AA-1B purchase question.

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    • January 21, 2022 at 13:39 #16779
      Jeff D
      Participant

      Hi, I’m looking at two AA-1B planes. One has a o-320 160hp motor with no aux tanks and the other has a o-235 125hp motor with Aux tanks. Seems like getting STCs for the tanks are difficult these days. Both have pretty low time motors. Both seems to be in similar shape and have there own +/- features. I’m just trying to figure out is it more important to get the higher HP motor or the Aux tanks.
      Thanks, Jeff

    • January 21, 2022 at 17:36 #16780
      Richard Harrison
      Participant

      Currently I think the only engine STC that is readily available is the Collier/Fletchair STC (SA2477SW). The other STCs are currently in limbo (Ken Blackman STC SA4387NM, Maynard Crosby SA1208NW). The Fletchair STC had some limitations on it by limiting the prop pitch and RPM redline, but has a companion STC that raises the GW on the AA-1B to 1600. I have this on my AA-1B.
      Of the two aux fuel systems, Ken Blackman’s is in limbo. I have a set of tanks I would like to put in my Yankee project, but to date no paperwork.

      The DMA STC (SA09382SC) has been sold. The new owner is listed as:
      DW Aircraft Maintenance LLC
      5277 Ken Ten Hwy
      South Fulton TN 38257

      Roscoe had some communications with them a year or so back and they indicated they were interested in producing a few kits. I have not heard any more and don’t know if that is still the case.

      Of the two planes you listed, I would be more incline to go with the 0-320 powered plane. I installed the 0-320 in my AA-1B back in 1983, have flown it around the country several times without aux tanks. Yes, it makes for a lot of fuel stops, but it is a fun plane to fly with that engine (and keeping it light).

    • January 21, 2022 at 20:53 #16781
      Jeff D
      Participant

      Thanks for the response this was super helpful. It is the Fletchair STC on the 160hp. Nothing in the logs for the weight increase STC but that is just a matter of money and paper work. I’m going to make a trip to look at the plane this or next week. Right now committing to first refusal. Hopefully everything works out and I end up part of the Grumman family. So much stuff to still sort out.

    • January 21, 2022 at 21:26 #16782
      Richard Harrison
      Participant

      If you buy that airplane, you can talk to David about STC SA4106-SW.
      If this is the -1B at Roseburg, OR I have seen it once or twice. I live about 125 miles to the North.

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    • January 22, 2022 at 11:03 #16784
      Jeff D
      Participant

      yes that is the plane. My biggest concern is that it hasn’t been flown much since the overhaul of the engine in 2015 and is currently out of annual. Anything I should be aware of about the plane?

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