Spam cans of general aviation’s golden age that didn’t come out of Wichita or Lock Haven generally fall into one of two categories: overpriced and somehow handicapped, or hidden deals simply overlooked by the market. The Grumman AA1 series isn’t exactly unknown, but these aircraft remain a good bargain that many fail to consider.
Of the more than 1,500 AA1s that were produced, the AA1B represents a good compromise of value and performance. The AA1B has a basic useful load of more than 450 pounds. While not great, it beats the rest of the AA1 lineup by 50 to 90 pounds. Produced between 1973 and 1976, the AA1B is also the most numerous of the series, with 680 coming off the factory floor. The AA1B had better performance than the less expensive original AA1, but takes a slight hit on runway performance compared to the AA1A. The AA1 line came with Lycoming O-235 engines, and many are available today with upgraded powerplants.
Think of the Grumman AA1B as a more adventurous Cessna 150. Owners report the AA1B flies considerably better than the 150, with crisp controls, great visibility, and a fighter-pilot feel. One former Grumman instructor called it a fighter jet without an engine.
What the Grumman doesn’t have is fighter-jet performance. The wing is stubby for a small personal transport/trainer, and stalls are said to be a bit sportier than the Cessna line. Runway performance is terrible for the category. But take that in context. A small, light airplane still only needs about 2,000 feet of paved runway, including a safety factor.
Transition training will be required for new pilots for the less forgiving wing and castering nosewheel. Pilots make a lot of noise about the differences between direct-control steering and free castering, but it all comes down to personal preference. Grumman owners tend to love the tight turning radius, while a Cessna owner may feel out of control with such a setup.
The airplane has three other strong points that are big intangibles in the buying decision. First is that most on the market are nicely equipped, with standard panel layouts and some upgraded radios. Second, you can open the canopy in flight, which is cool. Ask the owners of Piper Cubs, AirCams, or Robinson R22s what they love about their aircraft, and an open door will always come up as a reason. Finally, you would own a Grumman, built by the same company that made the TBF Avenger, Albatross, F–14, and the Apollo Lunar Module.
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