Grumman AA-5 Series Cost of Ownership

The Grumman AA-5 Series: Economy and Simplicity

The Grumman AA-5 series represents pure flying value. Since 1972, the AA-5 family has offered pilots economical operation, simple fixed landing gear, and excellent handling characteristics. The Traveler, Cheetah, and Tiger variants provide four-seat capacity with fuel consumption rivaling much more expensive aircraft.

Grumman (later American General) ceased AA-5 production in 1988, but these aircraft remain popular on the used market due to their low operating costs, reliability, and affordability. This comprehensive guide examines the financial realities of AA-5 ownership.

Why Pilots Choose the Grumman AA-5

The primary appeal is cost. The purchase price of $75,000-$100,000 puts AA-5 ownership within reach of many pilots. Even more importantly, operating costs of 8.5 GPH fuel burn create operating expenses that are 40-50% lower than comparable retractable-gear aircraft. For budget-conscious pilots, the AA-5 is unbeatable.

Secondary advantages include fixed landing gear simplicity (no mechanical failures or maintenance), responsive handling, and strong resale value. The trade-off: no pressurization, limited altitude capability, and older airframes requiring age-appropriate maintenance.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Variant

Grumman ceased new production in 1988. Current market prices vary by model:

• AA-5 Traveler (1972-1975): $50,000-$70,000 - Original 150 HP, simplest variant, good value
• AA5A Cheetah (1976-1982): $65,000-$95,000 - Improved reliability, mid-range pricing, popular choice
• AA5B Tiger (1983-1988): $85,000-$120,000 - 180 HP, latest production, premium pricing
• Current Average: $75,000-$85,000 for well-maintained examples

Key Price Factors

• Total Airframe Hours: Each 1,000 hours = roughly $3,000-$5,000 value difference
• Engine Time: Fresh engines add $5,000-$10,000; engines near TBO reduce value $5,000-$10,000
• Avionics: Modern glass cockpit adds $10,000-$15,000 vs. older steam gauges
• Paint and Interior: Fresh paint/interior adds $5,000-$8,000 to value

Financing a Grumman AA-5

Down Payment Requirements

Lenders may require 25-30% down on older aircraft. For a $80,000 purchase:

• 25% down: $20,000 cash, $60,000 financed
• 30% down: $24,000 cash, $56,000 financed

Loan Terms and Rates

AA-5 terms typically range 7-10 years at 7-8% rates. Example monthly payments for $60,000 loan:

• 7 years at 7.5%: $915/month ($10,980/year)
• 10 years at 7.5%: $712/month ($8,544/year)

Alternative: Cash Purchase

Many AA-5 buyers purchase for cash due to the low purchase price. A $80,000 aircraft is affordable for many private pilots without financing.

Insurance Costs: Fixed Gear Saves Money

Annual Insurance Coverage

For an $80,000 Grumman AA-5:

• Liability Only ($1M): $500-$800 annually
• Full Coverage ($1M liability, $80K hull): $1,400-$2,000 annually
• Typical Cost: $1,500-$2,000 annually

Insurance Advantage vs. Retractable Gear

Fixed landing gear is a major insurance advantage. Equivalent retractable-gear aircraft (like Piper Archer) insure for $3,000-$4,500 annually. The AA-5's fixed gear saves approximately $1,500-$2,500 per year in insurance premiums.

Fuel and Operating Costs: Exceptional Efficiency

Fuel Consumption - The AA-5's Greatest Advantage

The Grumman AA-5 burns approximately 8.5 gallons per hour at cruise power settings—one of the most efficient four-seat aircraft ever built. At current 100LL avgas prices:

• At $6/gallon: $51/hour
• At $6.50/gallon: $55/hour
• At $7/gallon: $60/hour

Over 100 annual flight hours at $6.50/gallon, fuel costs only $5,500 annually. This exceptional efficiency is why many flight schools and budget-conscious owners favor AA-5 aircraft.

