Seaplane returns

[Mr Mike]

Been following this thread for a bit. Thought I noticed a bit of differing opinions on amphibians or sea planes. The original post had to do with a new amateur built design as opposed to commercially built sea planes or float planes. Actually quite some difference there.
The Republic SeaBee was a classic amphib somewhat ahead of its time. It carried four souls and could handle some rough water under the control of an experienced pilot. Today upgraded to 200 or more horsepower with three bladed props, its a get up and go airplane. While I never worked on the smaller Grumman as pictured above I did have some experience and flight time on the larger Grumman Albatross or UF-1 while serving in the Navy in Japan. One hell of a tough airplane capable of handling some really rough water during air / sea rescue service.
Wanted to point out the design that started this thread is one of a number of new aircraft based on new technology. Since its built overseas it may interest some here to learn there are some equally fine designs available here in the states at competitive prices. One I could suggest is called the SeaRey. An excellent small airplane available in Florida, you can build it your self, or have it built or purchase one used. Basic kits for the aircraft start at $35,000. The aircraft like the one called out above is powered by the rotax engine. One thing a person needs to keep in mind with any of these aircraft. The performance envelope as far as water landings and weight carrying abilitys are limited. In some cases very limited. Theres one heck of a difference between one of these very light aircraft and a Beaver or Cessna 185 on floats, or that Republic SeaBee. For someone seriously considering an amphibian aircraft in this class allow me to recommend a book recently published by famed pilot / aviator Richard Bach, titled "Travels with Puff" ISBN 978-1-937777-03-6
Mr Bach purchased one of the SeaRey aircraft I mention, used, and flew it cross country from Florida out to the San juan Islands in Washington state. This after building about twenty or thirty hours in the plane, primarily gaining experience in water landings. Its a good read with lots of photo's.
And for those who are interested, the link for the SeaRey aircraft is
searey.com

[Dubfan]

One of the best things I have ever done in an aeroplane, in 1996 did
three touch and goes on the lagoon in this Albatross, it was unreal!

I was in her when this happened!

Here are a couple of her smaller cousins, Grumman Widgeon and Goose.

[Dubfan]

Had a great day around 1pm local time did around ten touch and goes in my mates Colyaer
Freedom, awesome thing to do and as you can see a cracking day out in the Tasman today!

Did a full stop and taxied around for a bit.

Couple of views of the 3,000ft airstrip.

The daily Qantas Dash 8 200 was in while we were airborne.

For those that surf this thing is the ultimate surf check machine, surfed this left today after
the flight, 4 to 5 foot sou-west swell into a 15 knot easterly off shore, almost perfect it was
crowded 3 of us out! (Sorry but someone's gotta do it!)

840 odd nm in that direction New Zealand!

Short finals, those big skid marks in the second pic are from a RAAF Hercules that was here yesterday.

Tucked up safely in her hanger, what an awesome little machine!