American Aviation

American Aviation Corporation was an American aircraft manufacturer based in Cleveland, Ohio. It was established by Jim Bede under the name of Bede Aircraft in the mid-1960s to manufacture and market the Bede BD-1 two seat light aircraft.

During the development of the BD-1 there was conflict between Bede and the other shareholders and Bede was removed from the company. Russ Meyer became the new company president at age 34. The company was re-named American Aviation and the BD-1 was re-designed to become the AA-1 Yankee.

In 1972 the company was acquired by Grumman to become its light aircraft division and was renamed Grumman-American. Meyer later went on to become president of Cessna Aircraft.

Aircraft

Summary of aircraft built by American Aviation

Model name	First flight	Number built	Type
American Aviation AA-1 Yankee Clipper & AA-1A Trainer	11 July 1963	1,820	two-seat general aviation aircraft
American Aviation AA-2 Patriot	1970	2	four-seat general aviation aircraft
American Aviation AA-5 Traveler	1971	3,282	four-seat general aviation aircraft

External links

• Jim Bede Company website