Grumman American AA-1A Yankee

Aircraft Information
> Aircraft Make: Grumman American. Model: AA-1A Nickname: Yankee
> Aircraft Mil Civ Description: Airplane SE Piston
> FAA Category and Class: Airplane Single Engine Land
> Engine Description: single piston

Aircraft Experience
> As of: 11/6/2024
> Number of Hours Flown: 23
> Number of Times Flown: 18
> Other Aircraft Models Associated: AA-5 Traveller (4 seater)

First Flown Information
> Sequence First Flown: 1. (my first airplane!)
> Date First Flown: 2/3/1974
> Location First Flown: Orange County, CA Airport (later John Wayne) KSNA
> Who and/or What Organization First Flown With: James S. Dearth, CFI, North American Aviation Flying Club

Recollections: This airplane, the first one in which I flew as Pilot-in-command (i.e. my first solo) was chosen as my first airplane in consultation with my instructor, James S. Dearth.  Please see also my description and appreciation for Mr. Dearth in the “About Me” section of this website.

I recall choosing the AA-1, over the Cessna 150 (both were available at the North American Flying Club at the John Wayne/Santa Ana airport) because Mr. Dearth advised that it was “harder to fly than the 150 and, therefore, you’ll become a better pilot.”   

In 1974 (when I started my flight training and solo’d), there was no Wikipedia or internet.  If there HAD been, I might’ve done some research and picked differently.  Wikipedia points out:

The original American Aviation AA-1 Yankee developed a poor reputation for safety in its first years of production (1969–71). The aircraft was designed purely to fill the role of a personal transportation and touring aircraft and not a trainer, but many of the early production models were purchased by flying schools. The appeal of the AA-1 to schools was obvious – compared to the competition, the AA-1 was faster, cost less to purchase and maintain and, most importantly, had more student-appeal with its sliding canopy and fighter-like looks.

Many of the early school accidents were related to spin-training. Once the AA-1 entered a fully developed spin and exceeded three turns, it was usually not recoverable. The AA-1 had been spin-tested as part of its certification, but in 1973 the FAA issued Airworthiness Directive 73-13-07 ordering the aircraft placarded against spins.

The remaining accidents were generally attributed to the AA-1’s short endurance (3.3 hours), inability to use short grass strips and high approach speeds (85–90 mph). These were all different from the other school aircraft in use in that era and took some adaptation by instructors and students alike.

Despite this current Wiki take on the airplane (which was developed from a homebuilt, the BD-1, famous Jim Bede’s first design, although no kits were ever produced), I’m glad I chose the AA-1 and remember feeling proud I could handle this “harder airplane”.  

Here’s some stats on my training:

–First training flight: February 3, 1974

   –Flew aproximately every week

   –On April 29, after 14 flights, 16.8 flight hours and 54 landings, Mr. Dearth tells me: “You’re doing great, next weekend I’m going to do a couple of landings with you, then get out and you’re going to solo.”

   –the next lesson came around (Thursday May 2, 1974).  I had thought ALL week about my solo and, man, was I nervous!  I flew May 2 with Mr. Dearth and, well, I was awful, especially landings.  Mr. Dearth: “Well, I over-estimated your skills, you’re really NOT ready to solo.  In fact, I believe it will be about 5 more lessons, at least, before you’re ready.  Let’s get started on those lessons this Sunday.”

   –so, I showed up Sunday May 5, 1974 and started the next lesson.  After one or two trips around the landing pattern, Mr. Dearth says: “Pull off over there by that taxiway sign.”  I do as requested, he gets out and says “Go give me 3 good ones, by yourself.”  Huh?  Huh!  And I did.  I remember the plane climbing what felt like an F-4 in afterburner.  I did 4 more good patterns and proved to myself that–in many cases–I was my own worst enemy..the nervousness had hurt my performance the week before.  Mind over matter lesson #1 in my aviation career!  I was 16 years old.

I did my last solo flight that June, didn’t have enough hours for a license, and moved with my family all the way across the country to Washington, DC.  The next time I solo’d was in the T-28 while attached to Training Squadron 6 at Whiting Field.  Why did I spend the last two years of high school and 4 years in college without flying?  To be honest, I don’t remember.  It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, but the circumstances weren’t right (or I didn’t make them right).  But, I never lost the passion, the goal.  A goal I’d had since I could remember…to become a pilot.

Writing this got me wondering “where is the airplane I first solo’d?”  I found a 2022 accident description, and a couple of photos.  And the owner appears to live in New Mexico.  Next time I’m down that way, I’ll go see if I can find her.  Till then, the status my “first girlfriend” will remain a mystery.