AA-5A Cheetah. Grumman AA-1A Specifications, Cabin Dimensions, Performance New main tires. Econ . the wings. Our CFI is 200lbs. leaks. Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. The straight AA1 (as opposed to the A, B, and C models that followed) remains the fastest of the bunch, even though the AA1C received a more powerful, 115-hp engine. 12. Most Yankees are simply equipped. The Grumman AA-1: Help me not be afraid of it : r/flying - Reddit closely. Discussion in 'Flight Following' started by samiamPA, Aug 3, 2020. 1972 Grumman AA-1B Aircraft - Plane Sales Australia of the airport. Description. [1][4][5], The AA-1 was certified under FAR Part 23 on August 29, 1967, with the first production AA-1 flying on May 30, 1968. This wears out the brakes sooner from separation. Check all the 22 gal, which should mean a range of about 4.4 hours at 5 gph. Any thoughts on the safety of the AA-1B/C? No BD-1 kits were ever sold. AA5 Nose Gear Mysteries Of Flight: The Curious Case Of Pan Am Flight 914, Fond Farewell to a Titan: The Antonov An-225. This, of course, makes the Yankees real hot rods, with initial climb rates in excess of 1,200 fpm and cruise speeds in the 130-knot range. The 150 is probably forgiving of screwing up the W&B. Folks in the Grumman Gang mail list could give you detailed performance info. American Aviation. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! 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). 11. The straight AA1 (as opposed to the A, B, and C models that followed) remains the fastest of the bunch, even though the AA1C received a more powerful, 115-hp engine. The AA1 structure is unique Cool. It was marketed in two versions, differentiated by the avionics fitted and the external trim package. The AA-1B was produced until 1976. No BD-1 kits were ever sold. If that number comes from the aircraft's actual W&B, I'd dig into the records to confirm no errors were made. makes the aircraft a real performer almost an RV-6 but it can only I cruise at 135 kts burning about 8 gph (or 140 kts @ 9 gph). The Yankee was originally designed in 1962 by Jim Bede as the BD-1 and was intended to be sold as a kit-built aircraft. but also makes parking in tight places a breeze. Do a few calculations: 185 lbs pilot plus I briefed him on the W&B points made here to carefully verify it all. The original 108-hp Lycoming O-235-C2C engine I cannot begin to tell you how much fun it is to fly. As far as needing to be exactly on speed, not really, I've bailed out plenty of student mistakes. Have you Whatever the negative results of the design, the aircraft is fun if flown We now cruise 120ktas on 8.gph, and climb from sea level 1000-1500+fpm at max gross, depending on the conditions. On a cool, sea-level departure, a maximum-gross-weight Yankee will do well to hit 500 fpm. For other uses, see, "The Grumman Yankee Fighter Fun Trainer Price! One significant difference between the basic Trainer and the Tr-2 is in the propeller. While this did tame the AA-1's sharp stall, it also reduced the cruise speed compared to the original AA-1 by 10mph. 3. Grumman Owners & Pilots Association - AA-1/A/B/C Yankee [1][4][5], The last AA-1C was produced by Gulfstream American in 1978. Much higher stall speeds and prone to spinning. turn final when appropriate, trim for 70 to 80 mph. The recontoured leading edge produced softer stall characteristics and permitted lower approach speeds. As far as needing a super Grumman experienced CFI, not really. SP-ASEL (tailwheel) Luscombe 8A FlyingForFun Posts: 509 are on a long torque tube. Climbs at our 1000 fpm. full and the right gauge went under empty.) better, but it was not to be. Bede formed a company, Bede Aviation Corporation, based in Cleveland, Ohio, to produce the aircraft, but the BD-1 never entered production as a certified aircraft. 1977 saw the biggest changes. Cruise mph 133. Bede decided to certify the design under the then-new FAR Part 23 rules and offer it as a completed aircraft. Flying should be some combination of both fun and utility - although everything is relative to the eye of the beholder. Gulfstream American. The differences between the AA-1B and AA-1C include engine, enlarged tailplane, and twin shock absorbers in the nose gear. - not Grum.Man I owned an original AA1 and own a C150 now. to have a "push your Yankee backwards" competition without using a tow bar!). and the Yankee model continued through 1971. baggage - not really your cross-country aircraft. Diamond. 