Metal Spar Wings — Upgrade, Reliability, and Factory Fit
Since 1990, American Champion’s metal spar wings have replaced legacy wood-spar constructions with an engineered aluminum design for better torsional rigidity, improved control feel, and long-term durability. Retrofit options are available across the Citabria family and more.
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Stronger torsional & bending stiffness
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Factory-assembled, bolt-on wings
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Improved roll rate & control effectiveness
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All-new parts: ribs, tanks, cables, hardware
Why Metal Spar Wings?
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Leading-edge wrap & Z-brackets increase torsional rigidity and reduce aeroelastic effects for more precise handling.
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Double-gusset rib attachments with solid rivets provide symmetrical loading and long-term reliability.
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Performance bump: modest gains in cruise & stall, quicker roll rate, and stronger vertical penetration.*
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Factory value: wings are built under an FAA-approved quality system and typically retain added resale value.
*Representative outcomes: +2–4 mph cruise, ~+2 mph stall, ~+5% ROC, ~+10% roll rate (airframe dependent).
What You Get
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All-new assemblies: ribs, tanks, control cables, brackets—no reused legacy parts.
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Decathlon-style front struts (most sets) with large streamlined aluminum sections.
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Complete, ready-to-bolt-on wings built by the factory.
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Gross weight increases available on eligible models (see FAQ).
Models & Eligibility
The Wing Builder confirms specifics for strut style, tank configuration
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Gross weight increases: Eligible for 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7KCAB, 7GCBC via updated Flight Manual after installation; 8KCAB (180 hp) requires Service Letter 423. Others not eligible.
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AD status: Current production wings have no active ADs. A 1996 strut-attach fitting AD was resolved; all subsequent wings include the new design.
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Approval basis: Wings act like a replacement part; logbook entry references factory drawings included with delivery.
Pricing & Deposits
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ACA no longer requires core wings.
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$500 refundable deposit to hold your position. Once work begins, price is locked and 50% non-refundable deposit is due within 10 business days.
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On completion, remaining balance due within 10 business days; storage is $100/week thereafter.
Why It Feels Better in the Pattern
Higher torsional rigidity keeps ailerons more effective at high AoA. Increased bending stiffness and reduced aeroelastic deflections support steadier roll rates and smoother verticals—confidence you can feel on short takeoff and landing, aerobatics, and day-to-day flying.
Metal Spar Wings — FAQs
Can I just buy spars and put them in?
No. The metal spar wing requires redesigned ribs, tank supports, drag truss parts, and attachments; only a handful of parts are common with wood-spar wings.
Is there a kit?
You could buy individual parts, but factory assembly is typically more economical and ensures quality. Pricing refers to complete, assembled wings with all-new parts.
Any ADs?
All AD's are required to be complied with before they can leave the facility. This is a FAR requirement. There are no AD's on the current production wings. There was an AD on the strut attach fitting in 1996, requiring replacement of the fitting with a new design. This was, of course, resolved immediately, and all wings since came with the new design.
What’s my approval basis & paperwork?
Log your installation using the provided factory drawing references; wings act more like a replacement part than an STC. The installation print ships with your wings.
What is the other metal spar wing kit on the market?
Basically it is an STC that replaces the wood spars with metal spars. To allow the proper fit, many spacers are used to get the assembly to hold together. Consult the "Engineering Reasoning" link for explanation as to why this is normally not a good practice.
Ok I put them on. What is my approval basis?
These wings are similar to a STC, but act more like a replacement part. So an entry should be made similar to this:
"7-???? wings and 5-??? struts were installed per 7-???? installation drawing"
Both items are FAA approved data through our drawing list. The installation print will be provided with the wing delivery.
How do I get the gross weight increase?
For 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7KCAB, and 7GCBC aircraft, all you need is a new Flight Manual after installation is complete. This is provided with the wing kit. For 8KCAB with 180 Horse Power, Service Letter 423 must be followed. All other models are not eligible.