Bede decided to certify the design under the then-new FAR Part 23 rules and offer it as a completed aircraft.

[1][2][4][5] American's engineers reworked the wing to remove the folding feature, easing FAR Part 23 certification.

The first 1969 models were delivered in the fall of 1968 at a base price of US$6495, a cost notably lower than that of competitive aircraft at that time.

The recontoured leading edge produced softer stall characteristics and permitted lower approach speeds.

The variant designed for the personal-use market was called the TR-2 and it featured a standard radio and trim package.

These names were chosen to position the aircraft in the Gulfstream American line which, at that time featured the Cheetah, Tiger and the Cougar.

[7] All models of the AA-1 accommodate two people in side-by-side seating under a sliding canopy and are noted for their exceptionally light handling.

The wide-track main landing gear struts are laminated fiberglass for shock absorption, marketed as the "Face Saver" design by American Aviation.

[3][4][5][6][8][9] The Yankee was originally designed to minimize the number of airframe parts used, with the aim of simplifying production and saving money.

[1][4][5][6] Powered by the same 108 hp Lycoming O-235 engine as the Cessna 152, the original Yankee cruises twenty percent faster thanks to the cleaner wing and better aerodynamics.

[3][4][9] The original American Aviation AA-1 Yankee was designed to fill the role of a personal transportation and touring aircraft.

The appeal of the AA-1 to schools was obvious – compared to the competition, the AA-1 was faster, cost less to purchase and maintain and, most importantly, had more student-appeal with its sliding canopy and fighter-like looks.

The AA-1 had been spin-tested as part of its certification, but in 1973 the FAA issued Airworthiness Directive 73-13-07 ordering the aircraft placarded against spins.