Grumman AA-5 Tiger Buyer’s Guide — The Hidden Gem
The Grumman Tiger does 130–140 knots on 10–11 gph in a fixed-gear package. Here’s why it’s one of GA’s best-kept secrets.
Why the Tiger
The Grumman AA-5B Tiger cruises at 130–140 knots on 10–11 gph — in a fixed-gear, four-seat airframe. That speed-per-dollar ratio is nearly unmatched in general aviation. The sliding canopy gives it a fighter-jet feel on the ground, and the sporty handling makes every flight fun. The bonded aluminum construction is lighter than riveted designs, contributing to the Tiger’s impressive performance. The owner community is small but fiercely loyal, and they keep these airplanes flying with shared knowledge, parts pooling, and grassroots type club support.
130–140 knots cruise on 10–11 gph in a fixed-gear four-seater. One of the best speed-per-dollar values in GA.
Variants: From Yankee to Tiger
The Grumman-American line started with the AA-1 Yankee and Trainer — small two-seat aircraft with 108 hp that are fun but not practical for travel. The AA-5 Traveler added two more seats and 150 hp but was underpowered for a four-place airplane. The AA-5A Cheetah improved on the Traveler with better cowling and systems but kept the 150 hp Lycoming O-320. The AA-5B Tiger is the one to buy — it got the 180 hp Lycoming O-360, which transforms the airplane into a genuine cross-country machine. The Tiger has real useful load, real cruise speed, and enough power to feel confident on hot days and short fields.
Known Issues
The bonded aluminum construction is the Tiger’s defining characteristic — and its biggest inspection concern. Unlike riveted airframes, Grumman used Redux adhesive bonding to join skins to structure. Corrosion-driven delamination can ground the airplane and is expensive to repair. Avoid aircraft that were stored outside long-term, especially in coastal or humid environments. Fuel tanks are integral to the wing and require periodic sealant checks — leaking wing tanks are a common squawk. Nose wheel shimmy is a well-known issue, usually addressable with shimmy dampener maintenance. Aftermarket parts availability is more limited than Cessna or Piper, but the Tiger community (American Yankee Association) stocks most common items and members help each other source hard-to-find parts.
What to Pay
An AA-5B Tiger in good condition runs $45,000–$75,000, with nicer examples pushing higher as the market tightens. Operating costs are roughly $85–$100/hr all-in, making it one of the cheapest four-seat cross-country airplanes to fly. Insurance runs $1,500–$3,000/yr for experienced pilots — the fixed gear and relatively low hull value keep premiums reasonable. Annual inspections typically cost $1,500–$3,000, though bonding inspections can add cost if delamination is found. The Lycoming O-360 is one of the most reliable engines in GA with a 2,000-hour TBO and overhaul costs around $25,000–$30,000.
Our Verdict
The Grumman Tiger is the best speed-per-dollar value in a fixed-gear four-seater. It cruises with Mooneys and Comanches while costing far less to insure and maintain. The passionate owner community makes up for the smaller parts network, and the sliding canopy and sporty handling make every flight an event. Just make sure the bonding is intact — a thorough prebuy by a Grumman-experienced mechanic is absolutely essential. If the airframe checks out, the Tiger delivers a flying experience that most four-seat airplane owners only dream about.