Sounds like the Grumman, not so much. The first 1969 models were delivered in the fall of 1968 at a base price of US$6495, notably lower than competitive aircraft cost at that time. As a result of this philosophy, many parts were interchangeable. Econ . all O-235 engines produce 115 hp at 2650 rpm. [1][5][6], Data from The American Trainer Owner's Manual[8], Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era. Garmin GTX327 Transponder with AR850 encoder This is a time when more is better. STC SA7974SW Wheel Fairings Fighter fun on 5 gph makes the Grumman American Yankee AA1 series of aircraft a fun date. In sheer numbers, the AA1s are barely a blip on the charts compared to the Cessna 150 or even the Piper Tomahawk. 2. And rates aren't too bad, slightly higher than More comfortable in room and turbulence. canopy, That company division completed a major redesign of the AA-1B, resulting in the AA-1C. Primary use for the next year will be primary PPL training, followed by pleasure use. More that a few 150-hp AA1s are single-pilot mounts. This is the only 180HP AA1-B ever STC'd. This airplane is certificated in the normal and utility category. That means at least 2100' of runway for the AA1 (takeoff over 50 is 1400'). View 38 GRUMMAN AA-5 For Sale PAPI Price Estimate (as of June 1, 2022): $66,070. It climbs like a bat out of hell and has a service ceiling of 21,000 feet! One of our partners is going to check the aircraft out today, including actual useful load. The differences between the AA-1B and AA-1C include engine, enlarged tailplane, and twin shock absorbers in the nose gear. The concept is, again, simple. The new variant was named the AA-5A Cheetah and was introduced as a 1976 model in late 1975. On an airplane with such a narrow CG envelope it's easy to be on the front side when at gross. With a maximum gross weight of 1,500 pounds on all but the last models, and a typical empty weight of 1,050 pounds, the full-fuel payload is less than two FAA-typical 170-pounders, without a single speck of baggage. Fuel gauges (in the form of sight tubes) have very little failure, Stall Speed (dirty): 52 kts: Range: 348 nm : . The original 108-hp Lycoming O-235-C2C engine The AA-1 had been spin-tested as part of its certification, but in 1973 the FAA issued Airworthiness Directive 73-13-07 ordering the aircraft placarded against spins. AA-5A Cheetah. One last time, go over by Horatio Tue Jul 23, 2013 4:57 pm I know there are certified standard category aircraft that meet the LSA regs (Champ, Cub, Luscombe, etc.) Learn More Already a member? Backing into the hangar The Yankee has All rights reserved. American took over the production and design, trying to turn the exciting The recontoured leading edge produced softer stall characteristics and permitted lower approach speeds. No BD-1 kits were ever sold. It's about 10 knots faster than my c150. some thrills. All rights reserved. Piper. Line up on the centerline, The cockpit is small, the speeds are fast, and the canopy is hot. American Aviation built 459 examples of the AA-1 Yankee Clipper between 1969 and 1971 at their factory in Cleveland, Ohio. unit, steering is by differential braking. for wrinkles or loose spots. What can ya'll tell me about flight characteristics and handling? Check the bonding of the fuselage and wings. The certification process was complex and expensive, and disagreements arose between Bede and the other shareholders. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Simplicity is the word. or Verify that the stuff under the cowl and behind the propeller works. It has an O-360-A1A (737 total time since Factory Overhaul) under a one-time STC. but they can be hard to see. Most of the structure is made up of formed aluminum glued to conventional structural members; think of the glue as replacing rivets, and you get the idea. For its high cruise velocities, the AA1 pays dearly in climb performance. It was marketed in two versions, differentiated by the avionics fitted and the external trim package. Sounds like the Grumman, not so much. If the engine Ameriking AK-450 ELT with remote switch, Bruce's cabin cover The original Yankee, running with all the gusto a 108-horsepower Lycoming O-235 can muster, turns in outstanding cruise speeds. Cruise speed just a hair above 100kts true. Dream on! ever met an aircraft owner and pilot who didn't take great pleasure in flying? Back I've read that spins can quickly become unrecoverable, so don't. Best Cruise Speed: 129 KIAS. I briefed him on the W&B points made here to carefully verify it all. 12v ANR plugs It's just less forgiving than the cessna, that said if you can't fly the Grumman you shouldn't be flying. go and push the brakes to turn the aircraft. The company designated the redesigned aircraft the AA-1 Yankee Clipper. should be easy and one-handed. First flight was on March 25, 1970, and 470 AA-1As were built in 197172. Today, the AA1s failure in the trainer market is a blessing in disguise, because fewer of the airplanes have been exposed to the ravages of primary training. Similar Aircraft for Sale 1969 Grumman American AA-1 Yankee 1978 Grumman American AA-5B Tiger 1976 Grumman American AA-5B Tiger 1975 Grumman American AA-5 Traveler 2007 Cirrus SR22-G3 Turbo 1980 Cessna 310R 2009 Cirrus SR22-G3 Turbo 2014 Cirrus Placards noted that spins were bad. really Look The AA-1B was produced until 1976. When shopping Model: AA-1 Of course, It won't go in and out of the short grass doesn't have an oil cooler (you should put one on) make sure it is inspected It stresses parts, cracks cylinders, creates stop drilling. These models also Most insurance companies will require about ten hours dual before they Diamond. Nice flying truck, but it is a truck. 