Aeronca 50 Chief

The Aeronca 50 Chief was introduced in 1938 by the Aeronautical Corporation of America, commonly known as Aeronca, as a straightforward two‑seat, high‑wing monoplane aimed at private pilots and flight schools. Developed from the earlier Aeronca Champion series, the Chief employed a 50‑horsepower Continental A50 engine, which gave it a cruising speed of roughly 85 mph and a range of about 300 miles, making it ideal for short cross‑country trips and basic training. Its fabric‑covered steel tube fuselage, welded aluminum wing ribs, and hinged flaps provided a rugged yet lightweight structure that could operate from grass strips and modest airfields. The cockpit featured side‑by‑side seating, simple instrumentation, and a removable canopy, emphasizing ease of access and maintenance. Throughout World War II the model was pressed into service as a liaison and primary trainer for the Civilian Pilot Training Program, helping to expand the pool of qualified aviators. After the war, the 50 Chief remained popular among civilian owners because of its low operating costs and forgiving handling, influencing the design philosophy of later light aircraft such as the Cessna 150 and Piper Cherokee. Its legacy endures as a symbol of affordable, accessible aviation in the late 1930s and 1940s.