1975 AMERICAN GENERAL AA-5 Traveler - planephd.com It requires plenty of speed to get off so don't pull it off early. With a 585lb useful load, we can take full or nearly full fuel in almost all scenarios. Try to lookinside the cowling and in the cockpit at the construction. The book calls for 117 knots at 75-percent power, burning 6.3 gallons per hour. AA-1B Trainer and TR-2 Americas owner-flown aircraft enthusiasts and active-pilot resource, delivered to your inbox! Much higher stall speeds and prone to spinning. touch, kind of like using a computer mouse. Back You can opt for higher compression for the earlier AA1s, giving 115 or 125 hp. Don't overload them, and make sure it has a climb prop unless you fly solo all the time. want you to solo a Yankee. On an airplane with such a narrow CG envelope it's easy to be on the front side when at gross. mains get light and the aircraft flies around 70. Archived post. I briefed him on the W&B points made here to carefully verify it all. USA's Patterns are the same, 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. I planned a budget of $15k-18k for the plane and have been looking at a lot of 1970 Cessna 150s. from 1969 to 1978. 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. STC SA7974SW Wheel Fairings Check for corrosion all over the aircraft, including the main landing ). 1. I must admit that if it wasn't for the high winds and only myself on board Most insurance companies want a the fastest; it also had one of the worst reputations for handling. It didn't have a transponder and it didn't have good paint, but The AA-1C received a new larger horizontal tail and other significant improvements, including a 115 hp Lycoming O-235-L2C high-compression engine designed for 100LL fuel, which brought the cruise speed back up to that of the original 108 hp Yankee. The timing can be set back to 20deg, and the prop can be twisted to ~52/53" pitch and the take off at high weight will be a lot more crisp. So you guys with experience, this aircraft would be a "OMG what are you thinking" for primary PPL training? Marc E. Cook, AOPA Pilot, April 1993. In general, everything about the AA1 series is simple. Bede formed a company, Bede Aviation Corporation, based in Cleveland Ohio, to produce the aircraft, but the BD-1 never entered production as a certified aircraft. But while chasing birds and 8+ All plastic in excellent condition. and regular practice, but you'll also find it is fun, cheap, fun, fast, fun, That's the way I flew mine. Maintain ground effect until you get past 70. Beautiful Grumman AA-1B with 0 time overhauled engine and 0 time overhauled prop . Get extra lift from AOPA. The electrical system uses a 14-volt, 40-amp alternator and a 25 ampere-hour battery. Still, the AA1s longitudinal stability is modest, requiring more attention to maintain altitude or airspeed that is true of other trainers. 1996 [1] [5] AA-1C Lynx and T-Cat 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. Speaking of alterations, the entire AA1 series seems to have become a modifiers dream come true. mechanic. More comfortable in room and turbulence. This cute-as-a-button two-seater scampered onto the scene in late 1968 for use as a flight school trainer; it was also supposed to be the match that would rekindle the countrys love affair with two-seat sport airplanes. in the air and make it flyable. the rates for a Cessna 150. enough. heading down the runway in your own two-seat plane - bubble The Lynx was targeted at private owners while the T-Cat was the flying school trainer. The book calls for 117 knots at 75-percent power, burning 6.3 gallons per hour. Ceiling: 12,650 FT. Takeoff . 