108 hp, tricycle gear. Beautiful Grumman AA-1B with 0 time overhauled engine and 0 time overhauled prop . ADS-B compliant. If you try to save the landing and start 2023 The Grumman Owners and Pilots Association. With the stock engine, 6+ GPH, you need to be over an airport at 3 hours. I think they fit everything for my mission perfectly but with a family I am trying to figure out if it is more of a risky platform. Up for sale a nice "74 Grumman AA1B. Based at Henderson, NV (KHND). The cabin lighting proved to be excellent, with its variable intensity lights. but I did not realize the Yankee/Traveler was included. Rate of climb: 660 FPM. But lets get to the good news first. Plus, when you get into those tight parking spots all you do is taxi in, 9. Others went to Australia, Canada, Dominican Republic, New Zealand and South Africa. Hundreds more for sale . As a trainer it's considered too "hot" by most because (There was an AD to put a colored marker in if it really was); it wasn't designed for long cross-country. Low stability and high stall speeds 60 knots clean and 57 knots with full flaps combine to make the AA1 wholly unlike the Cessna 150 in the traffic pattern. in training or don't like to fly fast and quick, look at something else. better, but it was not to be. I wouldn't want to land it over weight but it flys just fine and mine is the original AA1. Sign in to continue reading, By Plane and Pilot Updated February 6, 2016 Save Article. Many STC mods to accommodate the O-360 including aux tanks, gross weight increase, AA5 nose gear, cowl flaps, dorsal fin, and speed fairings. nonaerobatic, and stay-at-the-airport dimensions. If I was going somewhere the AA1 would be my choice. The variant designed for the personal-use market was called the TR-2 and it featured a standard radio and trim package. Most insurance companies want a Maybe the Yankee isn't as "hot" as some want you to believe? In 1968, as during many periods in general aviations life, a few dreamers believed the sport had moved away from the elemental, the basic stick-and-rudder flying, away from the sheer fun of flight. Most modern AA1's are going to be nose heavy. [1][4][5][6], All the AA-1s, AA-1As and AA-1Bs were powered by the Lycoming O-235-C2C low-compression engine designed for 80/87 avgas, which produced 108hp. Moreover, the airplanes clean wing builds drag quickly with low airspeed and high angle of attack. One of our partners is going to check the aircraft out today, including actual useful load. After reading about AA1-A's, it seems that they are a lot faster than a 150 without giving up useful load or endurance. 211 AA-1Cs were produced in 1977 and 1978. [7], All models of the AA-1 accommodate two people in side-by-side seating under a sliding canopy and are noted for their exceptionally light handling. So while the Yankee might not be able to get you all the way back to 1968, youll at least have a huge amount of fun trying. AA-5 Traveler & AA-5A Cheetah Competitive Comparison, AA-5B & AG-5B Tiger Competitive Comparison, Instructors- Pilot Familiarization Program. First flight was on March 25, 1970 and 470 AA-1As were built in 1971-72. Most instructors prefer teaching in a Cessna, but there are some more experienced The Lynx was targeted at private owners while the T-Cat was the flying school trainer. Grumman bought American Aviation in 1971, renaming it Grumman American Aviation and beginning in late 1972 sold the 1973 model year design as the Grumman American AA-1B Trainer for school use. PS Engineering 1000 II Intercom New main tires. Check the baffling. none. are also the wing spars. Sliding ). Cruise Speed: . Fuel quantity is shown in vertical sight gauges on the left and right cabin walls. Your current browser cannot run our content, please make sure your browser is fully updated or try one of the browsers below. In 1971, the AA1 became the AA1A and included a better airfoil that provided I wouldn't want to land it over weight but it flys just fine and mine is the original AA1. It's still is a truck! A Cessna 150 has a span of 32'! doesn't include clear space at the ends. it has a few nasty habits that usually show up with inexperienced pilots. I want something to build hours in - mostly sightseeing and short cross countries. strips, but it will make you feel like you're flying off the deck of a carrier! As a note we used the same hull value for ALL the planes to keep it apples to apples. The Yankee is a neat-looking aircraft, made from a different process. To my knowledge it is the only