B-80 Chablis

The B‑80 Chablis was a light, two‑seat aircraft built in the early 1960s by the French company Société Boisavia, a modest manufacturer that had specialised in training and sport airplanes since the post‑war era. First flown on 12 March 1961, the Chablis was intended to replace the ageing Boisavia B‑260 with a more modern, all‑metal airframe while retaining the low‑cost, easy‑maintenance philosophy of its predecessors. Its high‑wing, strut‑braced configuration provided excellent visibility and stable handling, making it popular with flying clubs and aero‑clubs for primary instruction. Powered by a 115 hp Lycoming O‑235‑C2 engine, the B‑80 could cruise at 180 km/h and achieve a range of roughly 800 km, with a simple fixed‑gear undercarriage that reduced weight and maintenance demands. Only 28 examples were produced before Boisavia ceased aircraft production in 1965, but the Chablis left a lasting impression as one of the last French‑designed trainers before the nation’s shift toward larger, jet‑powered platforms. Its clean lines, economical operation, and contribution to post‑war pilot training cement its place in French general‑aviation heritage. Today a few restored B‑80s can be seen at aviation museums and vintage fly‑ins, where they serve as tangible reminders of Boisavia’s innovative yet pragmatic design philosophy.