American Aviation AA-5
American Aviation · United States · first flew 1971 · light aircraft
The American Aviation AA-5 was a two-seat general aviation monoplane introduced in 1971, designed as a higher-performance development of the AA-1 Yankee. It featured the same bonded aluminium construction and sliding canopy that made the AA-1 distinctive.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.71 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US two-seat low-wing monoplane introduced in 1971
- Bonded aluminium 'Yankee' style construction
- Sliding canopy rather than conventional doors
Low-wing all-metal monoplane with a distinctive sliding bubble canopy, fixed tricycle undercarriage, and a clean cowling; the canopy is the most immediately recognisable feature.
Specifications
- The American Aviation AA-5 has a length of 6.71 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.6 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 233 km/h (145 mph).
- Typical crew: 1+1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
American Aviation Corporation developed the AA-5 to provide more cabin space and range than the AA-1. The design was later acquired by Grumman American and then Gulfstream American, with the AA-5 family evolving into the Grumman Traveler, Cheetah, and Tiger variants.
Variants
The AA-5 Traveler was the original; the AA-5A Cheetah and AA-5B Tiger followed with improved engines and higher performance, the Tiger achieving 290 km/h.
Where you'll see it
Widely operated in North America and exported worldwide; popular with flying clubs and private owners through the 1970s and beyond.
Related aircraft
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