Maintenance and Reserves

• Annual Inspection: $500-$1,500 (aircraft age-dependent)
• Routine Maintenance: $22.95/hour average
• Engine Reserve: $8-$12/hour toward 2,000-hour overhaul
• Oil and Misc: $3/hour

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $60-$75/hour including fuel ($55), maintenance ($23), oil ($3), and reserves ($10)—remarkably low for any aircraft.

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar/Tie-Down: $60-$100/month ($720-$1,200/year)
• Insurance: $1,500-$2,000
• Annual Inspection: $800-$1,200
• Accessories/Misc: $300-$500

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $3,320-$4,900

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year (Cash Purchase)

Aircraft purchased for cash at $80,000:

• Depreciation reserve: $2,400 (3% annual)
• Fixed costs: $4,100
• Fuel (100 hours × $55): $5,500
• Maintenance (100 hours × $23): $2,300
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $10): $1,000
• Annual inspection: $1,000
• Total Annual Cost: $16,300
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $163

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year (With Financing)

Aircraft purchased at $80,000 with 30% down ($24,000), $56,000 financed at 7.5% over 10 years:

• Loan payment: $712/month ($8,544/year)
• Fixed costs: $4,100
• Fuel (150 hours × $55): $8,250
• Maintenance (150 hours × $23): $3,450
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $10): $1,500
• Annual inspection: $1,000
• Total Annual Cost: $26,844
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $179

Grumman AA-5 vs. Comparable Aircraft

AA-5 vs. Cessna 172 (Four-Seat Single)

A Cessna 172 costs $180-$220/hour to operate. A Grumman AA-5 costs $130-$160/hour. The AA-5 operates 25-40% cheaper while offering comparable four-seat capacity. However, Cessnas offer greater resale value and parts availability.

AA-5 vs. Piper Archer (Retractable Gear Four-Seat)

A Piper Archer costs $240-$300/hour. A Grumman AA-5 costs $130-$160/hour. The AA-5 is 45-55% cheaper to operate. The Archer offers retractable gear and higher speeds, but the AA-5 offers exceptional economy.

Is Grumman AA-5 Ownership Worth It?

At $130-$160/hour all-in operating cost with a $75,000-$85,000 purchase price, the Grumman AA-5 represents outstanding value for budget-conscious pilots. The combination of low purchase price, low operating costs, and simple fixed-gear design makes AA-5 ownership accessible to many private pilots.

AA-5 ownership makes sense for pilots flying 100+ hours annually for personal travel, flight training, or flying club operations. The aircraft's economy is unmatched in its class.

Next Steps to AA-5 Ownership

1. Test fly AA-5 variants. Fly multiple models to compare performance and handling
2. Get pre-purchase inspection. Budget $1,500-$2,500 for thorough airframe evaluation
3. Review maintenance history. Confirm annual inspections are current and documented
4. Obtain insurance quotes. Confirm costs based on hull value and your experience
5. Consider financing vs. cash. Evaluate whether loan or cash purchase makes financial sense
6. Research available aircraft. Monitor Controller.com and Trade-A-Plane

Sources and Citations

1. AVweb (2024). "Buying a Used Aircraft: Grumman Tiger/Cheetah" - Aircraft review and guidance. Retrieved from avweb.com
2. PlanePhD (2025). "Grumman AA-5 series specifications and operating costs" - Aircraft valuation and cost data. Retrieved from planephd.com
3. Aviation Consumer (2024). "AGAC AA-5 Tiger/Cheetah" - Aircraft review and maintenance guide. Retrieved from aviationconsumer.com
4. Controller.com & Trade-A-Plane (2025). "Grumman AA-5 Aircraft Listings" - Current market pricing. Retrieved from controller.com and trade-a-plane.com
5. Flying Magazine (2024). "Approachable Aircraft: Grumman AA-5 Series" - Aircraft profile. Retrieved from flyingmag.com

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance premiums, and maintenance expenses vary by location. Always verify current costs with sellers, insurers, and mechanics before committing to purchase.