AERONCA C-3

1934

Plane & Pilot

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The Aeronca C-3, introduced in 1934, was a two-seat aircraft derived from the C-2 Deluxe, distinguished by its side-by-side seating arrangement.
It was manufactured in two distinct versions: the enclosed-cabin 'Master' and the open-cockpit 'Collegian'.
Initially powered by a 40-hp Aeronca two-cylinder engine, production later moved to Britain; several C-3s are still active there, while roughly 17 with original engines remain flying in the U.S., alongside others with alternative engines.

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The Aeronca C-3 was an offshoot of the C-2 Deluxe. Introduced in 1934, it was similar to the C-2 in structure but was expanded to accommodate side-byside seating for two. The C-3 was produced in two versions. The Master was changed to an enclosed cabin design. The Collegian retained the open cockpit styling and is easily confused with its C-2 predecessor. By this time, the production of both the engine and airframe of the Aeronca took place in Britain where several are still active. In this country, roughly 17 are still flying with the original Aeronca engine. Others in use have Lycomings and Continentals installed.