WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2

A flight in our WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 takes you back to the golden days of aviation! Imagine riding in this open-cockpit, aerobatic biplane, with the wind whipping through your hair and turning some somersaults (if you dare!). Well, head along to our Tennessee flight school and you could be doing just that.

Our WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 is used to train students in upset prevention and recovery training, but has even been known to be used for special birthday surprises… Finished in our classic CTI Professional Flight Training colors, the Great Lakes may look like something from the 1930s – but rest assured, it’s brand new!

The Great Lakes model was first manufactured in 1929 and became very popular with pilots of the day. However, in 1933, the company that built this great little flyer went bust and production ceased. The model enjoyed a revival in 1973 and went on to be made for another nine years. Then, in 2011, WACO received certification to produce the model yet again, and the first WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2s began rolling out in 2013.

Although the exterior of the aircraft remains relatively unchanged from the original 1920s model (which is half the Great Lakes’ charm!), luckily the WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 has undergone some slight modifications to bring about an altogether more comfortable ride.

The unpopular heel brakes in the rear cockpit have been replaced with easier toe brakes. The windscreens have been made a little higher to deflect more wind, and the heater has been improved – which is very useful in an open-cockpit aircraft! The pilot’s seat has also been reclined by four inches to create greater space and comfort.

As a fully aerobatic aircraft, the WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 needs to have superb handling – and it does. Its 180-horsepower, Lycoming AE10-360-B1G6 engine gives you all the power you need.  And although its controls are simpler than other models, it features JPI EDM 930 integrated electronic engine instrumentation and Garmin and Trig Avionics.

Key Stats

Length: 20ft 4in

Wingspan: 26ft 8in

Height: 7ft 4in

Gross Weight: 1,800 lbs

Propeller: Hartzell Constant Speed

Cruise speed: 110 mph

Range: 300 miles

Rate of climb: 14000 ft/min

It’s safe to say you don’t see too many aircraft like the WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 around today. In fact, it’s one of only two open-cockpit, two-place production aircraft on the market! But when you’re up in the air, you know you’re onto something special.

Want to experience the rush of the WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 for yourself? Get in touch to book your discovery flight today!