Grumman American AA-5 Tiger Cost of Ownership: Economical Training and Recreational Flying

The Grumman American AA-5 Tiger is a simple, economical fixed-gear trainer produced from 1972 to present day (now by American General and Gulfstream). With modest fuel consumption, straightforward systems, and minimal maintenance requirements, the Tiger offers one of the lowest costs per flight hour in general aviation. Here's the complete financial picture.

Purchase Cost: Finding Affordable Flying

The Grumman American AA-5 Tiger has been in continuous production since 1972, with only modest design changes over five decades. This longevity ensures consistent availability in the used aircraft market with a healthy secondary market.

Current Market Prices (2024-2025):
Used Grumman Tigers range from $35,000 (high-time budget examples) to $100,000 (well-maintained low-time aircraft with avionics upgrades). A typical good-condition Tiger averages $55,000-$75,000. The faster AA-5A Cheetah variant costs 5-10% more. Aircraft needing cosmetic work can sometimes be found for $30,000-$40,000.

What Affects Pricing: Total airframe and engine hours are primary pricing factors. Aircraft near engine TBO (1,800 hours) cost significantly less than those with fresh overhauls. Avionics configuration, interior condition, paint condition, and maintenance records all impact value. The simpler the aircraft, the less premium is commanded for upgrades.

Fuel Consumption: Efficiency Unmatched

The Grumman Tiger is legendary for fuel efficiency, burning barely more fuel than many smaller trainers despite carrying four people.

Fuel Burn Rates:
At cruise power, the Tiger burns approximately 9-10 gallons per hour, making it one of the most economical aircraft in general aviation. Cruise speeds of 125-133 knots at 8.5-10 GPH translate to fuel costs of only $46-$54 per flight hour at current Avgas prices of $5.40/gallon.

Fuel represents only 45-50% of hourly operating costs for the Tiger—an excellent ratio. Low fuel consumption combined with low maintenance makes the Tiger extraordinarily economical for cross-country and recreational flying.

Engine Overhaul and Maintenance: Simple Systems

The Lycoming O-360 engine and simple airframe design keep maintenance straightforward and affordable.

Engine Overhaul:
The Lycoming O-360 has a 2,000-hour TBO. Overhaul costs run $18,000-$25,000 at most shops. At 100 hours annual flying, overhaul comes due every 20 years—many owners may never encounter an overhaul during ownership.

Annual Inspection and Maintenance:
Annual inspection costs only $350-$700 for owner-assisted maintenance. The fixed-pitch propeller eliminates propeller overhauls. Fixed landing gear eliminates gear system maintenance. This simplicity is reflected in owner feedback: "the Tiger is easy to insure and pays really low operating cost."

Total annual maintenance averages $1,200-$2,000 including inspection, oil, spark plugs, and miscellaneous items. Many owners perform owner-assisted maintenance to reduce costs further.

Insurance: Favorable Rates for Simple Aircraft

Annual Insurance Costs:
Insurance for a Grumman Tiger runs $1,500-$2,500 per year for hull and liability coverage. This is significantly lower than complex retractable gear aircraft, reflecting the Tiger's simple design and proven safety record. Fixed-pitch propeller and fixed gear mean minimal insurance risk factors.

One flying club reported paying only $5,200 per year with $1M liability on a $145,000 hull value—less than 4% of hull value annually. This exemplary rate reflects the Tiger's reputation as a straightforward, safe aircraft.

No Complex Endorsement Required

Unlike retractable gear aircraft, the Grumman Tiger requires no special endorsements.

Simple Systems:
Fixed landing gear, fixed-pitch propeller, and straightforward systems mean the Tiger is certificated as a standard category aircraft. Any licensed private pilot can fly it—no complex endorsement needed. This simplicity reduces training costs and insurance premiums.

This makes the Tiger ideal for newly-licensed private pilots seeking affordable flying without the complexity of retractable gear aircraft.

Total Cost of Ownership: Grumman Tiger

Annual Scenario: 100 Hours Flying/Year

At 100 annual hours, total ownership costs run approximately $8,160 per year without financing—an exceptional value. This represents one of the lowest costs per flight hour available in general aviation.

Why Own a Grumman Tiger?

• Economy: Among the lowest operating costs in general aviation
• Simplicity: Fixed gear and fixed-pitch propeller mean straightforward operation
• Affordability: Low purchase price ($50,000-$75,000 typical)
• Reliability: Proven Lycoming engine with excellent support
• No Endorsements: Accessible to newly-licensed pilots
• Fuel Efficiency: 9-10 GPH unmatched in four-seat category

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Citations

Note on Pricing and Data: This article reflects market conditions and pricing as of October 2025. Aircraft values, fuel prices, and insurance rates fluctuate based on market conditions and regulatory changes. All figures represent typical cases and should be verified with current quotes before making purchase decisions.