Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 Aircraft 1970s
Pre-1980 piston singles are heritage airframes that have typically been rebuilt and refurbished multiple times — original avionics replaced with modern Garmin or Avidyne panels, engines on at least one mid-time overhaul cycle, interiors refreshed once or twice. Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion (especially wing carry-through, tail, gear), AD compliance history, log-book continuity, engine cylinder borescope. Heritage value can be meaningful for original aircraft in restored condition.
The Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 is a two-seat aerobatic biplane for buyers who want classic open-cockpit style, sport aerobatics, and vintage-flavored flying rather than modern monoplane performance. It should be bought around fabric, structure, aerobatic history, engine/propeller, and whether the mission is experience flying or serious aerobatic progression. Compared with a Pitts S-2A, the Great Lakes is generally more classic-experience oriented; compared with a Decathlon, it offers biplane character with different maintenance needs.
2 used Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 aircraft for sale 1970s · 2-seat · Reference price ~$130,000 ($80,000–$220,000) · updated 2026-07-12
Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 Specifications
Model specThe Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 102 kt (189 km/h), a range of 260 nm (482 km), and a useful load of 550 lbs (249 kg).
Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 for Sale
Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 asking prices range from $56,000 to $68,000, with a median of $62,000 (market reference $130,000).
Compare Great Lakes 2T-1A-2
Detailed comparisons for the Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 are being prepared.
Browse all Great Lakes models →Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 Price & Cost
How much does a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 cost? Used 2T-1A-2 prices: $56K – $68K, average $62K (median $62K); market reference $130K, across 2 priced of 2 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Great Lakes 2T-1A-2
Buying a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Great Lakes 2T-1A-2
Is the Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 a competition aerobatic aircraft?
How does it compare with a Pitts?
What should buyers check on a Great Lakes?
Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 Inventory by Country
| United States | 4 |
Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 Safety Record
Across all 2T-1A-2 variants, 42 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2024. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
42
Total Events
30
Incidents
3
Serious
6
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 07, 2024 | Gütersloh, | Fatal (1) | — |
| Mar 15, 2019 | San Diego, CA | Incident | The fracture of the aileron hinge strap due to fatigue crack propagation, which resulted in substantial damage to a wing… |
| Aug 25, 2013 | Iowa City, IA | Incident | The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. |
| Sep 08, 2012 | Monroe, WA | Incident | A loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination di… |
| Feb 26, 2011 | Kingsville, TX | Incident | A pre-existing crack in the front spar of the right horizontal stabilizer near a riveted fitting, causing it to fail and… |
NTSB records 1982–2024. Includes all Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.