Fabric, Vinyl & Fabric, Carbon Fiber floors). The aircraft are all two-seat tandem tail-dragger designs positioned as the most versatile and affordable in their class.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Decathlon Series: Built for thrills with inverted fuel and oil systems for loops, rolls, and upside-down adventures. Models include Super Decathlon (180HP) and Xtreme Decathlon (210HP).
• Scout Series
• Citabria Series

Products and services

• Super Decathlon (180HP) 180 HP tandem-seat, fully aerobatic certified aircraft with Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B engine, designed for training and recreational aerobatics.
• Xtreme Decathlon (210HP) 210 HP high-performance tandem-seat aerobatic aircraft with Lycoming AEIO-390-A1B6 engine, inverted fuel/oiling systems, and MT composite propeller for advanced aerobatic maneuvers.
• Scout (180HP) 180 HP short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility aircraft with Lycoming O-360-C1G engine, designed for rugged terrain operations with legendary STOL performance.
• Denali Scout (210HP) 210 HP enhanced STOL utility aircraft with Lycoming IO-390-A1B6 engine, featuring increased fuel capacity (72 gal) and improved payload for extended range operations up to 1045 miles.
• Citabria Aurora (118HP) 118 HP light sport aircraft with normal and acrobatic approval, serving as an affordable starter or weekend performer aircraft.
• Citabria Adventure (160HP) 160 HP versatile aircraft combining normal and acrobatic capabilities for adventure flying.
• Citabria Explorer (160HP) 160 HP utility aircraft designed for exploration and versatile outdoor operations.
• Citabria High Country Explorer (180HP) 180 HP high-altitude capable variant of the Citabria Explorer for rugged mountain operations.
• FAA Part 145 Repair Station Services Factory-backed structural repair, rebuilds, restorations, inspections, fabric work, metal-spar wing replacements, and avionics support operated by Fox River Aviation Enterprises (FRA) at Fox River Airport (27WI).
• Factory-Built Replacement Wings Metal spar construction complete wing assemblies built to factory standards for ACA aircraft models and legacy aircraft types.
• Direct Factory Parts OEM components and maintenance/repair parts with fast response for all American Champion Aircraft models.

Quantifiable outcome

• Market share of 15% in global aerobatic aircraft market

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Piston Power (formerly AEPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPiston Power offers an array of extended engine coverage for both new and used aircraft. American Champion Aircraft is proud to partner with Piston Power for engine warranty and coverage services supporting their aircraft lineup.
• Fox River Aviation Enterprises (FRA)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFRA operates as the Factory Repair Station for Champion, Bellanca, Aeronca & American Champion Aircraft, providing factory-backed repairs, rebuilds, restorations, inspections, fabric work, metal-spar wing replacements, avionics support, and service guidance from the ACA-approved Part 145 Repair Station.
• LycomingcoreTechnology or IntegrationLycoming supplies aircraft engines for American Champion Aircraft models, including AEIO-390-A1B6 (210HP), AEIO-360-H1B (180HP), IO-390-A1B6 (210HP), and O-360-C1G (180HP) engines.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Piper Aircraft: Established general aviation OEM with a broad certified lineup including legacy tail-draggers. Competes at the margin for owner-pilot and training customers and provides a reference valuation/scale benchmark for small-aircraft OEMs.
• Diamond Aircraft: Broader general aviation manufacturer of certified trainers (DA20, DA40) competing with American Champion's Citabria series for flight-school and entry-level customer budgets, with a wider product portfolio.
• Textron Aviation (Cessna): Largest incumbent in the general aviation market via Cessna and Beechcraft, offering certified piston trainers (e.g., Skyhawk) and a wide product portfolio that competes with American Champion's training-side customer.

Direct peers

• Cub Crafters: Specialized light utility/STOL aircraft maker with a comparable backcountry pilot customer base. The Carbon Cub and similar models overlap with American Champion's Scout series in mission profile and customer use case.
• Extra Aircraft: German manufacturer of high-performance aerobatic aircraft (Extra 300/330/330LT) competing for the same aerobatic pilot and air-show segment that American Champion's Decathlon series targets.
• Aviat Aircraft: Manufactures certified light general aviation aircraft (Husky, Pitts Special) directly competing with American Champion's two-seat tail-dragger lineup. Both sell to recreational, training, and backcountry pilots with overlapping product positioning.
• VANS Aircraft: Directly comparable as the #1 player in the aerobatic/kit fixed-wing aircraft segment, holding 18% market share vs. American Champion's 15%. Both target the same owner-pilot and aerobatic customer with tail-dragger, tandem-seat designs.

Others

• Lycoming Engines: Supplier (not competitor) of the AEIO-360, AEIO-390, IO-390, and O-360 engines that power American Champion's entire lineup. Material to ACA as a single-source propulsion dependency and ecosystem participant.

Emerging players

• Zenith Aircraft: Kit aircraft manufacturer producing STOL and cruiser models (STOL CH 750, Zenith 750) that overlap with American Champion's utility/Scout use case, though distributed as kits rather than certified aircraft.
• Zivko Aeronautics: Manufacturer of the Edge 540, a high-performance aerobatic platform used in Red Bull Air Race competition. Adjacent in the aerobatic segment but skewed to competition/aerobatic-only rather than the training/utility overlap American Champion serves.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/americanchampionaircraft
• Instagraminstagram.com/americanchampionaircraft
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-champion-aircraft

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Champion Aircraft