Hi Bob,
I’ve been flying a ’71 model AA1A as well for the past 9 years. I did a total restoration on it after bringing it home from Austin, Texas. I have had a few minor issues with the flap system over the years.
Including asymmetrical play in the flaps. The flap motors tend to have a little “coast” in them due to gear reduction system and high torque motor. I have got to where I anticipate this over-travel when lowering the flaps. (I only use them about half the time anyway. No flap landings are a breeze and smooth.) I rarely just lower them all at once. In the pattern I use a 3 count on the switch on downwind, base and final. By then I’m at full flap with a nice stabilized approach.
I pretty much ignore the coast and let it work for me.
I’m sure everyone does it different, but this works for me.
As for rebuild, I do most all of my own work but trust Fletchair with the stuff I don’t have time to fool with. Hope this helps,
John D.
A&P/IA

Hi Bob,
I owned AA-1A N9300L for a short time in the 1984-85 time-frame. When I purchased it she had an 0-320 installed. I have owned an AA-1B since 1981 and I was looking for a 0-320 to install it it. I purchased 00L for the engine. I swapped the engines between the two planes and sold 00L with the 0-235 installed. Hopefully you still have the STC paperwork to install the 0-320 in it.
I don’t recall any flap issues with 00L in the 35 or so hours I flew it. I had issues in my -1B that after years of troubleshooting (changing brushes, chasing all the electrical, etc.) I finely solved when I found a new (old stock) flap motor. I still own my AA-1B and have an AA-1 Yankee project today that I am putting together.