STC'd 180HP Grumman AA1-B ever made. The first 1969 models were delivered in the fall of 1968 at a base price of US$6495, a cost notably lower than that of competitive aircraft at that time. Plane and Pilot expands upon the vast base of knowledge and experience from aviations most reputable influencers to inspire, educate, entertain and inform. about fitness for any purpose is made or implied. Every time I fly my airplane with two people I am over weight and have never had an issue. The T-Cat was the trainer Carry power at all times. The fuselage is a sandwich of aluminum honeycomb material that is bonded Aircraft paint stripper will damage the bond if the joints weren't protected. [1][4][5], The last AA-1C was produced by Gulfstream American in 1978. Grumman aircraft Traveler Cheetah Tiger Cougar aircraft specifications history and performance We now cruise 120ktas on 8.gph, and climb from sea level 1000-1500+fpm at max gross, depending on the conditions. Subscriptions/Orders: 800-356-7767. At that time the FAA was hesitant to certify a light aircraft with folding wings. Cracks can be slowed by Flight planning or any other aircraft operations should only be done using official technical information provided in cruise often see the elevator trimmed in level flight to be flying down. fact, it's so bouncy that if you hit the nose gear first, you probably ought of the airport. Whatever the negative results of the design, the aircraft is fun if flown It is our mission to be the go to leaders in the aviation industry. Cruises at 160MPH. 211 AA-1C's were produced in 1977 and 1978. damaged by people putting pressure on them. Gulfstream American. A weight and balance was done at it's last annual. 91 or F.A.R 135. Initial climb rate 660. We were looking at the W&B numbers yesterday. While it did succeed in making production easier, this design philosophy produced many aerodynamic compromises in the design. USA's It didn't have a transponder and it didn't have good paint, but Questions/Comments?? tails installed. Keep the plane in ground That's the way I flew mine. It flew in to an airport and it flew fly for about two (yes that was two) hours with reserve. Straight and level at 10,500 feet, with a density altitude of 11,500, our true airspeed worked out to 155 mph, according to instrumentation of the plane. 2.5 with reserve), can go up to 13,500ft (solo, standard temp TESTED). - not to remove the nose bowl cowling, it means removing the propeller If it's hot, look for more or stay home! Dual ANR 12v power jacks Basically similar to the Trainer in terms of airframe and engine, the Tr-2 was intended to satisfy either the pilot who requires an advanced trainer or a more deluxe sports plane. in that it's made from bonded aluminum honeycomb, has no rivets, and has The family includes the original American Aviation AA-1 Yankee Clipper and AA-1A Trainer, the. That's about 2.75 hours maximum, no reserve. Patterns are the same, loose. How do you figure? Stall mph 60. a lot of runway to get in the air. have gone from "dirt" cheap, around $7500, to reasonable "jet ski" cheap. The AA1 A, B, and C models were the result. The airplane is powered by a horizontally opposed, four cylinder, direct drive, normally aspirated, air cooled, carburetor equipped engine. I recently sat down with a broker going over a whole list of models I was interested in and this is what I got as a VFR 100ish hr guy. The Grumman light aircraft line was then acquired by Gulfstream Aerospace in 1977 who formed it into their light aircraft division, Gulfstream American, in Savannah, Georgia. In terms of cruise speed, the AA-1 is the class of its class. Look for dents or wrinkles in the tail surfaces, which are easily fast and fun. Once off the ground the left tank went past The Yankee closely. I was ferrying my aircraft home for the first time, I had to land on a grass the market. Check these bushings. Due to the use of a non-tapered tubular spar, which doubled as the fuel tank, and the lack of wing washout, the wings could be exchanged left and right. The numbers are pretty Just make sure there aren't an unusual amount of cracks. GlobalAir.com is your partner in connecting you with relevant information and resources. Vso in the -1A is 60 mph; 1.3 60 = 78 mph, if you want to follow the FAA formula for final speed. If you hated stalls Simple Stupid. "springy" nose gear looks neat, turns neat and bounces really high. Other popular modifications include the addition of a dorsal strake on earlier model AA-1s to improve yaw stability or the addition of a transparent red rudder cap to fair the flashing beacon for reduced drag. Do a few calculations: 185 lbs pilot plus It had (and still has) a youthful kick something precocious and spunky. heading down the runway in your own two-seat plane - bubble Heat does strange things. With a 585lb useful load, we can take full or nearly full fuel in almost all scenarios. The re-contoured leading edge produced softer stall characteristics and permitted lower approach speeds. Following are a few things to look for. Yeah, I was referring to the higher stall speed and spin issues. AA1s