Great lakes plane in front of hangar Great lakes plane in front of hangar

WACO Great Lakes Aircraft

Great lakes biplane against blue sky

Classic and Contemporary Biplane

Impeccable workmanship, classic design and dependable functionality – the WACO Great Lakes Aircraft combines everything into the modern biplane. Each Great Lakes aerobatic biplane is hand-built by experienced craftsmen to achieve the highest quality, unlocking adventure for the aviators who will fly them.

See it in Person

Putting the Pilot First

This open-cockpit biplane serves the pilot throughout. A faithful homage to the Golden Age of aviation with robust, corrosion-resistant welded steel-tube structure; two staggered wings, one swept; and two open cockpits. Combined with modern design and safety standards with all-weather fabric skins, cockpit covers, cabin heater and toe brakes.

View Aircraft for Sale
close up of great lakes cockpit and wheels

An Unmatched Aerobatic Biplane

The Great Lakes Aircraft fuels the passion of flight – an exhilaration of soaring, exploring unrestricted movement in three dimensions. This is flying.

180 HORSEPOWER 153 MPH VNE 120 MPH CRUISE

 

Great Lakes historic plane photo

Heritage Over 100 Years

The Great Lakes Aircraft is still produced under the original 1929 type certificate, but has been modified for increased performance, durability, comfort, safety and visibility. From its founding in Cleveland to its modern factory and expansion in Battle Creek, the Great Lakes Aircraft has a legacy spanning a century.

1929
Great Lakes Aircraft Corporation was founded in Cleveland, Ohio.
1930
Awarded the Great Lakes Trophy for the fastest plane in the National Air Tour.
1931
Dorothy Hester set the Outside Loop record for 62 outside loops in a Great Lakes.
1936
Great Lakes Aircraft Corporation goes out of business after producing a total of 264 Great Lakes Sport Trainers.
1973
The Great Lakes 2T-1A is brought back into production under new ownership.
1980
The last of the 2nd generation Great Lakes was produced, totaling 137.
2011
WACO Aircraft began the certification process and assembled the first 3rd generation Great Lakes prototype.
2013
The first certified production Great Lakes by WACO rolled off the assembly line.
2021
WACO Aircraft Corporation undergoes factory expansion, including new FBO.

Built for You by Artisans

Each Great Lakes is delicately handcrafted by our team of specialized artisans in Battle Creek, Michigan. The modern biplane requires over 4,000 labor hours to produce, with fit and finish quality and meticulous attention to detail. This flying work of art can only be produced in limited quantities, which puts your Great Lakes in an exclusive class of its own.

close up of great planes propeller

powerplant

Engine

  • Lycoming AEIO-360
  • 180 HP @ 2700 RPM
  • 1600 HR TBO
  • Inverted Fuel & Oil

​Propeller

  • MT 2-Blade Constant Speed
great lakes plane flying against mountains and fields

performance

  • 153 MPH Vne
  • 120 MPH Cruise Speed
  • 57 MPH Stall Speed
  • 10 Gallon/Hour Consumption
  • +5.4 / -4.0 G Limits @ 1,800 lbs

Features

  • JPI EDM 930 – Deluxe Engine Analyzer
  • Trig TY91 – Comm Radio
  • Garmin AERA 660 – WAAS GPS
  • ADS-B In/Out – Trig Transponder
  • Garmin G5 – Attitude & Heading
  • Aerobatic Harnesses – Hooker Brand
  • Cockpit Cover – Front & Rear
  • LED Lighting – Nav, Strobe, Beacon, Taxi
  • Heated Cockpit – Rear Standard
  • Hydraulic Toe Brakes – Rear Cockpit
  • 27-Gallon Fuel Tank – Upper Wing
  • Oleo Strut Landing Gear – No Leak & No Bounce

Keeping You Flying

Keep track of service and safety bulletins and find full support for your WACO Great Lakes Aircraft, including maintenance, service and original parts.

Service and Support

Connect With Aviators

Meet with fellow WACO adventurers who love to fly.

Join the Community

Schedule a Demo Flight

Discover what makes the Great Lakes Aircraft a classic. See it in person and in the air.

Contact