American Aviation

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 renamed 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.