are GREAT airplanes, very simple, lots more plane compared to a Cessna 152/172, very good trainer if you're going to be stepping into a high performance high speed airplane. However, they will not learn the various ownership, maintenance, and operating quirks of the type by doing so (other than the hard way, which is generally a lot more expensive than getting a Grumman-knowledgeable instructor to teach you the plane, including but not limited to how to fly it). February 2021 Annual., IFR cert current Oct 2020. Buying an AA1 can be a thrilling experience or the worst nightmare bushings on the torque tubes. Today, the AA1 line remains as two distinctly different types of airplanes the original hot wing Yankee and the later, more docile models. ). advance the throttle, and wait for the "rush." I cruise at 135 kts burning about 8 gph (or 140 kts @ 9 gph). Sign in to continue reading 1971 Grumman American Trainer AA1A By Staff Updated February 22, 2016 Save Article its small size. [1][3][4][5][6], Grumman bought American Aviation in 1971, renaming it Grumman American Aviation, and beginning in late 1972 sold the 1973 model year design as the Grumman American AA-1B Trainer for school use. As with all small Grummans, it's castering nose wheel so ground handling is great if adjusted right. And the airplane that trotted out to fill this supposedly gaping hole in our aeronautical experience was the American Aviation Yankee. The flight in ground effect included a turn to stay away close! I understand the AYA has a transition program that I would definitely take advantage of. [5], In 1971, American Aviation modified the NACA 64-415 airfoil used on the AA-1's wing, creating the AA-1A Trainer. baggage - not really your cross-country aircraft. Bede decided to certify the design under the then-new FAR Part 23 rules and offer it as a completed aircraft. As far as needing a super Grumman experienced CFI, not really. Most people are used to the pathetic dumptruck handling and performance of 172/182 where the yoke has several inches where nothing happens and the rudder pedals are basically there for show and the plane can just (sometimes) barely squeeze out 130 KTAS. Astrotech LC-2 Clock/Timer A plane that meanders its way through the sky in the general direction of where you want to go, and asking it do anything beyond gentle turns and climbs (like a slip) feels like you're bending metal. The 150 is probably forgiving of screwing up the W&B. The wing off at about 65. fuel STC, the trips will be short. for a Yankee take into account the construction. But while chasing birds and The original AA-1 had a book cruise speed of 117 knots; the later versions ranged from 107 to 116 knots, depending on whether the plane had a cruise (high pitch) prop and/or wheel pants. If the aircraft is a big engine conversion you are really in for camouflage - anything [1][2][4][5], American's engineers reworked the wing to a non-folding design, easing FAR Part 23 certification. The AA1 structure is unique At least mine is, with just me and fuel I am right on the line of the forward cg and in cruise often see the elevator trimmed in level flight to be flying down. It was the only runway pointing into the wind, a wind strong A total of 900 Cheetahs were produced. I'd say the proof is in the insurance pudding. aircraft was repainted, check to see if it was a total strip and repaint. aircraft have been converted to the 150- or 160-hp engines. (glued) together (another forerunner to the composite craze?). The aircraft was designed purely to fill the role of a personal transportation and touring aircraft and not a trainer, but many of the early production models were purchased by flying schools. chemgeek, Aug 3, 2020 #8 Tantalum Final Approach The Grumman American Yankee AA1 series of aircraft requires careful training If that number comes from the aircraft's actual W&B, I'd dig into the records to confirm no errors were made. Once the AA-1 entered a fully developed spin and exceeded three turns, it was usually not recoverable. If the At about 65 mph the Narco Nav122 VOR with Glideslope (rebuilt 2019) Im assuming he is referring to the rumors that swirl around that if you get too slow they fall out of the sky and if you get in to spin it is not recoverable. to set the aircraft apart. to have a "push your Yankee backwards" competition without using a tow bar!). Employing bonded-metal technology for rivetless wing skins, the AA1 carried the promise of greater performance for the power, as well as simpler maintenance, quicker building, and greater strength. a big thing, but more labor costs. (A bit of trivia: Lycoming says that Cosmetically - it looks good. Fuel Burn @ 75%: 8.5 GPH. The aircraft is cute, usually painted (from the factory) in bright, unusual Compare the AA1A with the Cessna 150 in the specifications at the end American Aviation. Americas owner-flown aircraft enthusiasts and active-pilot resource, delivered to your inbox! While this did tame the AA-1's sharp stall, it also reduced the cruise speed compared to the original AA-1 by 10 mph. The type certificate for the AA-1 family of aircraft are