Cessna 152 vs Grumman AA-1A Trainer
The Grumman AA-1 (Yankee/Trainer/Lynx) and Cessna 152 are two-seat trainers — the AA-1 sportier and slipperier, the 152 the gentle training standard.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 64
- Median asking
- $69,250
- Range
- $45,000–$114,750
- Model years available
- 1977–1986
Grumman AA-1A Trainer
No active listings right now.
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 152 | Grumman AA-1A Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | — |
| Serious | 130 | — |
| Fatal | 255 | — |
| Fatalities | 386 | — |
| % Fatal | 10% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Grumman AA-1A Trainer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,000 – $114,750 | — |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | — |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Grumman AA-1A Trainer
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Grumman AA-1A Trainer?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 152 for forgiving, easy training and ubiquity; choose the AA-1 for sportier handling and speed (it's less forgiving — a step up in feel). 152 = easy/standard; AA-1 = sporty.
Pick the 152 if…
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1971.
Pick the AA-1A Trainer if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Grumman AA-1A and Cessna 152?
Bonded construction and handling vs the training standard. The Cessna 152 (O-235-L2C, 110 hp, 2 seats side-by-side, tricycle gear, riveted aluminium, ~107 kt) is the world's most common two-seat trainer. The Grumman AA-1A (Lycoming O-235-C2C, ~108 hp, 2 seats side-by-side, tricycle gear, bonded aluminium, ~115–120 kt) is a more responsive, bonded-construction alternative — sportier handling but a smaller fleet.
Grumman AA-1A or Cessna 152 — which two-seater?
Buy the 152 if: the world's most universal two-seat training aircraft, maximum A&P accessibility, and lowest ownership cost define the choice. Buy the AA-1A if: bonded aluminium construction, more responsive handling, and a distinctive aircraft in a small enthusiast community appeal.
How does the AA-1A's bonded construction differ from the 152?
Grumman joined aluminium panels with structural adhesive rather than rivets — producing a smoother, lighter airframe. This requires inspection techniques different from riveted aluminium, and not every A&P is familiar with bonded Grumman structure. The AA-1A handles more responsively than the 152 — less inertia, tighter controls.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 152: O-235-L2C (110 hp), 2 seats, tricycle, riveted aluminium, ~107 kt. Grumman AA-1A: O-235-C2C (~108 hp), 2 seats, tricycle, bonded aluminium, ~115–120 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 152 is less expensive — universal A&P support, the world's largest two-seat fleet, and riveted-aluminium maintenance with no specialty knowledge required. The AA-1A's bonded structure benefits from Grumman-familiar mechanics, which are fewer, increasing per-event maintenance cost.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 152 for training and practical two-seat flying at the lowest cost with universal support. Grumman AA-1A for a sportier, bonded-construction two-seater with enthusiast appeal — if specialist maintenance access is acceptable.
Which is better, Cessna 152 or Grumman AA-1A Trainer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $63,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Grumman AA-1A Trainer?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
AA-1A Trainer engine: Lycoming O-235-C2C.
Seats: 2 vs 1.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: about $100/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
152: 2 seats / 528 lb useful load.
AA-1A Trainer: 1 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data