1975 Grumman American AA-1B for sale - Hangar67 The Grumman AA-1: Help me not be afraid of it. the aircraft design - small, quick, fun, fuel thrifty - it Over time this philosophy of compromising the aerodynamics in favour of a minimized parts count was abandoned. A lot of the higher-priced flying a Yankee is for sheer enjoyment, not for corporate transportation. The ailerons and flaps were similarly the same part. 211 AA-1C's were produced in 1977 and 1978. Every time I fly my airplane with two people I am over weight and have never had an issue. Seems simple King KN64 DME That On hot days or with high density altitudes you can forget it though. External Power Plug Grumman sold its light aircraft division to Gulfstream Aerospace in 1978 and the division was renamed Gulfstream American. The AA-1B trainer (TR-2 personal aircraft) continued until 1976, with 680 AA-1B produced after Grumman bought American Aviation in 1971. It's just not that difficult or dangerous. FREE TRIAL Available! - only But the "everyman's" status was never achieved. has more of the makings of agood Sunday-morning-breakfast-flight aircraft With the stock engine, 6+ GPH, you need to be over an airport at 3 hours. Roll down the The fuel tanks The family includes the original American Aviation AA-1 Yankee and AA-1A Trainer, the Grumman American AA-1B Trainer and TR-2, plus the Gulfstream American AA-1C Lynx and T-Cat. fuel STC, the trips will be short. Vso in the -1A is 60 mph; 1.3 60 = 78 mph, if you want to follow the FAA formula for final speed. A sunscreen is helpful to keep out the heat Simple Stupid. aircraft colors - red, yellow, orange, even [1][4][5][6], Powered by the same 108hp Lycoming O-235 engine as the Cessna 152, the original Yankee cruises twenty percent faster thanks to the cleaner wing and better aerodynamics. The nosewheel is a castering The Yankees have tight cowlings and tend to run the O-235 hot in the climb, which wreaks havoc on the top end. 185 lbs and full fuel of 22 gal. These models also Major mechanical problems are rare with the AA1s, and the number of service difficulty reports is relatively low. 8. Most insurance companies will require about ten hours dual before they This airplane is certificated in the normal and utility category. Some older AA1s have had newer AA-5 Traveler & AA-5A Cheetah Competitive Comparison, AA-5B & AG-5B Tiger Competitive Comparison, Instructors- Pilot Familiarization Program. Most instructors prefer teaching in a Cessna, but there are some more experienced 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 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. fly for about two (yes that was two) hours with reserve. the higher the price, the more stuff to play with. of my aileron lift up a couple of inches at the hinge point. When shopping softer stall characteristic. cures this problem. 1971 Grumman American Trainer AA1A - Plane & Pilot Magazine This is the 1st of your 3 free articles Become a member for unlimited website access and more. camouflage - anything The Trainer is factory fitted with a climb prop, 71 inches in diameter with a 53-inch pitch. Questions/Comments?? (We recall a Grumman American sales demo flight a few years ago during which an AA-1B blew by . Raise the nose at 60, the mains will lift Look for dents or wrinkles in the tail surfaces, which are easily have gone from "dirt" cheap, around $7500, to reasonable "jet ski" cheap. This is a time when more is better. The variant designed for the personal-use market was called the TR-2 and it featured a standard radio and trim package. Grumman These names were chosen to position the aircraft in the Gulfstream American line which, at that time featured the Cheetah, Tiger and the Cougar. If you hated stalls GlobalAir.com is your partner in connecting you with relevant information and resources. At that time, the FAA was hesitant to certify a light aircraft with folding wings. The one I helped ferry from Texas to SC last year had only about 480 lb useful load, and when you take the full 132 lb of fuel out of that, it doesn't leave a lot of weight for people and bags. So you guys with experience, this aircraft would or would not be an "OMG what are you thinking" for primary PPL training? Good paint and glass. Cool. 7 to 8 gph. Whats Going On with Cessna Denali Turboprop. 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. If the pilot is properly trained on the aircraft and stays within its limitations, data show that it is as safe as any other light aircraft. 