As many have stated on this thread I too have had a love hate relationship with this airplane. Sometimes I hate to admit it but this is my second one. I love the way the first one looked but hated the way it flew. After many flights and minor mishaps (usually on landings) I lost the first great Lakes due to a dead stick landing through a fence. These airplanes glide like a brick. I performed many modifications on the second one. It flys much better, but I do not recomend it to any one who is looking for a fun fly or highly aerobatic airplane. The landings are still tricky. It must be flown all the way down, then flair only after the wheels are nearly touching the ground.

Well I dusted off my second Great Lakes on Saturday. Charged the batteries and ran the engine up. Everything worked perfectly. I was impressed since it had been hanging in my garage for at least two years. Probably longer. I have been a little scared of it. Took it out to the field on Sunday and had a blast with it. I forgot how bloody fast this plane is with a 70 four stroke up front. Was able to do all of the scale maneuvers as long as the speed was kept up. I did flip it on it's back on one landing that I came too fast. But no damage. As has been mentioned before, you definitely have a sense of accomplishment after a successful day with this airplane!

I'm ready to go again.