The 7AC aircraft, commonly known as the Champ, is a foundational two-seat general aviation aircraft. It was originally introduced in 1945 as the Aeronca 7AC Champion, following its first flight in 1944. The design proved immensely popular for flight training and personal use. Over 7,200 units of the original Aeronca 7AC Champion were manufactured between 1945 and 1948.
The design lineage passed through various entities before being acquired by American Champion Aircraft Corporation in 1988. This company was established to produce replacement parts and new aircraft based on the Champ, Citabria, Scout, and Decathlon designs. American Champion Aircraft has continued the legacy of these designs since 1990, headquartered in Rochester, Wisconsin.
Maintenance requirements for an aircraft like the 7AC, which is a high-wing monoplane, typically require specialized access solutions. Platforms and stands are used for thorough inspections of the fabric condition and control surfaces. Maintenance access around the aircraft is crucial for engine servicing, particularly for sections like the engine inlet and undercowl.
Access solutions are vital for inspecting the fuselage and tail section components. The modular nature of modern platforms, such as Reach Deck Platforms, Modular Stepover Platforms, and Super Trestle Scaffold, supports efficient inspection and repair across various aircraft sections. The A Frame Aviation Platform and Platform Ladder Warthog provide the height necessary for checking the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as accessing the wing area for fuel tank and strut maintenance. Specialized stands and trollies, including the Super Service Stand and Aviation Chock and Cone Trolley, are available to assist mechanics across the Nose Section, Landing Gear, and general access points (AF-BF).