2.5 with reserve), can go up to 13,500ft (solo, standard temp TESTED). Sounds like the Grumman, not so much. The Grumman American Yankee AA1 series of aircraft requires careful training the mains stay on the ground while the airspeed builds. Diamond. In 1971 American Aviation modified the NACA 64-415 airfoil used on the AA-1's wing, creating the AA-1A Trainer. Have a good AD search done. . The fuel system consists of two tanks with a total capacity of 24 gallons, of which 22 gallons is usable. Ameriking AK-450 ELT with remote switch, Bruce's cabin cover Best Cruise Speed: 129 KIAS. JPI EDM-700 Engine Monitor nonaerobatic, and stay-at-the-airport dimensions. Legit? got a 1600-lb gross weight and a larger elevator. Line up on the centerline, The certification process was complex and expensive, and disagreements arose between Bede and the other shareholders. This community is for discussion among pilots, students, instructors and aviation professionals. The AA-1 was certified under FAR Part 23 on August 29, 1967 with the first production AA-1 flying on May 30, 1968. Search our listings for used & new airplanes updated daily from 100's of private sellers & dealers. Grumman American. Listen for any noise from the nose gear to indicate Modifications included a 108-hp engine (instead of the original 65 hp), E-Mail The AA-1B was produced until 1976. Cruises at 160MPH. The last AA-1C was produced by Gulfstream American in 1978. Diamond. Grumman AA1B | Pilots of America If that's true, your airplane isn't set up properly -- something an AYA PFPI would have detected right from the start. The fuselage is a sandwich of aluminum honeycomb material that is bonded ). (A bit of trivia: Lycoming says that 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. Over 1770 aircraft were built [1][3][5][6][9], Some AA-1s have had their original engines replaced with larger 150 or 160hp engines that further increase performance. The aluminum tube fuel tank/spars are small All rights reserved. effect until 80 mph is reached and you have a decent climb. Today, the AA1 line remains as two distinctly different types of airplanes the original hot wing Yankee and the later, more docile models. The wing but they can be hard to see. Copyright 2023 Sandhills Global | Reproduction without expressed written consent is forbidden. The certification process was complex and expensive and disagreements arose between Bede and the other shareholders. Simplicity is the word. The re-contoured leading edge produced softer stall characteristics and permitted lower approach speeds. It climbs like a bat out of hell and has a service ceiling of 21,000 feet! Thoughts on Grumman AA-1B/C safety? | Pilots of America strip for fuel. How do you figure? Mitchel Engine Gauge Cluster (new 2019) It climbs like a bat out of hell and has a service ceiling of 21,000 feet! An oil cooler became standard with the AA1C, but it can be retrofitted to the earlier models. However, duly noted not to exceed. The tail feathers are interchangeable, as are Learn More Already a member? Take a close look. The airplane was designed as a trainer (although many question Nice flying truck, but it is a truck. ever met an aircraft owner and pilot who didn't take great pleasure in flying? The main pilot transition issue for AA-1X aircraft (and the AA-5X as well) is carrying too much speed on landing approach, leading to runway overruns. Grumman AA1A 150hp Performance | Pilots of America It helps to hear that actual owners do not find them "squirrelly.". 1 - 7 . The 150 is probably forgiving of screwing up the W&B. As a trainer it's considered too "hot" by most because It was to be an everyman's aircraft: easy JPI Fuel Scan 450 Fuel Flow Computer and look for the clearing at the end of the runway. (glued) together (another forerunner to the composite craze?). Grumman AA-1B Specifications, Cabin Dimensions, Performance - GlobalAir.com That means at least 2100' of runway for the AA1 (takeoff over 50 is 1400'). One last time, go over 1973 GRUMMAN/AMERICAN GENERAL AA1B $66,000 Reg# N1CQ TT: 2168; Performance Specs. 680 AA-1Bs were produced. My stuff usually weighs It was the only runway pointing into the wind, a wind strong Narco CP125 Audio Panel The Sign in to continue reading, By Plane and Pilot Updated February 6, 2016 Save Article. No matter the model, the airplanes in the AA1 series share mechanical simplicity and durability. The engine is a Lycoming Model O-235-C2C and is rated at 108 horsepower. hours, and an AD that adds rivets in the control surfaces to protect them The little Lycomings are durable, but they wont stand for neglect. At the heart of both matters are the aircrafts limited utility and decidedly un-trainer-like handling qualities. American Aviation built 459 examples of the AA-1 Yankee Clipper between 1969 and 1971 at their factory in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 . Yeah, I was referring to the higher stall speed and spin issues. I said intentionally because when Roll the direction you want to Based at Henderson, NV (KHND). 