Aeronca 50 Chief

Main article: Aeronca Chief family

Models 50 and 65
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Model 65-CA
Role	Civil utility aircraft
Manufacturer	Aeronca
First flight	1938

The Aeronca Model 50 Chief was an American light plane of the late 1930s. Consumer demand for more comfort, longer range and better instrumentation resulted in its development in 1938, powered by a 50-horsepower (37-kilowatt) Continental, Franklin or Lycoming engine. A 65-horsepower (48-kilowatt) Continental engine powered the Model 65 Super Chief, which was also built in a flight trainer version, the Model TC-65 Defender, with its rear seat positioned nine inches (23 centimeters) higher than the front for better visibility.

Specifications (Model 65CA Super Chief)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Capacity: 1 passenger
• Length: 21 ft (6.3 m)
• Wingspan: 36 ft (10.9 m)
• Height: 6 ft 7 in (2.0 m)
• Wing area: 169 ft² (15.7 m²)
• Powerplant: 1 × Continental A65, 65 hp (48 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 109 mph (174 km/h)
• Range: 500 miles (800 km)
• Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,500 m)
• Rate of climb: 600 ft/min (180 m/min)