Grumman American Aa-5b Tiger

Single Piston

The Grumman American AA-5B Tiger is a four-seat, single-engine light aircraft that became one of general aviation's most beloved sport tourers when it entered production in 1975. Distinguished by its bonded aluminum honeycomb fuselage construction and sliding canopy cockpit, the Tiger offered pilots a rare combination of sporty handling, efficient cross-country performance, and excellent visibility. With a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360 engine, it cruises comfortably at 139 knots while burning just 9 gallons per hour, making it notably faster and more fuel-efficient than its Cessna 172 contemporaries. The Tiger's design heritage traces back to Jim Bede's original AA-1 Yankee, but the AA-5B represented the refined culmination of the series with increased power, improved useful load, and a wider cabin. Its low wing configuration and responsive controls earned it a reputation as a pilot's airplane, favored by those who valued stick-and-rudder flying qualities over the more docile characteristics of high-wing trainers. The type remained in production through various ownership changes, from Grumman American to Gulfstream American to American General, and was eventually revived by Tiger Aircraft and later American Champion, with new-production aircraft still being delivered in the 2000s. Today the Tiger remains popular in the owner-flown community, prized for its blend of performance, economy, and flying enjoyment. Its relatively simple systems and robust construction have contributed to strong resale values and an active type club. SkyMeter has tracked 9 flights across 3 airframes and 1 operators, with distinct routes observed.