Hopes To Soon Return The Iconic Biplane To The Air

Big news coming from the folks at WACO Classic Aircraft. A post on their blog Wednesday says they have officially received the Type Certificate for the Great Lakes 2T-1A series of aircraft. Now, with the TC in hand, WACO Classic is able to better work with the FAA to return the Great Lakes to the air.  

WCA says that most of the planned engineering updates have been completed and are pending approval. This includes updates to the frame structure and ergonomic updates, provisions for new yet to be announced Garmin avionics and radios, and investigation and engineering related to the new Lycoming  AEIO-390, 210 HP engine.

Fabrication of the first frame has started, with completion expected by the end of October. The company says it expects the first test engine from Lycoming late this year with flight tests starting in late January and continuing through early March, 2012. The first customer airplane will be started in December, with subsequent starts every 4 weeks. Numerous vendors are already producing component parts.

To support the airplane, Classic Aircraft has started hiring additional technicians in preparation for production assembly start, and, in partnership with Chandler Air Services (Aerobatics.com), has developed a special transition training program for Great Lakes customers.

FMI: www.wacoclassic.com