✓
This aircraft has closed. We're sharing it because the financing profile is relevant to anyone considering a similar purchase.
Make / Model
American General AG-5B Tiger
Engine
O-360-A4K
Lycoming, 180 hp
Cruise Speed
140 ktas
75% power
Rate at Closing
6.95%
Certified piston
About the 1993 American General AG-5B Tiger
The Tiger traces its design back to the original Grumman American AA-5B, and the AG-5B represents American General Aircraft's early-1990s revival of the type before production later moved to American Champion. Its sliding bubble canopy, all-metal bonded structure, and fixed gear give it a distinctive look and a genuinely simple systems list: fixed gear, fixed-pitch propeller, and no cowl flaps or complex fluid systems to maintain. That simplicity is a big part of the Tiger's appeal — it's fast for a fixed-gear single, at 140 knots cruise on just 180 horsepower, without the maintenance overhead of retractable gear or a constant-speed prop.
This particular 1993 model, among the last built before AG-5B production ended, went to a Texas buyer looking for an economical, low-complexity cross-country airplane with real speed. Tiger owners tend to be enthusiastic about the type, and clean, well-maintained examples with strong bonded-structure inspection history hold consistent demand.
How We Financed This Aircraft
The Tiger's simple systems make for a relatively straightforward financing file compared to complex or tailwheel types — there's no gear system or aerobatic history to document, and insurance underwriting is generally more favorable given the fixed-gear, fixed-pitch-prop configuration. The main underwriting focus was the bonded honeycomb structure used in the wing and fuselage skins, which requires specific inspection attention different from riveted aluminum airframes.
We confirmed the aircraft's bonded-structure inspection history and any documented repairs before moving to appraisal, since that's the detail an appraiser familiar with the type will look for first. A 20% down payment supported a smooth close on a well-documented, if slightly higher-time, early-1990s airframe.
The Tiger's simplicity keeps the loan file light — the one thing worth double-checking is the bonded structure's inspection history.
What to Expect in the Process
A typical Tiger or comparable simple fixed-gear-single financing transaction includes:
- Pre-qualification: Establishes budget and loan structure before you start shopping for a specific airframe.
- Aircraft specification: Review of engine time, avionics, and bonded-structure inspection records.
- Pre-purchase inspection: A mechanic familiar with bonded-structure Grumman/American General airframes checks the wing and fuselage skins and canopy seals.
- Title search: Standard for all transactions through the FAA Aircraft Registry.
- Insurance: Underwriters evaluate total pilot time and experience in fixed-gear singles.
- Closing: Funds and title transfer through escrow once inspection and insurance are finalized.
The full process is covered on our loan process page.
Questions Buyers Ask About Tiger Financing
Is a Tiger easier to finance than a complex or retractable-gear single? +
Generally, yes. The Tiger's fixed gear and fixed-pitch prop simplify both the insurance and appraisal conversation compared to complex aircraft, since there's no gear system maintenance history or complex-endorsement requirement to factor in.
Why does the bonded structure matter for financing? +
The Tiger's wing and fuselage skins use a bonded honeycomb construction rather than traditional rivets, and appraisers and mechanics familiar with the type check that structure's inspection history specifically. Clean records support a stronger valuation.
How much down payment is typical for a Tiger? +
Most transactions in this category see 15-20% down, consistent with certified piston aircraft in a similar price range.
Does the sliding canopy affect insurance or financing? +
Not materially. Canopy seal condition is part of a thorough pre-purchase inspection, but it doesn't typically change the insurance or financing conversation the way gear systems or aerobatic use would.
Is it hard to find comparable sales for an early-1990s AG-5B Tiger? +
Comps are reasonably available given the Tiger's enthusiastic ownership community and steady used-market activity, though appraisers do distinguish between early American General production and the later American Champion-built Tigers.
What loan terms are available for aircraft in this price range? +
Terms of 15-20 years are common for certified piston aircraft in the $100,000-$200,000 range, depending on aircraft age, buyer credit profile, and down payment.
Related Resources
