Thank you for visiting our blog about Great Lakes N3617L. The Aircraft is owned by Erich Moulder and Jim Kapenas and placed in the flying club in October of 2019. Our goal is to share the passion of vintage flying and provide an opportunity for club members to learn to fly, solo and do aerobatics in this wonderful aircraft. Honestly, the best part of flying this aircraft is flying up and down the beach or exploring the beautiful countryside with a friend, loved one or business connection. The impact on your passenger is much stronger than taking a ride in a C-172 I assure you! Huge street credit for ya. (Training and Checkouts call Erich 619.929.1025)

The Great Lakes Biplane is a certified aerobatic aircraft, designated 2t-1a-2. The aircraft is powered by an AEIO-360 180HP Lycoming engine with a constant speed propellor, featuring an inverted fuel and oil system. Range is about 300 nm, 26 gallons of fuel, 8-12 gal/hour. The cockpit is open, with durable harnesses and seat cushions available, the student usually sit in the front seat for initial training before checkout. The aircraft is a tailwheel aircraft, which requires a special tail wheel endorsement and experience operating an aircraft with limited visibility.

Jim and Erich have been operating the Great Lakes for the last 9 years, and now own 4 Great Lakes biplanes. We have made all the modifications that make this aircraft reliable and such and amazing aircraft to enjoy.

• Moving Map (AvMap IV) Feel free to download manuals

• New Garmin Radio with Custom Stick Grip. ICS/ATC transmit Thumb Switch for easy use.

• Larger kevlar (optional) tires, which provide faster deceleration and better control on landing.

• Large front windscreen to provide passengers a more comfortable experience.

• Overhauled Tail Wheel Assembly with new beefy parts from Airframes Alaska. Less Shimmies!

• Recent top down restoration by the best mechanic this side of the Mississippi, Lyle Richards at Gibbs Maintenance. We call him the ‘Mad Scientist’ because he is so darn knowledgeable and capable.

• Extensive Maintenance from Gibbs. This great team of mechanics have been working on Great Lakes since the first one appeared on the field in 1973 in ‘sleepy hallow’. Click here for the history of N502GL, the beloved ‘Peaches’. They know more about the Great Lakes than anyone except maybe the manufacturer.

If you are interested in learning to the fly the aircraft please email Erich Moulder (mouldere@gmail.com) for a copy of pertinent POH, checklist and training items.