Aerobatic flights are largely decided before engine start. The sequence is drawn on a card, the practice area is chosen, and the airplane gets a careful preflight, because the maneuvers ask more of the airframe and the pilot than a cross-country does.
The 7KCAB is the Citabria built with an inverted fuel and oil system, which lets it keep running during inverted flight. Systems like that are one more reason to fly from a checklist written for the exact model rather than a generic Citabria card.
CheckMate’s 7KCAB checklist gives you a reference for the model’s normal and emergency procedures. Keep it secured during maneuvers, and check every limitation against the POH.
Quick answer: CheckMate Bellanca / American Champion Citabria 7KCAB Checklist is a model-specific cockpit checklist for pilots who fly the Citabria 7KCAB. It suits pilots flying the 7KCAB for aerobatic training and practice. It’s offered as the original CheckMate, CheckMate+ and the personalized CheckMate Pro, with the CheckMate versions in Standard and Compact sizes. It supplements, not replaces, the airplane’s POH/AFM, so confirm it matches your aircraft’s exact model, year, engine and handbook before relying on it. It’s available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
Formats and sizes
- CheckMate. The design that started it all, with the familiar legacy look, in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate+. Updated design language for better readability and safety, with passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It includes an instant low-res, black-and-white temporary digital download, and comes in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate Pro. A personalized version of CheckMate+. Add your tail number, name or phone number, your empty weight and useful load, and details for up to five airports you visit often. Typical production time is within 48 hours; Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
Getting it ready for the cockpit
- Check it against the handbook first. Before your first flight with it, go item by item against the POH/AFM. The checklist supplements the handbook; it doesn’t replace it.
- Account for later changes. Model, year and engine are the starting point; equipment added later comes with its own supplements, so check those too.
- Keep the sequence card separate. Treat the aerobatic sequence card and the aircraft checklist as two references, so you’re never hunting for an emergency procedure under a sequence diagram.
- Keep it within reach. Clip it to a kneeboard or keep it in a side pocket you can reach with your belts fastened.
Pilot tip: Brief your emergency plan on the ground: the field you’d glide to from the practice area, the engine-failure procedure from the checklist, and who’s flying if you’re with an instructor.
More photos
Where to buy
CheckMate Bellanca / American Champion Citabria 7KCAB Checklist is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is this checklist for other Citabria models too?
It’s titled for the 7KCAB. Other Citabrias, such as the 7ECA, 7GCAA and 7GCBC, have their own CheckMate listings.
Can I fly with this instead of the POH?
No. Keep the POH/AFM and required documents in the airplane as usual. The checklist is a cockpit companion that supplements the handbook; check it against your aircraft’s model, year, engine and POH before use.
What does CheckMate+ add over the original?
Updated design language for readability and safety, plus passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It also includes an instant low-res, black-and-white temporary digital download.
