Throughout the production life of the Aeronca Chief family the aircraft was improved incrementally, from a rather basic specification to a reasonably comfortable tourer with car-style interior.

The fixed tail-wheel undercarriage, sprung with oleo struts and faired triangular side members hinged at the fuselage.

A small tail-wheel on a spring steel leaf at the extreme rear of the fuselage completed the under-carriage.

The engine is fitted conventionally in the nose and was either semi-cowled or fully cowled using sheet aluminium alloy, depending on model.

Some civilian models had side-by-side seating in a well-glazed cabin under the wing centre-section, with entry through car style doors either side.