Welcome to the Grin Factory!
Are you ready to really learn to fly? The Great Lakes Sport Trainer is easy to learn, yet challenging to master. It’s a truly wonderful tailwheel platform and a perfect introduction to aerobatics. The world looks great from an open cockpit biplane! If you’re ready to have A LOT OF FUN, call one of the authorized instructors below.
Aerobatics
The Great Lakes was born for aerobatics! It has inverted fuel and oil systems and a G-limit of +5.4/-4.0. It’ll do far more than most pilots can stand but, unlike other platforms, it won’t actively try to kill you in the process—it’s forgiving and graceful. The first time you come down the backside of a loop and see Earth descend into view, boring holes through the sky in an aluminum can just won’t be enough anymore.
Prohibited Figures
No snap rolls. No tailslides. These maneuvers quickly crack the fuel tank, tail spar, and engine mount welds. If you live through the damage, it’s about $9,000 for a new engine mount, $15,000 for a new tail, and $20,000 to replace the fuel tank, re-fabric and paint the center section, and re-rig the wings. Because of that, if you’re caught doing these figures, you won’t fly the plane again.
Where Is It?
One of the photos below is a map showing where to go and what access codes to use. Parking is a 20-second walk from the hangar and everything you need is inside. You do not need to go to the Plus One office beforehand.
Solo Checkouts
Solo is a possibility for proficient aviators. To get started, contact Bryan Jones at (704)-578-7665.
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