The story
The AA-1 started as Jim Bede's radical kit design and became Grumman's spirited little two-seater. Glued-together bonded aluminum, a sliding canopy, and handling that rewards attention made it the anti-Cessna: less forgiving, more fun.
Its aluminum skins are bonded — glued, not riveted — a technique borrowed from Jim Bede's original BD-1 design.
Quick answers
How do you identify a AA-1?
Tiny low-wing two-seater with a sliding bubble canopy — the canopy is the instant tell. Castering nosewheel gives it a distinctive wandering taxi.
What does a AA-1 sound like?
A busy little Lycoming with a sportier exhaust note than its trainer rivals.
How fast is the AA-1?
Top speed is 120 kts.
How many passengers does the AA-1 carry?
Up to 1. A typical layout is 1 pilot + 1 passenger.
How far can the AA-1 fly?
Range is about 424 nmi.
How big is the AA-1?
It is 19 ft 3 in long and 24 ft 6 in across the wings.
When did the AA-1 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1963.
How many AA-1s have been built?
1,820 built.
What do crews call the AA-1?
The Yankee.
How rare is a AA-1 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first AA-1 catch is worth 25 points.
