Ralph S Bruner wrote:

I was wondering if any one has tried to put a rotary engine on a Grumman
AA-1B  I'm thinking about buying an airframe and trying to put a rotary
engine on one and I'm looking to see if anyone has been there first.

Thanks Ralph in Florida

There was one for sale awhile back in Georgia as I recall. The FAA would not
be happy.

Paul Lamar

Vaughn Mann wrote:

The AA-1B is similar to the RV-6 in low wing design with a lot of room in
the cowl area (side by side seating) with a lot of consideration to make it
a tail dragger there would be more room for underneath rad.  (BTW there is a
mod company for that end help in the Dallas Fort Worth area advertised in
the Trade a Planes).  The FAA would accept an application for Experimental
Airworthiness but it may require it to be the "Exhibition Category" type
instead of Amateur built.  Just ask your local FSDO office.  Paul, the AA-1B
Usually carried the O-235's, wouldn't there be a bit more weight to consider
with 13B set up? Vaughn.

That could be a big consideration. As I recall the O-235 is not a lot
heavier than about 220 pounds. In your typical 13B firewall forward
installation you are looking at 300 to 320 pounds.

Paul Lamar

Before you recertify an airframe into the exhibition category do some
serious research as to the consequences. The FAA take a dim view of the idea
of plonking an automotive conversion in a certified airframe and flying off,
business as usual. Normal they will dictate severe restrictions on that
aircraft (Assuming they will even consider a Grumman AA-1 for the exhibition
category  - who's really intersted in a flight display from one?).
Exhibition might mean only solo flight to and from airshows for example.

The other unrealistic dream is to recertify into the experimental - flight
test category to prove, which the FAA will do, but limit you to a flight
test area, single crew, and normally one year restricted with little chance
of extension. The idea behind this is to flight test the equipment (in this
case the engine) for certification.

The only way to ge a certified aircraft into the experimental category and
have it still be usable is to buy a wreck, sit down with a DER and show that
this rebuild project will fullfil the requirements of the 51% amatuer built
rule, and get it certified on the experimental - amatuer built category
(which of course is inevitably more costly and way more work than building
an RV-10).

Regards, Mark Wrathall

Well stated, I agree wih Mark,
Just get an RV project instead and have a really great flying airplane and a
lot less hassel.
I learned, even soloed in a 1976 AA-1B back in 76 and I still remember when
you pulled the power on it they dropped like a rock compared to my RV now.
You'll pay more for an RV project but it really will be worth it in the long
run.  Go for the taildragger for more room underneath for cooling and if
your not a taildragger pilot, consider learning...  Best of luck!  Vaughn.

 
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