Grumman AA-1C Question

[Ventucky Red]

Had a conversation with a gent today regarding a Grumman American AA1C with a 150 HP Lycoming engine that answered my add regarding a partnership…

I know absolutely nothing of this airplane, and it wasn’t even a consideration, but looking at both the financial and performance numbers my curiosity is sparked…

I have found a few articles these planes and doing some more research… Has anyone here own and/or owned one of these and have some info they could share with me.

Thanks

 

[James331]

I have some experience with a AA-1A in the stock configuration. Great little plane, VERY nimble, good cross wind plane and comfy with the higher wing loading, simple systems and construction, parts aren't expensive, great fuel gauges. Only draw back is she has a shorter range compared to similar aircraft.

Go for a flight, I'd take a Grumman AA1 or AA5 over a 152/172/182 or Cherokee any day.

 

[poadeleted20]

The AA-1C with the big engine is a great 2-person airplane as long as you don't want to go very far. An O-320 engine burns through the available 22 gallons of fuel in under three hours unless you pull the throttle way back, which nobody actually does. You can get more range out of it with the 2x5 gallon aux tanks you can purchase and have installed, but that extra 60 lb of fuel eats a big chunk out of your payload, and essentially turns the plane into a single-seater (unless the two people and bags weigh less than about 300 lb). The good news is that with the big engine, the short/soft/obstructed takeoff issues which the stock engine plane has are pretty well eliminated. Other good news is that the airplane's construction is dirt-simple, making it easy to maintain within a budget at the bottom end of its class.

For a lot more on these planes (and all other things Grumman), see:
http://www.aya.org
http://www.grumman.net

 

[James331]

Here's a site you'll learn to love, the folks over a fletch also know a ton about Grummans, and stock all the parts.



http://www.fletchair.com


I'd stay away from all the BS "clubs" that want money to join their sites, you won't get near your money out of it.

 

[poadeleted20]

Here's a site you'll learn to love, the folks over a fletch also know a ton about Grummans, and stock all the parts.



http://www.fletchair.com

Fletchair is the major source, but there are others, especially Air Mods NW. And there are times Air Mods NW may have a part that Fletchair does not.

I'd stay away from all the BS "clubs" that want money to join their sites, you won't get near your money out of it.

Hokum. The discounts Fletchair and Air Mods NW give AYA members will alone cover your $50 dues every year without even beginning to talk about the value of the newsletter and access to technical resources. Just go through the AYA web site and see what's there to learn.

 

[RichNY]

Had a conversation with a gent today regarding a Grumman American AA1C with a 150 HP Lycoming engine that answered my add regarding a partnership…

I know absolutely nothing of this airplane, and it wasn’t even a consideration, but looking at both the financial and performance numbers my curiosity is sparked…

I have found a few articles these planes and doing some more research… Has anyone here own and/or owned one of these and have some info they could share with me.

Thanks

I have one. Good speed and economy. I have 32 gal fuel and a 549 useful load.
I would be happy to share my 10 year experience if you're interested.

 

[JoeSelch]

Owned an AA1B with a 150hp O-320 for several years and had a bunch of time in a stock AA1A before that.

Nifty little plane with the engine upgrade (wouldn't bother with it otherwise). Worked great for me - as a lightweight, I could take anyone I'd care to fly with.
As Ron said, legs are a bit short. I burned 7.0gph, so max range was 2 hours, give or take.

Economical to own and operate. Heck of a lot more fun than a baby brand C or P. Nice runabout - esp in partnership (leaving the option to pick up a share in a second traveling plane).