Grumman AA5B Tiger EI-TIG

The fixed-gear, four-seat, 180hp aircraft space is a really interesting and competitive segment of the GA market. There are so many options like the Piper PA28, Robin DR400/R1180, Cessna 172 & 177, Beech Sundowner, Diamond DA-40, Socata TB-10 and Maule MXT-7-180. Making a direct comparison of the fixed pitch options, there is very little that can touch the Grumman Tiger in terms of its performance. This 1979 model year Tiger is from the last year of Gulfstream production before it was taken over by American General. You can choose to tell people you own a Gulfstream, if you wish!

This aircraft had its last 100-hour/Annual in August 2024 at 8493hrs, and it has 2274hrs on the Lycoming O-360-A4K, which was overhauled at January 2001. The engine had a rebuild at 1528hrs in August 2008 with cylinder work, valves and seats as required. The last compressions were all 75/80 or better. The Sensenich 76EM8S10-0-62 propeller has 750hrs since overhaul in August 2008.

Tiger owners vary on the propeller pitch that’s optimum, the Sensenich prop as fitted to EI-TIG is a 62” pitch, and this is a good blend between a 61” climb prop and the ultra coarse 65” pitch some American owners fit. The advantages of the Sensenich propeller make for better climb performances, better short field ability and no yellow arc restriction. At 2450 rpm this aircraft will show TAS of 125kts. If you go up higher and fly at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) you can true at 135kts. With 51 US Gallons of useable fuel, and seats that fold down flat in the rear there is serious touring potential with these aircraft. The ability to fly with the canopy cracked open is hard to compete with, as are the sporty and smooth pushrod flight controls of the Grumman and the tight turning circle of the castoring nosewheel. The people who want a Grumman appreciate all the little details, and they may be a deciding factor in their decision.

This aircraft has been modified with a cut metal instrument panel and a Garmin upgrade comprising a GFC500 autopilot, Dual G5 Stack, GPS 175 WAAS Navigator, Aera 660 GPS/AHRS fitted in an AirGizmo dock. From Trig we have a TY96 Com and TT-31 ADSB Out/Mode S transponder fitted. The panel also has a JPI EDM-700 engine monitor, Fuel Scan 450 computer, Mid Continent Dual USB Chrono and a panel-mounted iPad. The current owner uses the Garmin Pilot app, which sends the route and its changes to the 175 and 660 GPS. The Garmin autopilot will follow a Garmin Visual Approach also which makes for serious capability once used wisely.

The current owner has updated the aircraft canopy rails, fitted a Concorde battery, LED strobes and LED Landing Light. The aircraft comes with an outdoor cover despite living in a warm hangar and a proper tow bar. Recently, the interior was refreshed with grey leather seats, side trims and a grey suede headliner. The Perspex is in good condition and there are shoulder harnesses for each seat position. The aircraft has all three wheel fairings fitted, and sharp eyes notice how everything is faired off, like the landing lights and Nav/Strobe lights.

Viewings in Kilrush airfield, so the nearest commercial airport is Dublin (Ireland). We can facilitate scanned logbooks and maintenance tracking information on request. If you require a ferry quote or cost to dismantle and ship, please do not hesitate to get in touch.