Great Airplanes, Incorporated

To better understand what we are doing a little background information needs telling. As you probably know I started to revive the Great Lakes Sport Trainer in 1965. A group of us decided to build one for the Auto Aviation Museum in Cleveland as its existence was all but forgotten in Cleveland. (There were no records left in Cleveland)

For several years we sold the plans to defray the cost of acquiring the plans and making them available for reproduction. We also hunted down former employees to learn as much about the company and to learn the thinking behind the airplane. Fortunately I visited the plant in 1934 and again in 1935. 1 had the opportunity to see the entire plant and sit in all the aircraft on the factory floor. Many years later I interviewed four people who were involved with the design and they included the Project Manager Cliff Leisy, Engineers Robert Nightingale and C.L. Johnson and test pilot Charley Meyers.

Over a two year period a team of FAA members helped me restore and redo the drawings. The original drawings had been on file since 1932 and were badly faded. In addition to the drawing I also obtained all the engineering and correspondence between the CAA (now the FAA) starting in 1929 and ending in 1936. The FAA required me to obtain the rights to all of this so further research was necessary to acquire the Type Certificates. We were awarded Type Certificate 227 again under Bulletin 7A , the certificate under which airplanes were certified in 1929. Bulletin 7A preceded Part 23. We sold the Type Certificate in 1972 to Doug Champlin so that it could be produced again. Two other companies also produced these fine airplanes.

For years following 1972 we took the position that, since we didn't own it the rights to the Great Lakes, we should stay in the background, but that was never easy. Calls and letters still kept coming, particularly from people building the airplane and owners. The present owner of the Type Certificate has given me permission to sell the drawings for the original aircraft but not the new production ones. There are differences primarily in additional materials thicknesses to accomodate the higher horsepower being used. I know this airplane backwards and forwards so it was natural for people to contact me about buying one and selling one. A person has many choices in obtaining a new production one, an antique or a replica ( Homebuilt) one. Each category has its advantages and disadvantages. We see a great difference in engines in the antiques and the replicas. I want people to obtain the right airplane, and make a real effort to help you do just that. I'm hoping that these efforts will result in building enough new interest to see production start once again . In short, this airplane is my baby and I won't let it be an orphan!

Building one of the airplanes is tough and was the original reason for selling the Type Certificate so that it could be produced and parts made available to builders. Fortunately we have sources for parts to be used for the replica builders. Those with certified aircraft can obtain parts and service from Brent Patty, El Dorado Zeppelin Works, RT #2 El Dorado, Kansas 67042. His Phone /Fax number is 316-321-9192.

All the airplanes we sell require the following information be supplied:

1. Several pictures with different views.
2. Xerox of the log book or the logs themselves.
3. Equipment lists.
4. Weight and Balance (for replicas and antiques only)
5. Results of a fabric test along with a copy of the last Annual Inspection.
6. A copy of the compliance of the A.D. on the Hartzel Prop and Engine Oil Pump.

We will make sure the A.D.'s are complied with for every airplane we sell. I usually have aircraft owners do an Annual Inspection shortly before the time of sale or shortly before.

Once you buy an airplane through us you are always welcome to contact us regarding any questions that arise. We are also developing a number of STC's to reduce maintenance cost and make the airplane even more enjoyable to fly. These will be offered to you at discount prices. Should any problems arise with these aircraft we will inform. you and recommend a course of action. We employ a Designated Engineering Representative to review any problems regarding these airplanes.

Should you have any questions you can reach us on E mail at greatairplanes@aol.com or by phone /fax 1-781 444 5480. We are usually available from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon weekdays. Please leave a message on our answering machine and tell me when it is convenient to call you back. . You can count on our returning your call.

Let us know your interest, thoughts and suggestions and we'll take it from there.

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