What is the purchase price for a used Grumman AA5 Cheetah?

Used Grumman AA5 Cheetah aircraft vary by model year: earlier models (1972-1980) cost $25,000-$50,000; mid-period variants (1980-1990) range $50,000-$90,000; modern examples (1990+) cost $90,000-$140,000. The AA5 Cheetah remains popular for affordable single-engine flying.

How much fuel does a Grumman AA5 Cheetah consume?

The Grumman AA5 Cheetah with Lycoming O-320 engine burns approximately 6.5-8 gallons per hour at cruise. At current Avgas prices of $6.00-$7.00 per gallon, fuel costs are approximately $40-$56 per flight hour. The Cheetah offers reasonable fuel efficiency for a four-seat aircraft.

What are annual fixed costs for Grumman AA5 Cheetah ownership?

Annual fixed costs for a used Grumman AA5 Cheetah average $3,500-$5,000 and include: outdoor tie-down storage ($600-$1,200/year), insurance ($1,000-$1,500/year), annual inspection ($600-$1,000), and miscellaneous maintenance ($700-$1,200). The Cheetah is economical to own.

What is special about Grumman AA5 design?

The Grumman AA5 Cheetah features a unique design with a single strut-braced wing and a retractable landing gear. The gear-up landing design allows safe landings with gear failure, providing additional safety margin. The aircraft is known for solid construction and stable handling.

Is the Grumman AA5 Cheetah a good value?

Yes. The AA5 Cheetah combines retractable gear, four-seat comfort, and reasonable acquisition cost. Operating costs remain economical compared to other retractable-gear singles. The aircraft's unique safety features and solid construction make it excellent value for owner-pilots.

Grumman AA5 Cheetah Cost of Ownership

The affordable retractable-gear single. Expect to pay $50,000-$140,000 and operate at $100-$150 per hour.

Complete breakdown of purchase costs, fuel expenses, maintenance, insurance, and annual ownership budgets.

Grumman AA5 Cheetah: Affordable Retractable-Gear Single

The Grumman AA5 Cheetah has earned its reputation as an affordable retractable-gear aircraft, combining practical four-seat capability with economical operation. Since introduction in 1972, the Cheetah has served personal pilots and flying enthusiasts seeking retractable-gear performance at moderate cost. The aircraft's unique design, including gear-up landing capability, provides additional safety margin.

Why Pilots Choose the Grumman AA5 Cheetah

The AA5 Cheetah appeals to pilots seeking retractable-gear capability at affordable cost; four-seat personal aircraft owners; and aviators valuing solid construction and unique design. The aircraft's safety features and economical operation make it attractive for owner-pilots.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Early Models (1972-1980): $25,000-$50,000 - Older examples with basic avionics.
Mid-Period Models (1980-1990): $50,000-$90,000 - Good condition examples.
Modern Examples (1990+): $90,000-$140,000 - Well-maintained with better avionics.

Financing & Insurance

Financing for $50K-$140K aircraft typically requires 20-25% down with 10-15 year terms at 5.5-8.0% interest. Insurance runs $1,000-$1,500/year depending on pilot experience and hull value.

Operating Costs

Fuel consumption: 6.5-8 GPH at cruise. At $6.00-$7.00/gal Avgas, fuel costs $40-$56/hour. Maintenance reserves average $12-$18/hour. Engine overhaul reserves: $8-$12/hour. Total variable costs: $70-$105/hour.

Annual Ownership Examples

100 hours/year: $4,500 fixed + $8,500 variable = $13,000 total ($130/hour)

200 hours/year: $4,500 fixed + $17,000 variable = $21,500 total ($108/hour)

Is AA5 Cheetah Ownership Worth It?

Yes, for pilots seeking affordable retractable-gear capability. The AA5 Cheetah provides excellent value with unique safety features. For owner-pilots prioritizing economical retractable-gear operation, the Cheetah is outstanding.

Sources and Citations

PlanePhD Aircraft Valuation Database - Grumman AA5 Cheetah (2025)
Aircraft Cost Calculator - Operating Costs
AOPA Pilot Resource Center

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