05/31/2011. The 7ECA Citabria ('airbatic' spelled backwards) was developed by the Champion Aircraft Corporation at Osceola, Wisconsin, from the Aeronca Model 7 Champion airframe. Design and prototype construction started on January 1, 1964, and the prototype 7ECA (N9976Y c/n 7ECA 1) flew for the first time on May 1, 1964, first production model on August 18, 1964. FAA certification for the 7ECA was received on August 5, 1964, while during 1969 the 7ECA received FAA certification for operation on Edo floats.

The assets of Champion Aircraft Corporation were acquired by the Bellanca Sales Company on September 30, 1970, and following the merger, the name Bellanca Aircraft Corporation was adopted. Fitted with an 115 hp Lycoming
O-235-K2C engine, the pictured aircraft was produced in 1975. Its complete history is unknown, but it has been registered to Kenneth Gamble Ltd. of Hamilton, Ontario, Karl Kappes of Beaverton, and James Griffin of Oshawa, before it was registered to Terrance Clarke of Whitby on September 14, 1992.