Grumman American AA-5

Construction

All models of the AA-5 have four seats under a sliding canopy, which can be partly opened in flight for ventilation.

Entry for all four occupants is from the wing root over the canopy sill.

Compared to competitive aircraft of the same era the AA-5s are noted for their light and pleasant handling characteristics as well as high cruising speed for the installed power.

As derivatives of the original AA-1 Yankee, the AA-5 series share the same unique bonded aluminum honeycomb wing and fuselage that eliminates the need for rivets without sacrificing strength.

The main landing gear is fibreglass with a sprung steel nose gear tube.

There is no nose wheel steering as the nose wheel is free-castering through 180 degrees.

Steering is by main wheel differential braking operated by using one's toes to push the tops of the rudder pedals.

Variants

AA-5 Traveler


1971 four-seat version of the AA-1 with a 150 hp (110 kW) Lycoming O-320-E2G engine, 821 built.

AA-5A Cheetah


1975 variant with larger fin fillet and no ventral fin fairing, re-designed engine cowling and longer rear windows, 900 built.

AA-5B Tiger


1974 variant with a 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming O-360-A4K engine and increased take-off weight, 1323 built.