The story
Aeronca's first tandem, the 1939 50TC, was built to take on the Piper Cub. The 1940 65T line gave it 65 hp from Continental, Franklin or Lycoming engines. The Defender versions, 65TAC, 65TAF and 65TAL, were built for the Civilian Pilot Training Program and the Civil Air Patrol. The rear seat sat 9 inches higher so the instructor could see forward and use the same instruments, under a heavily glazed cabin. After the war Aeronca's new tandem 7AC Champion took over its role.
The Army turned the Tandem into the L-3 Grasshopper, and Aeronca built 250 TG-5 three-seat training gliders from it, with a new front fuselage where the engine had been.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Aeronca 65T Defender?
High wing on V-struts with two seats one behind the other under a long, heavily glazed cabin, tailwheel gear with faired triangular legs, and on many the cylinder heads poke out of the cowling. The military L-3 Grasshopper is a close cousin with a wider fuselage and bigger windows, so the two are hard to tell apart. A side-by-side Chief has a wider, shorter cabin.
What does a Aeronca 65T Defender sound like?
A plain 65 hp flat-four drone, low and unhurried.
How fast is the Aeronca 65T Defender?
Top speed is 82 kts (94 mph) (65TC).
How many passengers does the Aeronca 65T Defender carry?
Up to 1. A typical layout is Two seats in tandem, rear seat raised 9 in.
How far can the Aeronca 65T Defender fly?
Range is about 200 nmi (65TC).
How big is the Aeronca 65T Defender?
It is 22 ft 4 in long and 35 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the Aeronca 65T Defender first fly?
Its first flight was in 1940.
How many Aeronca 65T Defenders have been built?
839 civil 65T Tandems and Defenders (369 Defenders), plus military L-3s built.
How rare is a Aeronca 65T Defender in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Aeronca 65T Defender catch is worth 25 points.
