Baby Great Lakes Aircraft Baby Great Lakes

Single Piston

The Baby Great Lakes is a single-seat aerobatic biplane that emerged in the 1960s as a scaled-down, homebuilt version of the classic Great Lakes Sport Trainer. Designed by Jerry Mong and later refined by other builders, this diminutive biplane captures the spirit of 1930s open-cockpit aviation in a package light enough to be powered by engines as small as 85 horsepower. With its fabric-covered wings, wooden structure, and agile handling, the Baby Lakes became a favorite among sport aerobatic pilots and airshow performers who valued its nimble roll rate and authentic vintage feel. The type's compact dimensions and relatively simple construction made it accessible to homebuilders, though its single-seat configuration and demanding flying characteristics meant it appealed primarily to experienced tailwheel pilots seeking a pure aerobatic experience. Maximum gross weight hovers around 1,100 pounds, and the aircraft typically cruises at 90-100 knots with a never-exceed speed of 145 knots—modest numbers that belie its spirited performance in the hands of a skilled pilot. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.