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I want to thank the Grumman Pilots Association for a fantastic website that has been instrumental in my decision to purchase a Grumman for my first airplane. The information available on the website, in the forums and through the YouTube channel is incredible and I don’t think I can properly convey how much I appreciate the GPA for doing the work you have done and continue to do! I would also like to thank the members of the GPA in advance for any advice and assistance they can provide me as I navigate and complete my purchase.
I’m located in Phoenix Arizona and I’m purchasing a 1973/74 AA1B (# N6519L, Serial# AA1B-0319) located in Grants Pass Oregon at 3S8. The plane will be used to complete a SEL add on to my Helicopter PPL then primary training for one of my kids and pleasure flying after. I have a signed Purchase Agreement, an escrow account with Aero-Space Reports (who will also be completing records searches on the aircraft, engine and propeller) and an insurance policy quote that is reasonable. I’m buying the plane “site unseen” other than photos from the online add and ones sent to me by the seller, which includes a lot of photos of the logbooks.
Any assistance members of the GPA can provide for the following is GREATLY appreciated:
1) Recommendation of an A&P to perform a very thorough pre-buy inspection and update the Weight & Balance.
2) Recommendation of an avionics shop or individual that does good work (in Oregon or Phoenix area) to upgrade the legacy transponder and radio (Narco AT-150 & Narco Com120) as well as add ADSB. I’m looking to go with a Stratus ESG for transponder/ADSB out/in and a TKM MX-11 for radio but I’m open to advice and suggestions.
3) Recommendation of someone to ferry the plane from Oregon to Phoenix. My insurance policy has an “open pilot warranty” as long as the pilot has a minimum of PPL, 300hrs SEL and 15 hours make and model.
4) Recommendation of a CFI in the Phoenix area to provide instruction. I pulled information from the G.P.A.’s CFI tab for members Al Hancok and Rags Rettzo and will be reaching out to them shortly but would like to know of any others in case schedule or size (I’m 195lbs) are a factor.
5) Someone to go see the plane in person and observe it in flight, or if the owner is willing go with him for a flight, to see if the plane has any issues that need to be addressed (rigging etc).
6) Lastly, any recommendations or advice on anything I’m missing or didn’t think of.
Again, thank you for the help and the work you do!
Jake
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Welcome to Grumman Ownership!
This Thursday I will be celebrating 40 years of owning my AA-1B. I live near Salem, OR about 200 miles North of Grants Pass. I will be flying around in it on that day.
I am not aware of any Grumman specific mechanics in that area, but as far as the Avionics, Chief Aircraft I believe does installations there. You might give them a call. I have installed two of the Stratus ESG’s now, one in my Cessna 182 and the second in my AA-1 Yankee restoration project. Both have the Status 3i hardwired companion for ADS-B in. It is an easy installation, especially if you mount the GPS antenna on the instrument panel cover (I did not do that, as the airplane is apart I ran the cable and mounted the GPS antenna on the top tailcone in back). As a side note, I am in the process of working with a major avionics shop up near Portland on upgrading my 182. Their shop is booked out until March next year! But for a transponder swap and a slide in comm radio replacement, maybe they can get you done quickly.
I assume this plane has the stock engine (0-235). I would also ask to make sure it has the climb prop (53 or 54″ pitch). You need it to get over the mountains. Get the current empty weight for the plane, as you are limited with the 1560 LB Gross Weight. -
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Thank you very much for the information and the install suggestions, I sent a quote request to Chief aircraft to see what they say. The plane does have the O-235 engine in it and I’m pretty sure the prop is the climb prop but I’ll make sure to verify that. I’ll reach out to Bill Shepard, sounds like a good local resource!
Do you (or anyone else that sees this) have any experience with or opinions of Pacific Aviation Northwest at Grants Pass, 3S8? I’ve requested a quote from them for a pre-buy inspection and they said they would e-mail it tomorrow.
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I know of a couple of people where I live near Salem, OR that both are good Grumman specific AI’s. I talked to one that said he could do it or work with “The Expert” on doing it. Again, this is 200 miles North of Grant’s Pass, if he is willing to travel that far.
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The seller just confirmed he is willing to fly up to the Salem area to accommodate a Pre-buy by a Grumman knowledgable A&P! Said it would be a fun little mission and he would like to meet a local Grumman expert. Seller is selling this AA1B because he bought one with an O-320 so I’m sure he will benefit from this as well.
Can you please PM me their information so I can start coordinating it?
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