currently held by True Flight Holdings LLC who bought the assets of Tiger Aircraft on August 2, 2007. The re-contoured leading edge produced softer stall characteristics and permitted lower approach speeds. Also, the AA1 carries the often dubious distinction of being one of the least expensive airplanes around. Folks in the Grumman Gang mail list could give you detailed performance info. a solid feel with the flaps. That leaves 183 lbs for passengers and by the manufacturer or FAA. 1973 GRUMMAN/AMERICAN GENERAL AA1B $66,000 Reg# N1CQ TT: 2168; Performance Specs. At that time, the FAA was hesitant to certify a light aircraft with folding wings. It climbs like a bat out of hell and has a service ceiling of 21,000 feet! It also became a Stall is around 64 mph without flaps The 1974 year's production was taken over by Grumman American who were instrumental in producing the AA-1C Lynx and T-Cat in 1977. damage to the mounting. The little Lycomings are durable, but they wont stand for neglect. from the house on the property! choice of "trainer" with a climb prop or "sport" with a cruise prop. The Yankee and its four-seater siblings, the AA-5 series, feature a unique bonded aluminum honeycomb fuselage and bonded wings that eliminate the need for rivets without sacrificing strength. 8. 12. gear brackets and nose gear fittings. The AA-1B was produced until 1976. With its ultra-reliable 108HP Lycoming O-235-C2C low-compression engine, docile flight characteristics in the stall and sturdy design, the type has been loved for years, although in less numbers across the world than its Cessna and Piper competition.This . Some AA-1s have been converted to taildragger configuration. Major mechanical problems are rare with the AA1s, and the number of service difficulty reports is relatively low. Cruise mph 133. No BD-1 kits were ever sold. is an impossibility without a tow bar (the American Yankee Association used pleasure quotient is tremendous. I've read that they're a lot different in flight characteristics though. 2023 The Grumman Owners and Pilots Association. Description. With a full-castering nosewheel all you do is roll and I briefed him on the W&B points made here to carefully verify it all. you get into an oscillation that takes off the gear and/or hits the Roll down the Get extra lift from AOPA. The Lynx was targeted at private owners while the T-Cat was the flying school trainer. . Basically similar to the Trainer in terms of airframe and engine, the Tr-2 was intended to satisfy either the pilot who requires an advanced trainer or a more deluxe sports plane. This cruise propeller accounts for the increase in top and cruise speed plus about 30 additional miles in total range; however, the Tr-2 suffers in the climb department with a 660-fpm capability compared to the Trainers 705-fpm climb speed. hours, and an AD that adds rivets in the control surfaces to protect them The wide-track main landing gear struts are laminated fiberglass for shock absorption, marketed as the "Face Saver" design by American Aviation. A sunscreen is helpful to keep out the heat (My Smith Miniplane does the same thing, Diamond. Avionics Master ", Grumman Gang AA-1 Specifications and production numbers, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grumman_American_AA-1&oldid=1147157371, 1960s United States civil utility aircraft, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Gulfstream American Model AA-1 Yankee Owner's manual January 15, 1979, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 05:44. New fiberglass tail cone. 10. If that's the case, make sure they have the additional dorsal and 60 with flaps; not a big difference in speed, but the airplane does have I am typically at pattern altitude well before the end of the runway! Inspect the seal around the windshield and check out the locks. Santa Rosita State Park, under the big 'W', N Central FL and GTC Bahamas when off work, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. Annual inspection good till May 2016. . These names were chosen to position the aircraft in the Gulfstream American line which, at that time featured the Cheetah, Tiger and the Cougar. But So you guys with experience, this aircraft would or would not be an "OMG what are you thinking" for primary PPL training? It really turns into a dog in climb. Flying should be some combination of both fun and utility - although everything is relative to the eye of the beholder. The Grumman American AA-1 series is a family of light, two-seat aircraft. Much higher stall speeds and prone to spinning. brick if you let it. 2023 FLYING Media. It really turns into a dog in climb. Every time I fly my airplane with two people I am over weight and have never had an issue. for buying should always include a good prepurchase inspection by a qualified The ailerons and flaps were similarly the same part. Short field landings (70 mph) and you can stop it in two runway lights. Archived post. are on a long torque tube. the wings. It was marketed in two versions, differentiated by the avionics fitted and the external trim package.

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