Grumman AA-5B Tiger

Grumman American introduced the AA-5B Tiger in 1975 as the high-power variant of the AA-5 Traveler. The Tiger used a Lycoming O-360-A4K at 180 hp replacing the Traveler's O-320 at 150 hp. Same bonded-honeycomb wing, same sliding canopy, same general airframe with the addition of the higher-power engine and proportionate engine mount changes. The Tiger immediately developed a reputation as the most-performance-oriented Grumman four-seat single.

Production ran from 1975 to 1979 under Grumman American Aircraft Corp. American Jet Industries acquired the type certificate and tooling in the 1980s and renamed to American General Aircraft Corp. Production resumed briefly from 1990 to 1993 with refined avionics and minor updates. After 1993 the Tiger went out of production again. Various subsequent corporate ownership transitions have not restarted production.

Total Tiger production across both eras was about 1,300 aircraft. The fleet has remained popular with Grumman enthusiasts who value the Tiger's combination of bonded construction, sliding canopy, and 180 hp performance. The American Yankee Association (AYA) is the dedicated type club and provides essential bonded-wing inspection guidance shared across the AA-5 family.

The AA-5B Tiger cruises at about 140 KTAS at 75% power, burning 10.6 gph of 100LL. At long-range cruise (65%), the airplane drops to about 128 KTAS on 8.5 gph. The Tiger is significantly faster than the Cessna 172N (about 18 to 20 knots faster) at similar fuel burn. Performance is comparable to a Cherokee Archer (PA-28-181) with the same engine and slightly faster than a Cessna 177 Cardinal.

Useful load on a Tiger is about 970 to 1,020 pounds. Full fuel (51 gallons usable) leaves about 670 to 720 pounds for people and bags. Four adults of typical weight plus moderate bags fit within gross with careful loading. Range with reserves is about 575 nm at long-range cruise. The Tiger's combination of speed and four-seat capability makes it one of the most-practical fixed-gear singles in its acquisition range.

The Lycoming O-360-A4K is the engine on every AA-5B Tiger. Four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, direct-drive, carbureted piston rated at 180 hp at 2,700 RPM. Lycoming's published TBO is 2,000 hours per Lycoming Service Instruction 1009 BE. The O-360 family is one of the most-produced Lycoming engines.

Field overhauls at Penn Yan, Gann Aviation, or other reputable Lycoming shops run $30,000 to $42,000 in 2026 prices. The O-360 is among the cheapest four-cylinder Lycomings to overhaul. Parts and shop support are universal.

Oil consumption on a healthy O-360 runs about 0.15 to 0.25 quarts per hour. The Sensenich fixed-pitch metal propeller standard on the Tiger has no formal TBO. The fixed-pitch prop is unusual for a 180 hp single (most competitors use constant-speed props) and is part of the Tiger's distinctive simplicity.

Plan on $145 to $200 per flight hour at 100 hours a year of utilization, all-in. The Tiger's operating economics are friendly for a 180 hp four-seat single. Fuel and oil run about $58 to $74 per hour at 10.6 gph and $5.50 to $7 for 100LL. Engine overhaul reserve is $15 to $21 per hour. Airframe maintenance reserve is $15 to $25 per hour due to bonded-wing inspection requirements.

Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add another $40 to $75 per hour at 100 hours a year of utilization. Insurance on the Tiger is friendly for a four-seat retractable. First-time owners pay $2,000 to $4,000 a year typically.

Acquisition cost in mid-2026: Original Grumman American Tigers (1975-1979) trade $75,000 to $125,000. American General Tigers (1990-1993) trade $90,000 to $145,000. Aircraft with documented clean bonded-wing inspection history trade at premiums.

AYA membership is essential. Annual dues run about $50. The Tiger has accumulated 50 years of fleet experience and most ownership questions benefit from AYA consultation.