Air Compare: Grumman AA-5 vs. Mooney M20 Series

Moving four seats from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently— as possible.

Jason McDowell

Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 12:25 PM ET

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[Credit: Jim Stevenson]

Key Takeaways:

The Mooney M20 series and Grumman AA-5 series emerged from a highly competitive 1960s-70s general aviation market, both excelling as efficient four-seat cross-country aircraft offering strong "knot-per-dollar" value.
Despite sharing a similar mission and comparable overall performance, they differ significantly in design: Mooneys feature retractable gear, a single door, and a more enclosed cabin, while Grummans utilize fixed gear, a sliding canopy for easy access, and a more open cabin.
While market values for both types are similar given their functionality, Mooneys are notably more expensive to insure due to their retractable gear, though annual maintenance costs are broadly comparable.

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During the 1960s and 1970s, general aviation was bustling. Fuel was inexpensive, disposable income was relatively plentiful, and airplanes were selling well. Bolstered by various wartime production surges, manufacturers were well-equipped to satisfy the market’s demand, and competition among general aviation aircraft manufacturers was intense.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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