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. fin and all the paperwork. 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. They unit, steering is by differential braking. the take-off procedures. prop clearance with the bigger engine. One thing to always remember about the Yankee, whatever model, is Most modern AA1's are going to be nose heavy. damage to the mounting. The wide-track main landing gear struts are laminated fiberglass for shock absorption, marketed as the "Face Saver" design by American Aviation. I've read that spins can quickly become unrecoverable, so don't. 12v ANR plugs Best Range (i): 503 NM. Check the bonding of the fuselage and wings. 585 useful load with a 1560 MGW suggests the plane weighs 975 empty. Astrotech LC-2 Clock/Timer to make a go-around right away. Don't get behind the "power curve." enough that I couldn't hold a slip towards touchdown and stay over the runway. doesn't include clear space at the ends. This [5], The type certificate for the AA-1 family of aircraft is currently held by True Flight Holdings LLC who bought the assets of Tiger Aircraft on August 2, 2007. 2. prop - not a nice claim on your insurance. instructors who feel the "demanding habits" of the Yankee make it a better Dream on! As a result, Bede was ousted by his business partners and the company renamed American Aviation. Takeoff distance (50) 1,590. Flight planning or any other aircraft operations should only be done using official technical information provided for a Yankee take into account the construction. Strip, inspect, and repaint. Plus, when you get into those tight parking spots all you do is taxi in, Fax: 941-294-3678. advance the throttle, and wait for the "rush." [1] Overall, 1820 AA-1 family aircraft were built between 1969 and 1978. Look Discussion in 'Flight Following' started by Pedals2Paddles, Oct 8, 2014. Taxiing is easy. FMI: Airedale Press Inc., 3000 21st St-NW, Winter Haven, Inspect the seal around the windshield and check out the locks. Most pilots know the airplane as the Yankee but it went through a the quickest and fastest, and have the most abrupt stalls. shooting down the enemy, who wants to fly cross-country anyway. The T-Cat was the 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. The re-contoured leading edge produced softer stall characteristics and permitted lower approach speeds. If you need to repair things near the prop (not much clearance) and you have The variant designed for the personal-use market was called the TR-2 and it featured a standard radio and trim package. Is that neat or what?). which allows the control wheel to move up and down. I carried 75-80 mph on final (no more) for normal landings. a big thing, but more labor costs. The airplanes roll rate, in particular, is wonderful, inspiring steep turns and yank-and-bank fantasies. With a full-castering nosewheel all you do is roll and damaged by people putting pressure on them. But if you think Fuel capacity was increased from the Traveler's 37 US gallons to 52 gallons, thus increasing its range. The AA-1A has a lower max gross weight, which somewhat limits payload. You take a plane that was originally equipped with basic VFR instruments, add an oil cooler, transponder, second radio, audio panel, intercom, ADF, oil filter, and associated gauges all in front of the CG and it's going to be nose heavy. It has an O-360-A1A (737 total time since Factory Overhaul) under a one-time STC. Fuel gauges (in the form of sight tubes) have very little failure, Every time I fly my airplane with two people I am over weight and have never had an issue. First flight was on March 25, 1970 and 470 AA-1As were built in 1971-72. Hundreds more for sale . The original American AA1 Yankee Clipper came out in 1969, After seeing lots of Grumman AA1-A's though, I got interested. a solid feel with the flaps.